Historic Glebe North cup triumph sparks big celebrations in Drogheda
There were plenty of familiar faces, including Darius Kierans (left) and Killian Brennan (second left) as Glebe North captain Noel Barrett lifted the FAI Intermediate Cup following their victory over Ringmahon Rangers at Weavers Park on Sunday afternoon. Photo by Ben McShane/Sportsfile
Ollie Hamzat of Glebe North celebrates with daughter Safiya, aged 18 months, after the final whistle. Photo by Ben McShane/Sportsfile
GLEBE NORTH 3
RINGMAHON RANGERS 2
THERE was huge Drogheda interest in Sunday’s FAI Intermediate Cup Final as Darius Kierans’ Glebe North secured the first major trophy in their 79-year history with a thrilling extra-time victory over Ringmahon Rangers at Weavers Park.
Kierans, who is in his third year in charge of the Balbriggan-based team, both managed and played for his home-town club Drogheda United and his Glebe squad includes no fewer than nine players who previously lined out for the Drogs at senior or academy level -– Killian Brennan, Ryan O’Shea, Ollie Hamzat, Roy Kierans, Ciarán Cluskey-Kelly, Ahu Obhakhan, Ryan Connor, Kyle Carroll and Goran Simic.
Kierans was also assisted by two other familiar names locally in coaches Danny Coyle and Barry Kelly.
In what will go down as one of the great Intermediate Cup Finals, it was non-stop action from the first minute and it was the Cork side who opened the scoring thanks to a diving header from Evan Galvin.
Leinster Senior League side Glebe were to have their first sight on goal when Christopher McCarthy blocked down O’Shea’s well-struck effort, but then Issa Kargbo struck the woodwork for Ringmahon.
Glebe still trailed 1-0 at the break but levelled early in the second half when Ciaran McCann play the ball into the path of Oisin Coleman who slotted home.
The Balbriggan side then took the lead when Obhakhan chested down a cross from the right into the path of O’Shea whose low volley nestled in the net.
However, Ringmahon had a number of chances to strike back before eventually levelling in stoppage time through Aaron Ahern. It was Kierans’ Glebe who had the final say in extra time, however, as Reece Weldon scored from the penalty spot and Ringmahon finished with 10 men after Jamie O’Sullivan was sent off for a challenge on O’Shea.
Glebe NORTH: Aaron Kiernan, Ciaran McCann, Roy Kierans, Ciarán Cluskey-Kelly, Killian Brennan (Ryan Connor 73), Gavin Smith, Reece Weldon, Noel Barrett, Ahu Obhakhan (Goran Simic 112), Oisín Coleman (Ollie Hamzat 85), Ryan O’Shea. Subs not used: Marrey, Carroll, Haran, Moore.
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