Author: crusadersafc

A trip to Limerick in mid-November. We’ll share more details as we have them confirmed.

Munster Junior Shield – Round 3 – 26/10/25

Tramore AFC 2 – 4 Crusaders AFC

O’Neill (2), O’Connor (2)

As Zak O’Connor slotted the 89th minute penalty to make it 4-2, you could be forgiven for mistaking this as a home win in Graun Park on Sunday morning last. A near-capacity stand stood to recognise the efforts of the men in blue and red, who had come from behind twice to put last year’s Munster Junior Shield finalists to the sword on a crisp October Sunday morning by the sea.

In truth, the game couldn’t have gotten off to a worse start for Crusaders, who found themselves one-down within minutes of the kick-off thanks to a well worked move by the home side. But some choice words from coaches Murphy and Hayes from the line, and soon the free-flowing game that has entertained Whitfield Park throughout 2025 was in evidence, with Odhran O’Donnell and Tommy Smyth in creative moods, and Andrew Richards in spoiler mode.

This pressure soon paid off, and the scores were level 15 minutes later. A training ground move saw the tireless Ben Brophy angle a free kick onto Smyth’s head, and his deft glance put it on a plate for Cian O’Neill to finish.

The remainder of the first half saw both sides have chances, but it was Tramore who struck next, bringing the half to a close at 2-1.

With two good football sides on show, and much of the play on the deck, the sharp sea breeze was causing more problems for the spectators than the players. Indeed, the Crusaders coffee aficianados were still making their way to their seats complete with lattes, cappucinos and hot chocolates when Crusaders next struck to equalise. A calculated clearance from the outside of the boot from the flawless Jordan Wall was chased and calmly slotted away by Zak O’Connor.

Ten minutes later, and Crusaders were in front. Another silky free-kick from Brophy was met by O’Neill, this time glancing over the Tramore keeper for 3-2.

With mere minutes left on the clock, as Odhran was taken down by the soon-to-be-dismissed Tramore keeper, the travelling support coould be certain of a famous victory. Zak brought his haul to two for the day, and calmly celebrated with his typical understated confidence.

Crusaders will now feature in the open draw of this year’s competition, a first for many years at Whitfield, testiment to this fine group of players who have worked hard all year to reach this stage.

Player of the match: A tough call, given the immense performances from 1-11 and from both substitutes over the 90 minutes. However, captain and giant Cian O’Neill just takes the nod for his authoritative defensive prowess on the day, capped with 2 well taken goals.

No jackpot winner again this time around, so the next draw will be for €1,800. This will take place on 4th November.

Our 4C squad bowed out in the prelim-semi final stages tonight, coming up just short against a very well-drilled Villa side who’ll take some stopping. The best of luck to them for the remainder of the season.

After a long, hard season which started back last February, now is the time for our 4th division squad to catch a breath and rest those aching muscles. Analysis of the first season of “summer football”, lessons to be learned and planning for 2026 will start in due course. Until that time, we can be proud of everything achieved this season, and look forward to our end-of-year celebrations on 8th November.

Due to popular demand, Frank The Tank is back on the mic to mark the occasion, and yet again it’s an absolute banger! Click the link below for more.

https://www.facebook.com/reel/25137818115850706

In Carrickbeg on Saturday evening, our 2B side delivered a razor sharp display against the home side, winning by 4 goals to 1. An impossible task to narrow the best displays to a handful of players, with all of the starting XI and all 5 substitutes in perfect harmony from kick off to the final whistle. Specal mention however goes to El Niňo O’Connor with all four clinical finishes. Average rating, 9.5/10.

Our 4th division played out the final fixture before this season’s Division 4 knockout stages, unfortunately succumbing to a skillful Abbeyside team by a single goal. Best for Crusaders were the evergreen attack fronted by David Power and Frank Frampton, balanced with a youthful exhuberance at the back from Walter Power and Gary Kent. Average age, 58.

After Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Kilbarry Rangers, there’s still a lot to play for this season. Though 7 points adrift of the leaders Dungarvan Celtic, there are still 12 points up for grabs before the league eason finishes, and a number of the teams at the summit still need to play each other.

And there’s also the small matter of the Munster Junior Shield next weekend… 🔵🔴⚔️