Super Saints see off local rivals Clonmel

TIPPERARY TOWN club St Michael’s advanced to their third FAI Umbro Junior Cup final since 2000 after a surprising but well-deserved victory over local rivals Clonmel Town in Cahir yesterday.

Saints have only won the historic trophy once in their 63-year history – in 1974 – and had an impressive first-half display to thank for yesterday’s win.

They opened the scoring after 12 minutes when a Jimmy Carr cross was bundled over his own line by Town keeper Stephen O’Neill.

Carr was also involved in the second when on the stroke of half time, his 20-yard strike was parried by O’Neill and the well-placed Danny O’Brien was on hand to tap home.

The tempo dropped in the second half with St Michael’s content to sit back in the warm conditions and Clonmel’s cause was not helped by right back Darren Burns’ straight red card.

Substitute Paul Kennedy rounded off the scoring just before the final whistle after he latched on to a pass from former Cork City striker Timmy Kiely.

Michael’s will now face Limerick giants Fairview Rangers on either the first or second weekend of June at a venue yet to be decided although it is thought that Turner’s Cross could be chosen ahead of Jackman Park in Limerick.

Meanwhile, in the FAI Ford Senior Cup second-round replays down for decision yesterday, Dublin sides Crumlin United and Tolka Rovers both ensured a June weekend third-round tie.

Crumlin left it late once again against Donegal’s Bonagee United who were unlucky to concede an 83rd minute penalty, won by Dean Kelly, and converted by free-scoring midfielder Danny Loughran at Pearse Park yesterday.

Crumlin’s win prevents a Donegal derby, with Finn Harps now set to welcome the Dublin club on June 4.

Derek Swan’s hat-trick ensured Tolka cruised to a comfortable 3-0 winners over Tralee Dynamos at Frank Cooke Park.

The son and namesake of the former Bohemians and Shelbourne striker netted his strikes in the 27th, 30th and 76th minutes to set up a trip to Limerick FC in just under two weeks.

Tralee had a chance to get themselves back into the game when three goals behind but Tolka keeper Morgan Clancy’s penalty save kept the Kerry side at bay.

Fairview Rangers showed their prowess at underage level after yesterday’s FAI Youth Cup final victory over Galway’s Mervue United at Jackman Park.

A superb strike by sub Shane Power 13 minutes from time earned Fairview a hard-earned 1-0 win, bridging a 35-year gap for Limerick clubs at this level.

Scant consolation was Mervue’s senior side recording their first home win of the season and only their second of the year with a 1-0 victory over midland rivals Athlone Town,

Second bottom in the Airtricity First Division, Mervue had Nicky Curran’s 84th minute goal to thank for victory after Mike Tierney had flicked on Rory Gaffney’s long throw.

Robbie Farrell came close to levelling three minutes into stoppage time, but his header was cleared off the line by Kenny Farrell.