Midleton crowned Daly Industrial Supplies U17 Teddy Healy Cup champions after victory over Fermoy

Midleton 4 

Fermoy 2

Midleton were crowned Daly Industrial Supplies U17 Teddy Healy Cup champions when they defeated a very gallant Fermoy side in front of a large audience at Turner’s Cross stadium.

It was the U17 Premier side who led 1-0 at half time, with a well taken goal in added time by Patrick Adedokun.

The game was level 1-1 in the 56th minute when Adam Keohane hit the back of the net from the penalty spot for the U17 League 1 side, Fermoy. 

Fermoy then went 2-1 ahead three minutes later through Iwo Szostak, however, Midleton levelled the game 2-2 in the 77th minute through Cillian Mansworth-O’Connell. 

The Magpies restored their lead 3-2 in the 82nd minute when Shay Forde got on the scoresheet and then Eoin Garvey's headed effort in injury time made sure the cup was heading for Midleton.

The only disappointment for Midleton was they were reduced to 10 men after Ronan Mackessy picked up a second yellow card in the 84th minute, which could keep him out of the U17 Premier League decider against Douglas Hall on Saturday.

Shane Mackessy, the Midleton manager, was delighted to win the trophy and praised his team for their dedication all season. He also noted what a fine side Fermoy are, who played extremely well on the night.

“I thought it was a very entertaining match, but it did little for my heart,” a smiling Shane said after the game.

“I thought Fermoy played very well and we were probably a little fortunate to be ahead at half time.

“I have to give great credit to Fermoy for their work-rate and they fully deserved to equalise and then go ahead in the second half.

“I think the quick turnaround from playing the semi final on Tuesday against Douglas Hall and the final tonight took a physical toll on some of our players. However, I was delighted with our response after going a goal down. 

"It was a great finish by the man of the match, Cillian, for the equaliser. 

“Our third goal was an absolute cracker from Shay, which was all the sweeter given he has only just returned from a very lengthy injury spell, and then Eoin heading home the fourth settled the tie.

“The whole squad are a great bunch of lads and a pleasure for us to coach. Winning this cup is a great achievement and a very nice reward for all of their dedication and hard work throughout the season,” Mackessy added.

Trevor Moloney, the Fermoy manager, was also very proud of his side and took time out to praise Midleton for winning the game.

“Congratulations to Midleton on their win after a very tough battle. They’re an excellent team, very well coached, and deserve all the success they get,” Trevor said.

“We are very proud of our boys. They took on the best in Cork and gave a great account of themselves. For a large part of the second half, we held the lead and looked like we could cause a major upset. Our lads gave everything, and played some excellent football. We couldn’t ask for more.

“We hope the performance will give our boys the belief to continue to progress and to know that they can compete with any team in Cork,” Moloney added.

MIDLETON: Jack MIlls, Ronan Mackessy, Artan Iliukovic, Charlie McCarthy, Cillian Mansworth-O’Connell, Patrick Adedokun, Eduard Pidoyma, Ryan Cremin, Jack Cahill, Liam Waters, David Relihan.

Subs: Shay Forde for Adedokun (61), Eoin Garvey for Pidoyma (67), Sean Lyons for Cremin (95), Stephen Comerford for McCarthy (95).

FERMOY: Harry Wain, Oskar Szostak, Arran Whelan, Adam Keohane, Corey Slattery, John Walsh, Steven Barrett, Fionn Hayes, Gerard Kinczewski-Murphy, Tyler Sheehan, Iwo Szostak.

Subs: Patrick Olusoji for P Szostak(32), Arthur Gumaraes for Barrett (58), Leon Pooley for I Szostak (75), Dylan Ahern for Walsh (87), Robert Cronin for Whelan (89).

Referee: Timmy Kelleher.

Assistant Referees: Patrick O’Keeffe, Lucy O’Sullivan.

Fourth Official: Damien Klier.