Pike Rovers edge past Aisling Annacotty to claim ninth Tuohy Cup success

Tuohy Cup Final:

Pike Rvs 1 Aisling Annacotty

PIKE Rovers claimed their 9th Tuohy Cup success with a hard-earned 1-0 win over Aisling Annacotty at Jackman Park on Good Friday evening.

A goal from substitute Evan Patterson was all that separated the sides at the end of the ninety minutes.

The early enthusiasm shown by Aisling in the opening half was weathered by the more experienced Pike XI who gained control in the second half to run out worthy winners. 

Prominent in that dominance was Pike midfielder Colin Daly who deservedly picked up the man of the match award. He was constantly prodding and probing at the Aisling rearguard and his work rate was admirable.  

Aisling, under John Lysaght and Roy O’Connell, have turned the fortunes of the side around after they lost a number of top-class players and as a very young side will be a force to be reckoned with if they continue on this curve.

The Annacotty side had to endure a number of dangerous balls across the face of goal from Eoin Hanrahan in the early stages, but slowly began to play their way into the tie.

The pace and trickery of Joel Coustrain and Adam Foley was a constant threat but with cool heads like Pat Mullins guiding his back four, clear cut chances were few and far between.   

Neither keeper was called upon in the opening half but shortly after the restart, a foul on Colin Daly presented the Hoops with a penalty kick and Aisling keeper Brian O’Connor produced a stunning save to deny Steven McGann.

Shane Walsh saw a volley roll just wide of the Aisling goal and the same player was in action minutes later at the other end when he made a crucial block on Gavin Dillon’s shot.

The Pike pressure continued to build as Colm Walsh O’Loughlin forced another fine save from O’Connor.

With just under ten minutes to play, Shane Walsh delivered a ball to Walsh O’Loughlin on the left and an unfortunate slip by Kennedy N’Dip allowed the speedy Pike winger a run on goal. His shot was parried away by O’Connor but the inrunning Patterson tucked away the rebound.

Aisling threw caution to the wind in the final minutes in search of an equaliser but a solid Pike rearguard held firm to win their first trophy of the season.

At half time the LDL made a presentation to Milford Hospice and Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association of €1,000 each, the proceeds from their recent friendly game with Treaty United.

After the game Pike Rovers' rising star, Madison McGuane was presented to the crowd following her goalscoring Republic of Ireland U15 debut v England in the Bob Docherty Cup, before Pike captain Steven McGann accepted the Cup from members of the Tuohy family.

Pike Rovers: Gary Neville; Danny O'Neill; Sean Madigan; Adam Lipper; Pat Mullins; Colin Daly; Shane Walsh; Kyle Duhig; Colm Walsh O'Loughlin; Steve McGann; Eoin Hanrahan, Subs: Evan Patterson; Robbie Williams; Nathan O'Callaghan; Eddie O'Donovan; Wayne O'Donovan.

Aisling Annacotty: Brian O'Connor; Kennedy N'dip; Gavin Dillon; Richkov Boevi; Eliah Riordan; Sean Ezekannagha; Mike Green; Tony Whitehead; Adam Foley; Joel Coustrain; Liam Quinn, Subs: Colin Scanlon; Raid Mouras; Edward Ward; Mike Curran; Ciaran Barry.