JOHN DONOVAN CUP
The inaugural John Donovan Cup took place in Bansha on Sunday last. It was an U21 7-a-side club blitz open to all clubs within Tipperary. Seven clubs attended the competition on the day and they were split into two groups. Group 1 had four teams; Ardfinnan, Cappawhite, Galtee Rovers and Thurles Sarsfields. Group 2 had three teams; Brian Borus, Clonmel Commercials and Moyle Rovers. Matches started at 11.00am and all teams adhered to the fixture list which assisted in the smooth running of the competition. The competition on the day was tough with very little separating the teams.
Cappawhite dominated Group 1 with victories in all their games and finished first in the group. Ardfinnan took second place on the table after being separated from Thurles Sarsfields by score difference. Galtee Rovers in fourth position had earned themselves a place in the Shield Semi Finals against Clonmel Commercials with Thurles Sarsfields awaiting the winners. In Group 2 Brian Borus topped the table with two wins while Moyle Rovers finished second. The John Donovan Cup Semi Finals were Cappawhite against Moyle Rovers while Brian Borus competed against Ardfinnan in the other. Both games provided some excellent football but in the end it was a repeat of our Minor A Final Brian Borus against Moyle Rovers in the Cup Final. While Thurles Sarsfields and Clonmel Commercials competed for the Shield Final.
In a tense Shield Final both teams dug deep to provide an excellent football game with nothing separating them at half time Clonmel Commercials 2-1 Thurles Sarsfields 2-1. In the second half Thurles Sarsfields had the benefit of an extra player due to the sinbin of Sarah Ryan and they overcame Clonmel Commercials on a score line Thurles Sarsfields 3-2 Clonmel Commercials 2-3.
The Cup Final was played on the opposite pitch between Brian Borus and Moyle Rovers was as tough a game with neutral supporters often switching from pitch to pitch to keep an eye on it all. Scorekeeping was indeed difficult as this was a high scoring game with Moyle Rovers the stronger on the score board at half time. Moyle Rovers 3-4 Brian Borus 2-4. The second half saw Brian Borus take control early on to retake the lead before pressure from Moyle Rovers brought them back in to the game and by the final whistle, the teams could not be separated – Brian Borus 6-7 Moyle Rovers 7-4. A Point shoot-out from 30m was required to separate the teams and both teams chose three players to take their points. Moyle Rovers were the more accurate and with two of their three shots pointed, it was enough to claim the Cup.
As Tommie Campbell, Chairman of Tipperary Ladies Football made his presentation speech he thanked the Donovan Family for donating the cup in memory of John Donovan, a selector on the Tipperary All Ireland winning team of 1974 & 1975 and he hoped that the memory of John would live on in this fantastic competition. Galtee Rovers were recognised for offering their wonderful facilities for this competition and also, for many other Ladies Football matches. Nicola Loughnane, captain of Thurles Sarsfields accepted the Shield thanking Clonmel Commercials for an excellent Final. Caroline Quirke, captain of Moyle Rovers was presented with the John Donovan Cup and acknowledged Brian Borus for being formidable opponents. Both Captains also received vouchers for meals for the team courtesy of the Lemongrass Restaurant, Clonmel.
FUNDAMENTALS COURSE
Well done to all the Tipperary Ladies Gaelic Football Coaches who attended the fundamentals coaching course on Saturday last in Cahir Community School. It was a 1 day course which will be of benefit to the coaches and their clubs and thank you for giving your time so freely to attend.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Tipperary Ladies Gaelic Football will hold their Annual General Meeting in the Horse & Jockey Hotel on Monday December 2nd at 8.00pm. Nominations have been sent to all clubs.
Information concerning Ladies Football will appear in these notes. If you wish to include any item of interest, please contact us at pro@tipperaryladiesfootball.ie before 8pm on Sunday. Visit the Tipperary Ladies Football web site at www.tipperaryladiesfootball.ie to date with all the latest news in Tipperary Ladies Football.
By Jonathan Cullen Wed 19th Nov
