Blast from the past, May 2008. Leeside celebrate first provincial success with Munster Junior Cup triumph over Ballynanty.

Blast from the Past

Leeside celebrate first provincial success with extra time win over Ballynanty Rovers in Munster Junior Cup final at the Cross.

Leeside's Derek Delea slides in a little too late to block Paul Quinn's clearance.

Pics: 18.05.2008

MUNSTER JUNIOR CUP FINAL

Ballynanty Rovers 1 Leeside 2

(after extra time)

It was the worst of starts for Leeside but the best of endings as they came from behind to defeat Limerick side Ballynanty Rovers 2-1, after extra time, in an exciting final tie of the Lucozade Sport Munster Junior Cup at Turner's Cross.

Young Eoin O'Sullivan, son of injured Leeside manager Jimmy Barr O'Sullivan, lifts the Munster Cup with skipper Joe Lyons as Mick Hanley, Chairman FAI Junior Council (on left) and Michael Leahy (Chairman of MFA) look on. Munster Junior Cup final, Turner's Cross, Ballynanty Rovers 1 Leeside 2 (aet), 18.05.08, Billy Lyons

The Little Island based outfit, playing their hearts out to boost injured team mentor Jimmy "Barr" O'Sullivan, took a body blow in the opening minutes by conceding a soft goal. The one that got them back into it was also of the soft variety but they won it with an extra time gem from Craig Donnelly, an eager and expert striker, who has been regularly frustrated by injuries for most of this season.

With just about two minutes of extra time remaining and ten man Ballynanty on the attack, Derek Delea picked up the ball just outside his own box and sent a precise long distance ball to the breaking Donnelly on the right. Donnelly had two for company, outfoxed the man nearest him and cracked a beauty from the corner of the box. It flew into the far corner, giving keeper Paudie Hickey no chance and put Leeside on the way to their first ever provincial crown.

One for you! Leeside's Derek Delea's message to injured manager Jimmy Barr O'Sullivan.

It was superb finalé to the Lucozade Sport competition and crowned with a fantastic winning goal. There were huge cheers as Leeside skipper Joe Lyons received the cup from MFA Chairman Michael Leahy and lifted both it and young Eoin O'sullivan, the son of the injured manager Jimmy Barr O'Sullivan, into the air.

It was a happy ending but such a dreadful start. Ballynanty were much the brighter early on and opened the scoring in the 5th minute. Dave Dunphy hit a fantastic ball up the right. Shane Guerin got in a terrific cross. Leeside failed to cut it out at the near post and unmarked Frank Lee nodded in at the back post.

Leeside's Ricky Gettings heads past Dave Dunphy (left).

Rovers threatened to finish it but Leeside survived and chances were now being created at both ends, typified by an exchange in the 18th minute, when a drive by Lee and a header by Leeside's Ricky Gettings were saved as the action became fast and furious.

Leeside, with Lyons prominent, then began to gain the initiative and a Delea free was well saved before the busy Ballynanty keeper was forced to dive to his left to knock away a low shot by Gettings, after a return pass by Alex Nodwell.

Champions Leeside pre-match and, above with the cup.

The winners came closest in the 39th minute. Gettings robbed a defender and made it to the end-line. Mick Kenneally beat the keeper to the inviting cross and from his touch the ball seemed to be heading for the far corner until it hit a post.

A double turning point came just before the break. Leeside sent on full back Andy Keegan for a centrehalf in a change of tactics and, on the call of halftime, Limerick midfielder Damien Conway was shown a straight red after kicking at Leeside defender Jason Keegan.

Ballynanty's Frank Lee (left) celebrates the opening goal

The ten men almost scored early in the second half when Guerin took a pass from Robert Earls but he was denied by the post. Then a Dunphy free was sliced over his own bar by Leeside defender Conor O'Leary.

Ballynanty were tying Leeside up pretty well as the game progressed and the Cork side were creating little. Indeed, Ballynanty were every bit as dangerous. But a change was coming.

Ballynanty fought all the way at the Cross

Leeside's Nodwell headed over in the 76th minute and Delea, after help in the box from sub Brian O'Sullivan, scrambled in the 79th minute equaliser. He removed his shirt to show a get well soon message to Jimmy Barr. It cost him a booking but it's the thought that counts.

Extra time saw both sides struggle to get a grip and there were no clear-cut chances until Delea sent that man Donnelly away to strike a superb winner and spark celebrations in the Island, Glounthaune, Knockraha, Brooklodge, Caherlag, Rougrane....

Leeside's Colin Ahern in before Dave Dunphy.

Ballynanty Rovers: Paudie Hickey, Dave Dunphy, James Ryan (Robert Brock 53), Gareth Ryan captain, Tom Daly, Damien Conway, Paul Quinn, Shane Guerin (Martin Wallace 98), Robert Earls (Jamie O'sullivan 66), Ken McNamara and Frank Lee. Subs: Paul Crowley, Dave O'Leary.

Leeside: Michael Brosnan, Paudie O'sullivan (Brian O'sullivan 57), Jason Keegan, Garrett Linehan (Andy Keegan 35), Conor O'Leary (Craig Donnelly, between normal and extra time), Joe Lyons captain, Derek Delea, Mick Kenneally, Alex Nodwell, Ricky Gettings and Colin Aherne. Subs: Michael Coughlan and Tommy Gettings.

Referee: Kevin O'Regan. Assistants: Jim O'Connor and Brian Healy. Fourth official: Tom Templeton. (All Kerry).