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A large crowd turned up to witness the Lee Cup final in the AUL Complex in Clonshaugh, which proved to be a dramatic occasion indeed. It was a game of ebb and flow, with the ascendancy swinging from side to side. Mark Kelly had put St Malachy's ahead with an amazing strike that Celtic keeper, Oisin Zambra, could only just get a hand on. Malachy's were good value for their lead at half time, and had gone close on a number of occasions. Celtic started to gain a foothold in the latter stages of the first half, and they continued this improvement after the break.
As the game entered the final quarter, Celtic got their break. Conor Stephenson's well-rehearsed traiining ground free kick into the heart of the Malachy's defence was beautifully flicked on by Tom Fogarty, beating the keeper and defenders alike, bringing the sides level. (It reminded one of that beautiful goal by Peter Cormack for Liverpool v Crystal Palace back in the early 70's!! ). It set up a dramatic finale. After regulation time ended 1-1, it was extra time in the fast-fading light.
Celtic looked the fitter at this stage as Malachy's seemed to be suffering from fatigue, cramp, etc. What seemed the final act came in the first period of extra time. A penetrating ball from Stephenson to Davy Costelloe was met by the ubiquitous striker and he finished with aplomb, capping a performance that seemed to be a match-winning one. It was going to be squeaky bum time for the remainder of the game. There were chances at either end, and as the game seemed to be reaching a conclusion, Malachy's won a succession of corner kicks. With a couple of minutes remaining, Malachy's Jack O'Rourke rose high at the far post and headed home in the most dramatic of finishes. There were gasps of relief and desperation, in equal measure, depending on your persuasion. It finally came down to the dreaded penalty shoot-out. It was going to be difficult for Celtic to lift themselves having gone so close to lifting the trophy, and so it proved. Malachy's converted all their penalties and duly won the Cup on the most dramatic of nights.
You must give great credit to both teams who played the game in the most sporting manner, and though it was a desperately disappointing night for Celtic in the end, they can be very proud indeed for their part in a very exciting event. They can look forward to battling it out once again with St Malachy's next week when they meet to settle who will win the Under-19s League title. match action
