Limerick District League are crowned Oscar Traynor Trophy champions

Limerick District League were crowned Oscar Traynor Trophy champions for the first time since 1996 after a 1-0 victory over Kilkenny District League at Derdimus Park in Kilkenny.

Limerick District League began brightly and Kilkenny were forced to clear a couple of dangerous crosses from right-back Danny O’Neill.

It was from one of these crosses that Limerick took the lead as O’Neill’s back post corner was headed home by top marksman Shane Clarke from close range.

The home side responded well and a long throw from Tommy Earls was met by David Rice whose effort struck the post although the Limerick side felt it hit the hand of the Kilkenny centre-back.

Kilkenny District League manager Jim Nugent made a first half change as Dean Broaders was replaced by Sean Barcoe and the substitute hit the crossbar with a header as half-time approached.

In the second half, Kilkenny upped the tempo without creating a chance of note as the visiting back four of Danny O’Neill, Thomas Clarke, Aidan Hurley and Ryan Doherty were on dominating their individual battles.

Niall Hanley forced a big save from Owen Wall as Aidan Ryan and Shane O’Hanlon’s side looked to double their advantage.

The home side felt they had strong appeals for a penalty when Peter Higgins shot was blocked but referee Wayne Kelly waved away protests and booked centre-back Niall Andrews for his over exuberance.

Adrian Power almost wrapped up the game for the visitors but Andrews managed to block his effort out for a corner. Limerick did a professional job in limiting Kilkenny District League in the final stages and secured the league’s first Oscar Traynor Trophy success since 1996.

It is a huge achievement for Janesboro Football Club who were asked to represent the league in the competition at short notice by the Limerick District League Committee. The move has seen the first success in 23 years.

Limerick District League: John Mulready, Danny O’Neill, Aidan Hurley, Thomas Clarke, Ryan Doherty, Niall Hanley, Michael Ryan, Adrian Power, Shane Stack (Eddie Brazier), Keith Mawdsley (Kevin Barry), Shane Clarke.