Garryowen suffered a surprise defeat last night as Nenagh Ormond secured a historic win at the Markets Field by defeating the Dooradoyle side by a point on a 25-24 score line in the Sporting Limerick Charity Cup Final.
Mark Rowley got the light blues off to a flying start as he crashed over the line but Nenagh were quick to show that they would be no walkover, as they hit back within ten minutes.
Garryowen went on to score a second try through Andrew O’Byrne, with Dave McCarthy adding the extras to go seven points up.
Second try from @GarryowenFC in @SportingLK Charity Cup Final v Nenagh Ormond. pic.twitter.com/cvGoKQsS7l
— Luke Liddy (@LOLIDDY2489) November 17, 2017
However, it was Nenagh Ormond who went into the interval 15-12 ahead following a Clayton Stewart penalty and a fine team try that was finished off by Gearoid O’Gormon.
HT Sporting Limerick Charity Cup @GarryowenFC 12-15 @nenaghormondrfc #SportLK pic.twitter.com/YemdzWMwMo
— Sporting LK (@SportingLK) November 17, 2017
It was the North Tipperary side that hit the ground running in the second half, extending their lead to ten points, however the light blues responded well, scoring two tries to take the lead with five minutes remaining.
. @GarryowenFC now lead 24-22 with 5 mins remaining. Sporting Limerick Charity Cup final. pic.twitter.com/xT0R48ng1m
— Luke Liddy (@LOLIDDY2489) November 17, 2017
The drama didn’t end there as Clayton Stewart hit three from the boot to give Nenagh the lead with a few minutes on the clock.
While Garryowen scrum half Neil Cronin had the chance to win the game at the death but his penalty kick sailed just wide as the game ended 25-24 to Nenagh Ormond.
Neil Cronin missed kick at the death. pic.twitter.com/xyUgZ1yywE
— Luke Liddy (@LOLIDDY2489) November 17, 2017
Light Blues Head Coach Conan Doyle was disappointed but says the best team won.