The Thurles U13s faced off against Clonmel on Friday evening in the East Munster Cup final, a rematch of the league final earlier this season. Just like their previous encounter, it was an all-out war, with neither side giving an inch in what proved to be a titanic battle.
Both teams came out fired up, and the physicality on display was incredible for a U13 match. Eoghan Kennedy, Murt Dillon, and especially Mason Butler led the defensive effort, chopping down every Clonmel runner with ferocious tackles.
It took Thurles six minutes to find their rhythm, with Dylan Delahunty and Shea Fogarty pulling the strings superbly from half-back. Sean Ryan and Tommy Stapleton battled hard in midfield, eventually moving the ball wide to speedster Danny Corcoran, who left defenders in his wake to crash over near the right-hand post. The conversion narrowly missed, leaving Thurles 5-0 ahead.
A setback came on 10 minutes when Daithi Dunne was forced off after a heavy knock. Adam MacLoughlin replaced him, with Killian Cleary moving to full-back. Despite the disruption, Thurles held their 5-0 lead into the break.
The second half was just as intense, with Thurles defending valiantly under heavy Clonmel pressure. Eventually, Clonmel broke through for a hard-earned try, leveling the game at 5-5.
The Thurles pack threw everything they had into the contest. Mark Barrett and captain Alex MacCormack carried the ball fearlessly, while Charlie Finnegan added fresh energy. Relentless tackling from Daniel O'Grady, Eamon Quigley, and Harry Carroll kept Clonmel at bay.
With just three minutes remaining, player of the match Danny Corcoran once again turned the game on its head, scorching in for a decisive try. Shea Fogarty added the crucial conversion to make it 12-5.
Even as the clock ticked past full time, Clonmel refused to give up. After eight tense minutes of added time, they crossed for a late try, but the missed conversion left the final score 12-10 in favor of Thurles.
This epic win secured a historic league and cup double for Thurles, capping off an unbeaten season. Congratulations to the players and coaches on an extraordinary year — a truly special group who have worked tirelessly to achieve greatness.
Both teams came out fired up, and the physicality on display was incredible for a U13 match. Eoghan Kennedy, Murt Dillon, and especially Mason Butler led the defensive effort, chopping down every Clonmel runner with ferocious tackles.
It took Thurles six minutes to find their rhythm, with Dylan Delahunty and Shea Fogarty pulling the strings superbly from half-back. Sean Ryan and Tommy Stapleton battled hard in midfield, eventually moving the ball wide to speedster Danny Corcoran, who left defenders in his wake to crash over near the right-hand post. The conversion narrowly missed, leaving Thurles 5-0 ahead.
A setback came on 10 minutes when Daithi Dunne was forced off after a heavy knock. Adam MacLoughlin replaced him, with Killian Cleary moving to full-back. Despite the disruption, Thurles held their 5-0 lead into the break.
The second half was just as intense, with Thurles defending valiantly under heavy Clonmel pressure. Eventually, Clonmel broke through for a hard-earned try, leveling the game at 5-5.
The Thurles pack threw everything they had into the contest. Mark Barrett and captain Alex MacCormack carried the ball fearlessly, while Charlie Finnegan added fresh energy. Relentless tackling from Daniel O'Grady, Eamon Quigley, and Harry Carroll kept Clonmel at bay.
With just three minutes remaining, player of the match Danny Corcoran once again turned the game on its head, scorching in for a decisive try. Shea Fogarty added the crucial conversion to make it 12-5.
Even as the clock ticked past full time, Clonmel refused to give up. After eight tense minutes of added time, they crossed for a late try, but the missed conversion left the final score 12-10 in favor of Thurles.
This epic win secured a historic league and cup double for Thurles, capping off an unbeaten season. Congratulations to the players and coaches on an extraordinary year — a truly special group who have worked tirelessly to achieve greatness.
