The new ‘top of the range’ all-weather pitch in Ringsend played host to yet another successful Noel Fox tournament.

Seven local teams and our guest team from Ballymun battled it out for the €1000 voucher sponsored by Sarah Ryan of Fianna Fáil.

The first quarter-final saw defending champions Vintage Docklands take on St Pat’s (B). For the first 45 minutes of this match. Vintage clearly dominated and only one goal was scored.

After a half-time lashing by Pat’s manager, Anto Owens, Pat’s sprang to life in the second period and forced extra time. Pat’s then scored early in the opening minutes with no reply from the Vintage, so it was Pat’s who claimed the first semi-final.

Our second quarter saw a lively-looking guest team, St Pat’s, take on Markievicz Bath, and it was Mark’s who came through as winners after they refused to let their opposition play ball.

Next up was a very weak-looking Ringsend Rovers team taking on St Pat’s CY(C) side. Right from kick-off, Pats were on a mission as they strolled to a comfortable 3:0. In fairness to Rovers, they came out of the traps well in the second half but they were no match for Pat’s.

The last quarter was between Liffey Pearse and Bridge United. Some fancied the mighty Liffeys to run up a cricket score but it was Bridge who played with pride and passion only to get out on a late penalty.

The draw was made for the semis and the two Pat’s teams avoided each other with up first Bath Mark’s taking on an improved Pat’s side, but as early as the fifth minute they fell two goals behind and worse came as they were reduced to ten men after a dismissal. Bath went on to come out 3:1 winners and reach their first final.

The last semi-final was Liffey Pearse against St Pat’s (C). Plenty of people predicted that the winner here would go on to lift the cup. In the event it was Liffey Pearse who won but only narrowly.

So the scene was set, Liffey v Mark’s final, a Pearse Street derby with Liffeys going into the game as strong favourites and it was Liffeys who settled best, playing lovely flowing football.

Liffey’s first chance came from goalkeeper Brian Whelan with a massive kick-out which caught Bath’s defence napping and James Bradshaw’s rushed effort failed to break the deadlock. Both Steven Ryan and Bradshaw had more chances up to the break but squandered all.

The second half was much the same as the first– chances wasted by both sides. David O’Neill of Bath had possibly the ‘chance of the game’ on the 65th minute, but was denied by possibly the best goalkeeper in the area, Mr Whelan himself.

At this stage, the game started to get stretched and in fairness to Liffeys they looked the fitter team, especially Bradshaw who was a menace to Bath’s back four. Another day he could have easily had a hat-trick but credit also to Sean Basel who did his best to keep his team in the 95 minutes.

With the first half of extra time in play, Bath’s tiredness kicked in and a bad back pass saw Bradshaw run on to it and make it, no mistake this time, 1:0. As Bath pushed and pushed, the gaps appeared in their defence.

Dean Kinsella was robbed after his quality chested control effort thundered off the post. But it was Mick Murphy who stole the show as he lobbed the keeper from 40 yards to give Liffeys yet another title.
Congratulations to all involved.

Above: The winners!
Right: The Noel Fox trophy in good hands.