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.
Crusaders AFC 