AUL season in review: Cork team battled hard in the 2014-'15 campaign

IN the latest of our series looking back over the past decade of the AUL, we focus on the 2014-15 campaign.

And what another battling season this was for all the clubs who were involved in nine league sections as well as eight local cup competitions.

But, first, let’s focus on the national competitions beginning with the Oscar Traynor Cup.

Chosen to steer the Cork AUL troops that season was manager Michael Walsh and his advisory team which consisted of a hugely experienced group in the shape of Brendan O’Connell, Pat Keane, Rob O’Keeffe and Maurice Kenneally.

Michael and his team were under no illusion as to the huge task put before them when they were drawn in the same section as Kerry, Limerick DL and the Desmond League.

The Cork AUL made an opening start in the competition with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over the Limerick Desmond League at Turner's Cross.

Although playing below par, the Cork AUL side still managed a victory on the night.

After a scoreless first half, Dave Dineen had the Cork AUL side in front with a looped effort over a helpless Desmond league custodian.

Cork’s second duly arrived in the dying seconds when Sean Caulfield turned his marker before shooting calmly into the bottom corner to settle the game.

Next up for the AUL side was a trip to Tralee where they had to face a fancied Kerry District league side.

And after Ger Rice fired them in front, Kerry fought back to clinch a point in the end.

However, this was deemed to be a big point gained against a very good Kerry side.

But, the Cork AUL’s involvement in the competition came to an abrupt ending.

They made their exit from the competition after finding themselves on the wrong end of a 1-4 defeat at the hands of a very good Limerick District league side at Jackman Park in Limerick.

On the night, the Limerick side had too much for Cork and the score-line was a fair reflection on the outcome of the game.

The FAI Cup has always proved to be quite a challenge for AUL sides over the years and this season was no different.

In fact, it was one of the most disappointing seasons to-date as almost all the AUL teams made their exit before the sixth round with the exception of Kilreen Celtic.

That said, third division side Tower FC who won the 3B title the same season put up a gallant effort when they went down 2-4 against Clonmel Celtic at home in the fifth round after achieving a terrific 4-1 victory over Macroom A in the previous round.

Then, second division side Leeview did themselves proud in Dublin when after an admirable display; they succumbed to a 0-2 defeat at the hands of Valeview Shankil.

Park United A literally threw their tie away after going down 3-4 to Galway Hibs after some extremely slopping defending gifted the Galway side a passage into the sixth round.

So, it was left to Kilreen Celtic to fly the AUL flag in this competition.

And after a superb win up in Roscommon against Moore United when they won 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in the fifth round, they came unstuck when they went down 1-2 against a Crumlin Celtic side that did not make any big impression over the 90 minutes.

In the Munster Junior Cup, Glenthorn Celtic A, Park United A and Village United all did well in their early rounds to qualify for the open draw in the fourth round and after Village beat Clonakilty 2-0, Glenthorn Celtic A getting the better of Ennis Town 3-2 after extra time as well as Park United A recording a convincing 4-1 victory over Riverstown, it all augured well for the next stage in the fifth round.

Bu, unfortunately, all three AUL sides made their exits together when Village came up against an excellent St. Michael’s side from Tipperary where they went down 0-3 on the day.

Then, Glenthorn Celtic went out 0-3 on penalties after a 3-3 stalemate over extra time and at home, Park United failed to take their chances against Tralee Dynamos and went out after a 2-3 defeat.

In the MFA League Champions Trophy, Park United A started well with a 3-1 win over MSL side College Corinthians in the quarter final stage.

But, after a 2-1 win over Castleisland in Kerry in the semi-final, they went down 1-5 against St. Michaels in the final.