By Richard Sharp
Virgin Media Park provided a fitting stage for a memorable Martin O’Sullivan Cup Final as Tralee and Killarney, the standout teams from J1 division 3 this season, delivered a contest worthy of the occasion. A total of 69 points were scored as the top two sides in the division, both already promoted to J1 division 2, went head to head in an absorbing decider.
With their most recent meeting having ended in a one point victory for Killarney in the last kick of the game, anticipation was high in the build up. That sense of occasion was matched by strong travelling support from both clubs, with an impressive atmosphere inside the Cork venue as supporters, including large numbers of young players, watched to see who would lift the Martin O’Sullivan Cup.
The game kicked off promptly at 12pm, and it was Killarney who made a flying start. In the opening 15 minutes, they built a commanding 12–0 lead, putting Tralee under immediate pressure and forcing them to respond.
Tralee gradually settled and began to control possession and territory. Their persistence was rewarded when Gille Ventura crossed for a well worked try, converted by Stephen Turner. Momentum swung further in Tralee’s favour shortly afterwards as Leon Tanfin finished strongly in the corner, with Turner once again adding the extras.
Now firmly into their stride, Tralee pushed on. A penalty extended their advantage before Gavin Peevers powered over for another crucial try, which was converted to complete a strong first half turnaround. The whistle for half time brought an end to an entertaining opening period, with Tralee leading 20–12.
The second half saw Tralee continue in the ascendency. Tries from Ben Glavin and Mikey Lynne, the latter converted, brought the score to 32–12 within ten minutes of the restart. Tralee began to dominate the set piece, with their scrum, lineout, and maul providing a solid platform.
To their credit, Killarney showed great resolve and refused to let the contest slip away. Two well worked tries brought them back into the game and ensured a tense final quarter. Tralee, however, managed the closing stages with composure, adding two important penalties to steady the ship and maintain control.
When the final whistle sounded, it confirmed a 38–31 victory for Tralee, bringing a thrilling final to a deserved conclusion. Credit must go to both sides for producing an exciting showcase of J1 division 3 rugby, with Tralee recovering well from a difficult start and edging out a strong Killarney side.
Tralee Team – 1. Robbie Murphy (C), 2. Chris Lowe, 3. JJ Hanafin, 4. Ben Quilter, 5. Ronan O’Sullivan, 6. Alastair Hoban, 7. Sean Thompson, 8. Mikey Lyne, 9. Gavin Peevers, 10. Stephen Turner, 11. Leon Tanfin, 12. Gille Ventura, 13. Fionn De Quadros, 14. Dylan Corcoran, 15. Ben Sharp
Finishers – 16. Ben Glavin, 17. Michael Maher, 18. Tom Flavin, 19. Billy Giles, 20. Conor Mannion, 21. Craig Teahan, 22. Tom Healy
Management- David Rusk, Jack Galvin
Coaches – Fionn De Quadros, Cathal Kearney, Ronan O’Sullivan.
