Clonakilty SC 2

Drinagh Rangers 3

GER McCARTHY REPORTS

DRINAGH Rangers overcame old rivals Clonakilty Soccer Club to win the Parkway Hotel-Maybury Coaches Cup for the first time since 2018.

Two trophies claimed and one to go – that’s the Canon Crowley Park club’s mantra as they head into this season’s Beamish Cup final off the back of winning the Premier Division league and Parkway Hotel-Maybury Coaches Cup.

In Brinny on Easter Sunday, Rangers were pushed all the way by a Clonakilty side that finished the campaign with only the Michael Cronin Cup to show for their efforts.

Goals from Tom McQueen (2) and Morgan Sloggett, and a heroic defensive display saw Rangers claim a cup that had eluded their grasp for the past eight years.

‘Two out of three are in the bag!’ Drinagh Rangers coach Rob Oldham informed The Southern Star.

‘I think the manner of our defeat to Togher Celtic in the Premier Division Cup final definitely influenced our attitude today.

‘Facing Clonakilty Soccer Club always brings the best out of the lads. They are a great side and, like today, it’s always a great game between us.

‘As for the Beamish Cup final, we are not underestimating Ardfield at all. They destroyed us in last year’s semi-final. Look, playing a Beamish Cup final at Turner’s Cross? There is no better place to be and we will be ready.’

Clonakilty Soccer Club's Eoin Hartnett rises for a header over Drinagh Rangers' Padraic Hegarty. (Photo: Paddy Feen)

It was Clonakilty who created the final’s first opportunity after three minutes. Chris Collins cut in along the end line and crossed but Eoin Murphy couldn’t provide the finishing touch.

A frenzied opening delivered few chances before Drinagh settled and enjoyed a sustained spell of possession. But it was Clonakilty who looked more dangerous in the final third. Another Collins and Murphy combination sprung Rangers’ offside trap – Murphy raced clear only to be denied by goalkeeper Jack Payne-Murphy.

Rangers response saw Barry O’Driscoll fire a shot inches wide and force a save out of Jonathon Leahy in quick succession.

Failing to heed those warnings, Clonakilty fell behind after 14 minutes. Robbie McQueen’s long throw was headed into the net by his brother Tom to edge Rangers 1-0 ahead.

Don Hurley, West Cork League vice-chairman, presents the cup to Drinagh captain Robbie McQueen. (Photo: Paddy Feen)

James O’Donovan and Chris Collins led the Clonakilty fightback culminating in a Reuben Henry free header bringing the best out of Payne-Murphy. Those increased efforts were rewarded with a 26th minute equaliser.

A move involving Eoin Hartnett, Chris Collins and Charlie McShane ended with Eoin Murphy flicking his shot into the net.

Enjoying the greater share of possession, Clonakilty continued to press as Drinagh defended diligently. Having seen out a difficult spell, Drinagh retook the lead in first-half injury-time.

Clonakilty twice failed to clear a Drinagh set-piece and the ball fell invitingly to Tom McQueen on the edge of the area. Taking a touch, he instantly fired a left-footed half-volley beyond a diving Jonathan Leahy.

The second-half’s pattern matched that of the first with neither midfield being allowed time or space. It was level after 47 minutes when Louka Mohan made his presence felt off the Clonakilty bench, crossing for James O’Donovan to tap in at the far post in the 47th minute.

Drinagh almost retook the lead but Jonathan Leahy gathered Michael Hennigan’s snap-shot inside a crowded penalty box. Jack Payne-Murphy denied Mohan at the opposite end prior to the final’s decisive strike.

Michael Hennigan supplied the assist for Morgan Sloggett to slide home his side’s third goal of the afternoon. Sloggett went close again a few minutes later, capitalising on a defensive slip, but Clonakilty managed to recover.

The Drinagh Rangers team celebrates after defeating Clonakilty Soccer Club in the WCL Parkway Hotel/Maybury Coaches Cup final in Castlelack on Sunday. (Photo: Paddy Feen)

The latter peppered Drinagh’s penalty area with a series of set-pieces throughout the closing quarter but Donal O’Donovan and JJ Collins gave nothing away in the heart of Rangers’ back four.

Dominating territory, Clonakilty’s persistence resulted in Drinagh clearing a Charlie McShane effort off the goal-line with 11 minutes to go.

Sitting deep and defending their penalty box, Drinagh were under constant pressure as time ticked down. Twice Jack Payne-Murphy had to be quick to gather the ball in the six-yard box as their opponents flooded forward.

Throwing everyone into the opposing half during the final minutes, Clonakilty were unable to conjure up a leveller. Drinagh’s focus now switches to Turner’s Cross and an upcoming Beamish Cup final clash with Ardfield.

OUR STAR: In a cup final Drinagh Rangers were under constant pressure during the closing stages, veteran JJ Collins didn't put a foot wrong.

Clonakilty Soccer Club: Jonathan Leahy, James Calnan, Odhran Bancroft, Charlie McShane, Eoin Murphy, Chris Collins, James O’Donovan, James Horan, Mark Irwin, Eoin Hartnett, Reuben Henry (captain).

Subs: James Deegan, Mark Shorten, Louka Mohan, Paul Daly, Alan Ward, Iain O’Driscoll.

Drinagh Rangers: Jack Payne-Murphy, Daniel McCarthy, JJ Collins, Donal O’Donovan, Steven Crowley, Robbie McQueen (captain), Tom McQueen, Cillian Fitzpatrick, Michael Hennigan, Padraic Hegarty, Barry O’Driscoll.

Subs: Padraig Cronin, Eoin Hurley, Harry Carey, Sean Calnan, Morgan Sloggett, Caolan O’Driscoll.

Referee: Conor McCarthy.