Hegarty double downs Mayfield and ensures Midleton advance

This was the only tie of the round between two Munster Senior League teams, and it was decided by the former Cobh Ramblers striker.

Thu, 14 May, 2026 - 21:57

Dylan O’ Connell

Club Orange Men’s FAI Cup: Midleton 2 Mayfield United 0

Two goals from Jake Hegarty were the difference as Midleton booked their place in the Second Round of the Club Orange Men’s FAI Cup with a 2-0 victory over Mayfield United at Knockgriffin Park.

This was the only tie of the round between two Munster Senior League teams, and it was decided by the former Cobh Ramblers striker.

The home side, famous for knocking out champions Bray Wanderers in 1991, started fast but failed to create an opening that really tested Mayfield.

Their opponents hit back with a right-legged shot from Shane Keating that forced Jason Quinn into a diving save, and the forward followed that up with an inviting ball into the box that went straight out for a goal kick.

Beineon O'Brien Whitmarsh was the next player to try his luck, only to see his effort stopped by the Midleton goalkeeper in the 27th minute.

The Magpies soaked up the pressure before delivering a deep cross for Luke Duggan Murray, and his header from right in front of the post went just over the bar.

Midleton regrouped at half-time and took the lead when Hegarty burrowed into space and fired in with 57 minutes on the clock.

The home side almost grabbed a second from a Robert Walsh free, and this was headed wide at the back post by Duggan-Murray.

Mayfield introduced Kevin O'Connell, Cian Kelleher, and Dean O'Connell throughout the second half as they looked to inject fresh legs into the tie and take control.

It looked like things were coming together in the 74th minute as Kevin O’Connell worked with Gary Gould to get a cross into the box, and this was calmly caught by Quinn.

Hegarty’s second in stoppage time, from a right-legged strike inside the area, was the difference, as Midleton confirmed their place in the Second Round.

Midleton: Jason Quinn; Jamie Collins, Robert Walsh, Robert O'Connor, Michael McCarthy (Lee Lynch HT); James McCarthy, Luke Duggan Murray (Joe Duggan 64), Killian Murphy, Jake Hegarty; Dale Holland, John Fitzgerald (Brian Coleman 75).

Mayfield United: Kian Lane; Nicky Lyons (Kevin O'Connell 74), Jack Sexton, Troy O'Sullivan, Ross Hennessy; Kealan Crowe, Daniel Smith (Cian Kelleher 64), Gary Gould, Beineon O'Brien Whitmarsh; Shane Keating (Dean O'Connell 57), Scott McCarthy.

Referee: Martin Allan