NERL and Galway book Kennedy Cup deciderafter thrilling semi-finals

HEARTBREAK: Cork Schoolboys were knocked out on penalties. Pic: Paul Madden

There was late heartbreak for Cork Schoolboys as they were defeated on penalties by North East Regional League (NERL) in the Kennedy Cup semi-final at the University of Limerick on Thursday.

Parkvilla goalkeeper Feidhlim Nulty was the hero for the North Easterners as he saved two spot-kicks to send his side into the final on Friday, with Mullingar Town’s Cónal Murphy converting the winner having missed an earlier penalty in normal time.

The game was every bit the battle that was expected, Cork having scored twelve goals in four games prior to the semi-final with six goals from top scorer Cian McMahon, while NERL had only conceded two goals in four games on their route to the last four. 

With little between the two sides in the opening 45 minutes, it was NERL who capitalised from a set-piece as a pinpoint delivery by Murphy was met by the head of Kells Celtic defender Jack Farrell to give Ciaran O’Brien’s side a first half lead at Maguires Pitches.

Cork restarted proceedings but it was NERL who should have had a second when Kai Flynn was awarded a penalty after a foul by Mason Cummins, Murphy standing up to take the spot-kick which was saved brilliantly by Rian Healy of Carrigaline United.

Then the moment came for Cork as McMahon broke down the left hand side, his cross controlled by Russell into the path of Park United’s Evan Lynch who smashed home an equaliser with just over five minutes remaining. 

The contest was set alight with both sides immediately pressing for a late winner, but neither side could prevent a penalty shootout and it was NERL’s day as they took a place in Friday’s cup final.

2023 champions Galway put in a resilient defensive performance as they resisted a late DDSL comeback to win 1-0 in the other semi-final.

Waterford's Fareed Alabi was on target for his side in their win over the Carlow and District Underage League

The Tribesmen started well with Matthew Dooley hitting the crossbar just minutes into the first-half, and their continued pressure was rewarded when Knocknacarra’s Anton Connors swung a left-footed cross into the path of Dooley only for the Cregmore/Claregalway clubman to be fouled by DDSL keeper Tatenda Takaza.

Maree/Oranmore’s Jack Farrelly converted the resulting penalty to give Galway an early lead. 

DDSL reacted well and should have had an equaliser when a loose ball fell to an unmarked Danny Martin in the box, only for his shot to go over the bar and keep the game at 1-0 heading into the break.

The Dubliners kicked off the second-half and slowly began to dominate possession as Galway were forced to drop back and dig deep to prevent an equaliser, Corduff’s Chimezie Okwaraji a constant threat on Dublin’s left flank but was well marshalled by Cillian Keating.

Dublin manager Karl McKenna threw everything his side had to grab an equaliser, but Galway held firm to seal the win and set up a final day showdown with NERL.

Meanwhile in the Bowl semi-final, Waterford continued their good form as they overcame a strong Carlow side thanks to goals from Fionn Fell (Ferrybank) and Fareed Alabi (Southend), giving them a 2-0 victory to book their place in the final. They will face Donegal on Friday after goals from Tiarnan Caterson, Levi Kelly and Zac O’Carroll gave them a 3-1 win over Wexford.

Over in the Shield bracket, it was a disappointing day for the two Limerick sides as goals from Nathan Plunkett, Conall Breen, Theo Conway and Jack O’Hagan gave Dundalk a 4-1 win over Limerick Desmond, while in the other semi-final there was late disappointment for Limerick County as Bridge United’s Callum Buckley scored a last minute winner to send Clare into the final after Charleville’s Eoin Mulcahy had levelled the game just after half-time.

The final of the Kennedy Trophy will see Mayo face off against Wicklow after their dominant victory over Tipperary South which saw eight individual players get on the scoresheet, while a brace from Wicklow’s Sylvester Pekarcik (Arklow United) helped his side to a 2-1 win over Waterford West/East Cork to book their place in the final on Friday.