Extra-time win for Kilrush

Inch Crusaders 0
Kilrush Rangers 1

Kilrush Rangers were crowned Second Division League Cup champions at the county grounds on Sunday when they overcame the challenge of Inch Crusaders.

In a game of few scoring chances, extra-time was required to separate the teams and the all-important goal came at the end of the first period. Robert Carey sent in a good cross from the corner, which long-serving Martin Danaher headed to the net for what proved to be the winner.
Last season, Kilrush were in the final of the First Division League Cup and looked to be on the way to that title when they led with time almost up. However, Tulla grabbed an equaliser and went on to win the game in extra-time.
Ironically, Inch created the better chances in Sunday’s tie. They had a goal disallowed when referee Dave McCarthy awarded a free to Kilrush, penalising Inch for having a player in an offside position when Conor Neylon scored in the first half.
Inch created the better chances in the second half and should have scored 11 minutes into this period. John Clohessy’s effort beat Ger Griffin in the Kilrush goal but the ball rebounded off the upright and Pádraig Talty’s glancing header went wide of the target.
Kilrush also created some good opportunities and Andy Flynn in the Inch goal was called on to make a couple of good stops from Johnnie O’Connor and Jamie Gilligan in particular.
After the game Clare League secretary Oliver Fitzpatrick presented the trophy to the Kilrush captain.

Kilrush Rangers: Ger Griffin; Sean Downes, Johnnie O’Connor, Martin Danaher, Kevin Larkin, Eoin Fitzgerald, Terry Herlihy, Niall Clancy, John Ryan, Trevor Clancy, Jamie Gilligan.
Subs: Tony Burke for Danaher; Kevin Clohessy for Downes; Robert Carey for Ryan.
Inch Crusaders: Andy Flynn; James Rynne, Sean Hehir, Michael Pyne, Sean Talty, Conor Neylon, Mark Connellan, Thomas O’Doherty, Pádraig Talty, John Clohessy, Brian McDonnell.
Subs: Niall Seery for McDonnell; Brendan Talty for Neylon; Bryan O’Loughlin for Connellan.