News

O’Riordan the Hero in Penalty Shoot Out Win
Cork Schoolboys League U14 Cup Final
Mallow United 2 – 2 Mallow Town (Mallow United win on penalties)

Having already secured promotion to the Premier Division in July, Mallow United U14 Boys finished off a memorable season last Wednesday night when they were crowned Cork Schoolboys League U14 Cup champions after a penalty shoot out win against Mallow Town in Turners Cross. In a highly entertaining game which saw opportunities at both ends in the early exchanges, Mallow United took the lead following a great attacking move when Aaron Murphy put Cormac Cooney through on goal with a deft defence-splitting pass and Cooneys strike found the back of the net with the assistance of a generous deflection. Diarmuid O’Riordan in the United goal provided a calming presence throughout the fixture however there was little he could do when a well worked move saw Mallow Town create a first-half equaliser. Shortly after the restart, Kennedy Cup hopeful Aaron Murphy was unlucky not to put United ahead however their second goal did come minutes later as they took the lead just before half time. An in-swinging free kick from Cormac Fitzgerald’s was excellently controlled by Cormac Cooney who calmly tucked the ball past the keeper with the outside of his right boot and across the line despite the best efforts of the opposing defenders.
Nathan Bowler almost but United two ahead just after the restart however a quick reaction from the Mallow Town goal keeper saw his effort deflected away from the goal line and minutes later Jack Quill was denied when his low powerful effort was again pushed away. As the game entered injury time it looked like the Mallow United boys had done enough however a late corner from Mallow Town was slotted home from 10 yards to make it 2-2 and bring the game to extra time. With little between the sides in the extended period penalties were required and it was Mallow United’s goalkeeper Diarmuid O’Riordan who emerged as the hero, saving two penalties to give the Mallow United boys a well-deserved win.
The club is extremely proud of this great bunch of lads and coaches who have shown a level of dedication and commitment over the last few seasons that makes them more than worthy champions.

Mallow United Squad: Diarmuid O’Riordan, Colm Wallace, Cormac Fitzgerald, Keagan O’Sullivan, Leo Merrick, Louie Power, Adam O’Brien, Cian Cooney, Cormac Cooney, Aaron Murphy, Caleb Crone, Nathan Bowler, Joseph Gubbins, Jack Quill, Ordhan O’Sullivan, Matthew Bunce.