Nemo Rangers win dramatic John Kerins Cup final against Fermoy

Nemo Rangers 2-6 

Fermoy 0-9 

It was a Saturday afternoon to savour for the U11 stars of Nemo Rangers as they were crowned John Kerins Cup champions at Páirc Uí Rinn.

The 21st edition of the football tournament was won following an intense series of games played in glorious conditions in Ballintemple, and a final to remember.

Hosted by the Gardaí, the competition was created to honour the memory of former St Finbarr’s and All-Ireland winning goalkeeper John Kerins, who sadly passed away at a young age.

In the final, Nemo Rangers and Fermoy played one of the greatest games in the competition’s history. 

The game ebbed and flowed with both sides having spells, and after extra time it was won by a decisive goal by Nemo’s Tommy Coppinger.

But in truth, on such a special day, everyone was a winner, and much credit must go to the Gardaí and the referees who helped the day run smoothly.

Proceedings got underway early on Saturday morning as Ballinora, Carrigaline, Fermoy, Inniscarra, Nemo Rangers, St Michael’s, Douglas and Na Piarsaigh contested the quarter finals.

Carrigaline got the better of Ballinora, Fermoy beat Inniscarra, Nemo Rangers moved past St Michael’s, and Douglas defeated Na Piarsaigh to reach the semi-finals.

The first of the semi-final action pitted defending champions Carrigaline up against Fermoy. 

In truth, Fermoy were well deserving winners, leading 2-3 at half-time to Carrigaline’s three scores. Oliver Clancy was among the scorers for Fermoy, a sign of things to come. 

A controlled second half confirmed the North Cork club’s place in the final.

In the second semi-final, it was a local derby played in familiar territory for Nemo Rangers and Douglas. 

Scott Hayes grabbed Douglas’ sole goal of the contest, while they also grabbed a point. But the game well and truly belonged to Nemo Rangers.

In the first-half, Rangers hit 2-2 to take a commanding lead. Jake O’Callaghan played a starring role in that, grabbing three goals of his own, while Matthew O’Shea, Cian O’Donovan and Tommy Coppinger were among the scorers.

The final was one that’ll live long in the memory. Nemo largely dictated the first half, with young talent Sonas Bonass instrumental in the centre of the pitch. 

His energy and tenacity gave his side a big boost. Both sides exchanged scores but Nemo went in ahead at the break, having grabbed a goal and a few points.

Fermoy hit back in the second and in some style. Oliver Cronin was crucial in that revival. 

His three points changed the game, but his flair and pace was of even greater significance. 

Fermoy keeper’ Alex Wieczorek, voted player of the tournament, was forced into some excellent saves to stop Nemo from scoring, and as the came progressed, the sides found themselves, forcing extra time.

The hero of the day was Tommy Coppinger, who stepped up to slam the ball into the back of the net and win it for Nemo Rangers with moments left in extra time. 

Jubilant scenes for Rangers, but Fermoy can hold their heads high knowing they played a significant role in a brilliant day.

NEMO RANGERS squad: Beau Best, Brian Foley, Cathal Walsh, Cian O’Donovan, Eric Wynne, Jack Coughlan, James O’Donoghue, Matthew O’Shea, Ollie Loftus Magee, Paudie Larkin, Sonas Bonass, Tadhg Leahy, Tadhg Ronan, Tommy Coppinger, Darragh Doyle, Harry Keane, Jake Scanlon, Harry Hogan, Rory Kavanagh, Jake O’Callaghan.

FERMOY squad: James O Mahony, Ruairi McGann, Harry Grumbridge, Alex Wieczorek, Christopher Wlodowski, Euan Buckley, Tyler McDonagh, Tom O Regan, Ciaren Brien, James Noonan, Oliver Clancy, Oisin Halley, Robbie Madden, Mattehew Bermingham, Mattehew Shanahan, Damien Dolan, Lucas O’Dwyer, Evan Gallagher O’Flynn, Tadgh McCarthy, Louise Millar, Ciaràn Gallagher, Kevin Horan.

Referee: Chris Cronin (Kinsale).