Billy Cronin’s Munster side claimed the Michael Ward trophy today after a thrilling battle with the Leinster Senior League at Turner’s Cross on 21/09/’08. Douglas Hall’s Seamus Long scored the winning goal after 75 minutes to ensure that the Michael Ward trophy stays in Munster for the second year in a row.

Munster Senior League   1 - 0   Leinster Senior League
Seamus Long 75

Leinster who only needed a draw to claim the title , due to their superior goal difference started well but they failed to create any clear-cut chances in a tentative first half against Munster at Turner’s Cross.

Both sides were down to ten men mid-way through the first half. Referee Finbarr Murphy showed two yellow cards to Leinster’s Ray Whelehan and later Munster’s Ray O’Leary for foul play.

The game burst into life after 65 minutes when Munster’s Ken Howey burst down the left wing and beat two defenders before being brought down in the box by Crumlin United’s Paul McCabe. Chris Mason in Leinster’s goal produced a marvellous save with his feet to keep the game level from Willie Byrne’s penalty kick.

Seamus Long scored the winner after 73 minutes; a breaking ball fell to the Douglas Hall defender at the edge of the area. He controlled well and burst into the box and poked the ball past Mason in Leinster’s goal to ensure victory for the Munster men.

Billy Cronin’s Munster side hung on for a memorable victory in Turners Cross to ensure that they claim the FAI intermediate inter-league cup for a second year in a row. The victory ensures Munster’s third inter-league title since the competition was started in 1994.

Ulster Defeat Connacht

In today’s other game, Ulster claimed a 3-1 win over Connacht who are appearing in the FAI Intermediate inter-league for the very first time. Neil Lloyd returned from suspension for Ollie Horgan’s side and he scored the opening goal mid-way through the first half.

Ulster extended their lead later on when they were awarded two penalties in the space of ten minutes. Ronan Coyle scored from the spot kick after 50 minutes before Stephen O’Donnell wrapped up the victory after 60 minutes from the penalty spot.

Connacht pulled one back through Mick Duffy with ten minutes remaining which was Connacht’s first ever goal in the FAI Intermediate inter-league cup.

FAI Intermediate Inter-League Cup results - Season 2008/’09
Friday 19th September, 2008 
Connacht Football Association 0-7 Leinster Senior League             
O’Shea Park, Blarney

Ulster Senior League 0-4 Munster Senior League
Turners Cross

Saturday 20th September, 2008 
Leinster Senior League 2-0 Ulster Senior League
Avondale Park

Munster Senior League 3-0 Connacht Football Association      
Casement Park

Sunday, 21st September, 2008 
Connacht Football Association 1-3 Ulster Senior League
Casement Park

Munster Senior League 1-0 Leinster Senior League                 
Turners Cross

FAI Intermediate Inter-League Cup 2008/’09

League Table