Glin edge past Athea in Limerick Desmond Premier Division League Cup decider

Limerick District League Premier Division League Cup:

Glin Rovers 1 Athea United 0

A GOAL in a cup final is a precious commodity, and when it arrives after just 12 minutes, it is worth protecting dearly. That is exactly what Glin Rovers did, as they used their experience to edge beyond Athea United.

The Premier Division League Cup title is a perfect start to 2024 for Rovers, who, after an indifferent start in League action, showed the cup experience against their neighbours.

In a tense final at Mike Hanley Park on Friday last, Paul Sheahan’s clever finish was enough to end a run of final losses, including in this competition 13 months ago.

Captain Tadhg Culhane was quick to acknowledge the loss suffered in recent weeks when collecting the silverware, with the late John McSweeney remembered. This final was postponed a fortnight ago, as the communities of Glin and Athea and wider helped Mr. McSweeney to his final resting place. It shows the community spirit that the Desmond League is built on. John’s nephew, Martin McSweeney turned in a solid defensive showing to help his side to a winning clean sheet.

Indeed, McSweeney played in front of 43-year-old Seán Lyons, who deputised in between the posts with regular custodian Mike Stack suspended. Lyons was underemployed throughout the contest, though it will matter little to manager Seán Normile and co, who, after a brace of final defeats last season, can savour a sweet triumph at the start of 2024.

After wins over Breska Rovers, Broadford United and a draw with Creeves Celtic in the group phase, Glin reache the final in early December with an extra-time success over holders Rathkeale put Glin into the final, which they’d lost to Rathkeale last season. Athea defeated Breska in the last four after wins over Abbeyfeale, Newcastle West and Rathkeale in their group games.

The first notable opening of the contest brought the breakthrough, with Tadhg Culhane seeking Paul Sheahan with a long-pass from his own half. This direct ball saw Sheahan turn the cover and rather than take the ball on, he caught the United keeper off-guard with a quickly executed first-time shot from outside the area, which bounced into the corner.

Sheahan is not new to cup finals goals, with his Desmond Cup final goals helping Glin claim that honour twice during his lengthy career with the club. Ultimately, Sheahan would be a foil for Rovers who sat back for much of the contest. His flicks on, aerial prowess helped relive the pressure and he was awarded the Man-of-the-Match award for his contribution.

Darren Murphy looked a threat out wide for Athea, he crossed onto the roof of the net after 17 minutes while he also swung in a wonderful cross on 23 minutes, which, had it taken any touch at all, would have drawn an equaliser.

Eoin O’Shea soon fed Dylan Griffin, the hard-working striker slipped the cover and thundered an effort back off the crossbar, which saw sizeable Athea support with their heads in their hands. This was the closest they would come, in their attempts to win this competition for the first time in their history.

Half-time arrived, and while the second-half passed without major goalmouth incident, Athea did apply the pressure. They went closest inside the final 15, as sub Daire O’Shea sent an effort goalward after a corner wasn’t cleared, but McSweeney stood tall to head the ball away to safety.

Ultimately Glin’s defence got their reward, with Tadhg and Gary Culhane hardly missing a step all night. Athea will rue their own tentativeness in the opening quarter hour, which saw them go behind, but they weren’t at their fluid best.

After losing the Division One decider last year, it is another final loss for Division One champions, who now focus on preserving their league status in the top tier.

Glin Rovers: Seán Lyons; Conor Shine, Tadhg Culhane, Gary Culhane, Martin McSweeney; James Wallace, John Wallace, Tommy Culhane, Jack Boland; Jack Sheahan, Paul Sheahan. Sub Used: Zach Behan for James Wallace (60 mins); Brian O’Donovan for John Wallace (67 mins); James Broderick for Boland (75 mins); Ajay Behan for Shine (90 mins); Billy Hogan for McSweeney (90 mins)

Athea United: Mark O'Connor; Seán Ryan, Jamie Sheehan, Ger Collins, Eoin O'Shea; Nigel O'Connor, Danny Stack, Shane Mulvihill, Andrew Riordan, Darren Murphy; Dylan Griffin. Subs Used: Daire O’Shea for Riordan (62 mins); Andy Ahern for Stack (69 mins); TJ Hunt for Ryan (inj – 81 mins).

Match Officials: Eugene Noonan (Referee), Pat O’Connor, Pat King.