2016/17
Match Reports
July
22nd. W - 3-0. Blackcastle - Division shield Quarter Final
Blackcastle 0-3 Thurles Town
Paul Kirwin (2)
Barry Ryan
Thurles Town kicked off the new season in the worst possible fashion having to play two games in 3 days. First up was a Friday night fixture away to BT Harps in the division shield quarter final. Town had a better opening half having a lot of possession and a number of good opportunity’s but failed to take advantage, mainly due to some fine goalkeeping and a well-marshaled defence, led by Sean McCormack.
But a different town emerged 2nd and didn’t have to wait long for the opener, new signing Paul Kirwin chipping the advancing keeper following great work by Martin Darmody. Paul bagged his 2nd shortly after when he headed home a Liam Mackey cross to put Town two up. It was left to skipper Barry Ryan to seal it late on with a bullet header provided by a pinpoint free kick from Fionn Ryan to send town into a home tie in the semi v Borrisokane.
31st. L - 1-2. Peake Villa - John Delaney Cup QF
Thurles Town 1-2 Peake Villa
Paul Kirwin
This week Town welcomed Peake Villa of the TSDL to the Greyhound Stadium in the quarter final of the John Delaney Cup. Town started brightest and has a great chance in the first 5 minutes when a corner was met by Martin Darmody and his header was well saved by the Villa keeper. Villa, however, had chances of their own on 15 and 22 minutes but were denied on both occasions by town keeper Jim McDonnell in the Town goal. Town should have opened the scoring shortly after when Barry Ryan got on the end of another corner but his effort was just off target.
Thurles were dominant at this point and took the lead in the 26th minute when a wonderfully floated free from Tom Brophy found Paul Kirwan at the back stick and he made no mistake as he powered his header into the far corner. Peake had further chances to level it up but again McDonnell was up to the task in the town goal. The final opportunity of the half fell to Tom Brophy after his excellent free kick from thirty yards was finger tipped around the post by villa keeper Shane Ryan.
The second half would prove to be a much tighter affair but on fifty minutes a big scramble occurred at the edge of Town’s box before the ball fell to Dale Loughnane and his well hit strike hit the back of the net to level the tie. A tight and physical ten minutes passed and on sixty five minutes Villa were awarded a free kick twenty five yards out and up stepped “Pipi” Carroll to curl a brilliant shot into the far corner to leave keeper Jim McDonnell no chance. Town were dealt a huge blow on eighty minutes when they were reduced to ten men for a deserved second bookable offence. Villa made full use of their extra man to keep large amounts of possession and with five minutes remaining would have increased their lead if it wern’t for McDonnell in the Town goal. Town gave all they could to produce an equaliser in the dying stages but it was not to come as Villa comfortably saw out the win. A great game for the 150+ spectators who would not be disappointed by the quality of young (and old!) talent on show.
**24th. W - 6-4. Sallypark - Premier Division**
Barry Ryan (3)
Tom Brophy (2)
Robbie Jordan
Towns second game of the weekend (a mere forty hours later) was an away fixture to Sallypark, a tie that has proved to be a tough one for Town in previous years. The great start saw them race into a 3-0 lead in the first half hour, two excellent goals from Barry Ryan and a 30yard screamer from Tom Brophy. Shortly after town missed a penalty to go 4 up and this is where the game turned on its head. Town gifted Sallpark 2 in 2mins due to defensive mistakes right before halftime. These mistakes continued into the 2nd half and Sallypark took full advantage to race into a 4-3 lead.
Town at this point knew they had to dig deep if they were to get anything from this game. And that they did, Tom Brophy equalizing with a superb strike with 25 mins to go. The two games in such short space of time finally caught up with both teams and was very evident at this point, where every attack almost resulted in a goal. It looked as if the next goal would decide this tie, and true enough up stepped Robbie Jordan, to calmly slot home a pressure penalty with 10 mins remaining. Sallypark threw all they had into attack for the remainder but towns defence held firm and Barry Ryan, to some relief to the away fans, sealed the win with a predatory header in the dying moments. Next up is a highly anticipated home fixture v Peake Villa in the John Delaney Cup Quarter Final. KO 11.30.
**Sallypark Withdraw from Premier League
August
3rd. W - 5-1. Borrisokane - Division Shield Semi Final
Thurles Town 5-1 Borrisokane
Tom Brophy (3)
Paul Kirwin
Barry Ryan
This weekend Town welcomed Borrisokane to the greyhound stadium in this division shield semi final. The early exchanges in this game could have seen either team take the lead if it weren’t for being wasteful in front of goal. This however could not go on all night and it was left to experienced striker Paul Kirwin to show how its done when he placed a Fogarty pass into the top corner on 33 minutes. This sparked town into life and after heavy bouts of pressure a second soon followed when Tom Brophy slide the ball past the advancing keeper following a fine passing move from the town midfield.
The second half saw Borrisokane throw a little more caution to the wind as they attacked in droves and were rewarded when a long range effort was deflected past debutant Graham Loughman in the town goal. The pressure continued but towns defence held firm until Tom Brophy added his second with 15 minutes remaining. Tom completed his hat-trick six minutes later, making it 4-1 when town were awarded a penalty after a foul in the box. Borrisokane still pushed for that second goal which left large gaps at the back and were punished in the dying minutes by a predatory Barry Ryan, tapping into an empty net after being picked out unselfishly by strike partner Tom Brophy. Town now face Nenagh Celtic away in the final on a date yet to be decided.
**20th. W - 4-0. Lough Derg - Premier Division**
Pairic Fogarty
Barry Ryan (2)
Paul Kirwin
This weekend Thurles Town made the journey to Lough Derg looking to keep their 100% record going. Of the two sides the home side made the better start and had a lot of early possession without really troubling the stubborn town defence. Thurles however took the lead against the run of play in the 22nd minute when a Tom Brophy free kick was turned into the net by “Foggy” Fogarty from close range. Town finally found their gear and were unlucky not to increase their lead when Paul Kirwin forced a great save from the Derg keeper on 26 minutes. However the home sides luck was short lived when minutes later Barry Ryan doubled Towns lead with a precision header following another Tom Brophy assist. Derg were on the ropes at this stage and were fortunate to only go in three down at half time, Barry Ryan adding his second with a superb chip over the advancing keeper after a superb pass from center half Ted O Connor.
The second half continued just like the first as town had large spells of both pressure and possession and this paid off in the the 68th minute when Paul Kirwin produced a magnificent chip over the keeper from fifteen yards after beating the offside trap following an assist from skipper Barry Ryan. “Birdie” was unlucky not to secure his hat-trick when he forced not one but two excellent saves form the Lough Derg keeper following great work from Kilkenny man Mikey Comerford. Up next is the Division shield Final v Nenagh with a kick off time of 11.30 next Sunday.
**Lough Derg Withdraw from Premier League
7th. W - 5-1. Ballymackey - Premier Division
Thurles Town 5-1 Ballymackey
Paul Kirwin
Tom Brophy (2)
Barry Ryan (2)
“The Town” were back in action in the league this weekend as they welcomed division one champions Ballymackey to the greyhound stadium knowing nothing less than three points would do in their persuit of table toppers Cloughjordan. Town had a very good opening period with large spells of dominance and were unlucky not to take an early lead when new signing Mikey Comerfort combined with Paul Kirwin who’s shot was tipped over by the Bally keeper. However Town didnt need to wait too much longer for the opening goal when Kirwin finished from close range after great work from strike partners Tom Brophy and Barry Ryan. It was two-nil nine minutes later when Kirwin returned the favor to set up Barry Ryan who finished well from just inside the box. Town increased their lead to three just moments before the half time whistle as Tom Brophy scored what is surly a goal of the season contender as he danced in and out of several challenges and blasted a screamer from twenty five yards to leave the keeper no chance.
The second half saw much of the same from Town as they increased their lead to four-nil on fifty five minutes when Tom Brophy grabbed his second of the game, a curling free kick after Stevie Coppinger was fouled just outside the box. Ballymackey were allowed into the game as town took the foot off the gas and managed to pull a goal back with twenty five minutes remaining. Bally at this point were all over town and would have surly grabbed a second had it not been for goalkeeper Graham Loughman and center half Ted O Connor. Much against the run of play town snatched a fifth late on with Barry Ryan swiveling in the box to place a shot just inside the post.
Team: G Loughman; J Pearson, T O Connor, L Mackey, S Coppinger; M Darmody, M Comerford, M Foley; T Brophy, P Kirwin, B Ryan. Subs Used – L Jordan, F Ryan, R Jordan.
28th. W - 3-2. Nenagh Celtic - Division Shield Final
Nenagh Celtic 2-3 Thurles Town
Martin Darmody
September
11th. W - 3-0. Cloughjordan - Premier Division
Cloughjordan 0-3 Thurles Town
Micheal Foley
Liam Hickey (2)
This week Town made the trip to Cloughjordan in the hope of maintaining their 100% record knowing a victory was hugely important to close the gap on leaders Roscrea United. In very strong winds Clough would have taken the lead after four minutes if it wasn’t for keeper Graham Loughman, who did well to beat away a shot from distance. Town however recovered in the best possible manner by going straight down the pitch and taking the lead through Micheal Foley, who swept a Mikey Comerfort pass into the net from ten yards. Clough were on the ropes three minutes later as town doubled their lead when debutant Eoghan Vaughan set up Liam Hickey to find the top corner with a powerful shot from the edge of the box. It was all Town during this period and didnt need to wait long to get a third, six minutes to be precise, when a wayward clearance fell to Liam Hickey 30 yards out who volleyed past a stunned keeper, definitely a goal of the season contender.
With well over two thirds of the game still to go it was looking bleak for Clough and were lucky to get to half time with out further increase in the score line. With the wind picking up in the second half set pieces would prove to be Cloughs best chance of getting back in the game, and certainly would have if it wasn’t for keeper Loughman and the central pairing of Ted O Connor and Arron Ryan. Town created a number of chances but were unlucky not to increase their lead further, Barry Ryan, “Foggy” Fogarty and Mikey Comerford coming closest. Always a tricky journey to Cloughjordan, Town should be delighted to have dominated such a good team for large periods and more importantly leave with maximum points.
Best for Town – Stevie Coppinger, Graham Loughman, Paraic Fogarty and Eoghan Vaughan.
25th. W - 7-0. Ballymackey - Munster Junior Cup 1st Rd.
Thurles Town 7-0 Ballymackey
Eoghan Vaughan (4)
Liam Hickey
Barry Ryan (2)
Attention this week turned to the First round of the Munster Junior Cup first round as Town welcomed fellow premier Division team Ballymackey to the Greyhound Stadium. Town made their intentions clear from the very first whistle with good possession play and nearly a perfect start when skipper Barry Ryan almost converting a Micheal Foley pass. However, Town didn’t have to wait long after for the opener, Eoghan Vaughan smashing a superb volley into the top corner following a Martin Darmody through ball. Shortly after Barry Ryan doubled Towns lead with a close range finish after great work by fellow striker Eoghan Vaughan. Chances were kept to a minimum at the other end with Town keeper Davy Coppinger very little to do, largely down to central pairing of Ted O Connor and Jimmy Pearson. Just before the half Eoghan Vaughan added his second with a smart finish from close range.
The second half was to get a lot worse for the away side as Vaughan completed his hat-trick five minutes after the restart, slotting past the keeper just inside the box. Ballymackey came closest to getting on the score-sheet after the hour mark but were denied by a brave double block by left back Stevie Coppinger just yards from goal. Four minutes later Eoghan Vaughan grabbed his fourth of the afternoon with a well timed run and finish, a show of master-class on his home debut. It was all one way traffic at this stage and Town were to show no mercy with a further two goals in four minutes, the first a cool finish from Liam Hickey (his third in two games). The second a “Birdy” Ryan trademark finish from close range following great work from Robbie Jordan. The home side were unlucky not to have scored a few more in the dying stages but for a defiant Bally defence.
Best for town – Eoghan Vaughan, Davy Coppinger, Barry Ryan & Liam Hickey. Towns reward is a second round home tie against Moneygall FC.
October
9th. W- 3-1Pens, 2-2 AET,Wilderness- Fai Junior Cup Rd 2
Wilderness 2-2 Thurles Town (AET 1-3 on Pens)
Barry Ryan
Clonmel was the destination for Thurles this weekend for this FAI Junior Cup 2nd round tie verses South Tipp division 2 outfit, Wilderness Rovers. The opening exchanges belonged to the home side in which they would have taken the lead if it wasn’t for Town keeper Davy Coppinger who palmed an in-swinging free-kick over the bar. He was however, unable to keep out “The Wildies” on the half hour mark when an unstoppable shot from twenty five yards flew past him after great build up play from the Wilderness midfield.
Town finally came to life following this setback and managed to claw themselves level ten minutes later when a pinpoint cross from Liam Hickey was turned into the net from close range by Eoghan Vaughan, adding to his already impressive strike rate. Town continued to push for a second but were denied on several occasions by some last ditch tackles by the wilderness defence.
The second half proved to be a much tighter affair and chances were few and far between, the pick of them coming in the final stages when gaps appeared as both teams were pushing for a winner. However it was not to be and to add extra time it went. Four minutes in Town took the lead when Eoghan Vaughan was taken down in the area and it was left to his strike partner Barry Ryan to calmly slot home the spot kick. Both teams were out on their feet at this point as both sides were running on empty, but yet they were not to be separated as wilderness snatched a late equalizer, a free header from a dubious free kick in injury time.
So to the lottery of penalties and Town keeper Davy Coppinger proved to be the hero, saving two penalties to perfectly cap off his man of the match display in normal time. Scorers for Town were Barry Ryan, Liam Hickey and Robbie Jordan to secure a home tie verses Cahir Park in the next round.
30th. W - 2-0. Cahir Park - Fai Junior cup 3rd round.
Thurles Town 2-0 Cahir Park
Barry Ryan (2)
Thurles Town hosted South Tipp side Cahir Park in this FAI tie. Thurles started on the front foot when Eoghan Vaughan’s effort went narrowly wide in the opening minute. Thurles kept up the pressure and had a deserved lead after 10 minutes when a cross from the right was met by Barry Ryan who headed past the keeper from 10 yards. Thurles kept the pressure up and were unlucky not to go further ahead on a few occasions only for a in form Cahir keeper. Cahir had a good spell 10 minutes before the half but were reduced to shots from distance which never troubled Graeme Loughman in goals .
Thurles continued to press forward in the second half and got a well deserved second goal when Ted O’Connor set up Barry Ryan for his second goal with a volley into the top corner. Thurles pressed for a third goal and Barry Ryan was very unlucky not to have his hat trick when a great solo run ended with a great shot hitting the underside of the crossbar. Thurles saw out the game in a comfortable manner and can now look forward to a home draw to Tipperary Town FC in the 4th round .
23rd. W - 9-0. Moneygall - Munster Junior Cup 2nd Round.
Thurles Town 9-0 Moneygall
Barry Ryan (2)
Eoghan Vaughan
Stevie Coppinger
Paul Kerwin (3)
o.g.
Ted O Connor
Moneygall were the visitors to the greyhound stadium for this rearranged Munster Junior cup tie. The home side quickly stamped their authority on the game with some quick flowing football through Michael Foley, Stevie Coppinger and Robbie Jordan. As a result Town didn’t have to wait long for the opener when striker Eoghan Vaughan finished neatly from close range after six minutes. Four minutes later Barry Ryan doubled the lead following a through ball from the energetic Michael Foley. Stevie Coppinger put the game beyond the visitors when he added a third on the half hour mark with a stunning strike into the top corner from just inside the box.
The second half continued just as the first with Town number one Davy Coppinger virtually a spectator in the goal, largely down to Michael Byrne and Arron Ryan and midfielder Liam Hickey. The home side increased their lead early in the the second half with a further three goals in twelve minutes through a Barry Ryan penalty, an unfortunate own goal and a powerful finish from Paul Kerwin. Centre-half Ted O Connor added his first goal of the season sandwiched in between two further Paul Kerwin goals, who completed his hat-trick in a little over fifteen minutes, his third an impressive finish from ten yards.
Best for for town – Michael Byrne, Paul Kerwin and Stevie Coppinger.
November
6th. W - 5-2. Borrisokane - Premier Division
Borrisokane 2-5 Thurles Town
Micheal Byrne
Barry Ryan (3)
Thurles started the second half much better and had a deserved third goal on 50 Minutes when Barry Ryan headed home from 10 yards. 10 minutes later a quick corner resulted in Stevie Coppinger getting taken down in the box for a penalty. Barry Ryan tucked away the penalty to leave Thurles in a good position. Credit to Borrisokane they stayed pushing to get back in the game and got a second goal when a corner kick wasn’t cleared and got bundled into the back of the net. Thurles responded straight away and Ted O Connor set up Barry Ryan who volleyed home from 12 yards to complete his hat trick and give him his 20th goal of the season. Thurles saw out the game and will be happy to come away with 3 pts from a venue which has proved to be very difficult for some teams this season .
21st. W - 3-1. Tipperary Town - FAI Junior Cup 4th Round.
Thurles Town 3-1 Tipperary Town
Barry Ryan (2)
Micheal Foley
Tipperary Town were the visitors to the Greyhound stadium this week in this Fai Junior Cup 4th Round already knowing a tough away trip to Cork outfit Middleton awaited the winners. Tipperary started the brightest and could have opened the scoring twice in the first five minutes if it wasn’t for town keeper Graham Loughman, who made two magnificent saves from close range. This sparked Town into life and Paul Kirwin came close following a great run and pass from midfielder Pairic “Foggy” Fogarty. However, Town did break the deadlock five minutes later, when captain Barry Ryan blasted into the roof of the net from ten yards to send the large home supporters wild. Town went two up shortly after when Paul Kirwin was fouled just inside the box and Barry Ryan calmly placed the resulting penalty past the visiting keeper. It was all Town at this stage, but against the run of play Tipperary managed to claw a goal back after thirty six minutes. This rallied the away side for a few minutes but this was short lived as Town midfielder Micheal Foley made it 3-1, looping a spectacular header into the top corner from fifteen yards following an Eoghan Vaughan corner.
The second half saw a different Tipperary side emerge who had large spells of pressure but Thurles managed to keep them limited to long range efforts and set pieces, largely down to the center back pairing of Ted O Connor and Arron Ryan. Town also had limited chances but they did come close to making it four late on when striker Eoghan Vaughan forced a brilliant save from the Tipperary keeper. Next week town turn their attention to the league, where they welcome Roscrea United to the Greyhound stadium and in the process aim to keep up their 100% record and close the gap on league leaders Nenagh Celtic. Kick off is 11am.
13th. W - 4-0 Cloughjordan - Munster Junior Cup 3rd Rd.
Cloughjordan 0-4 Thurles Town
Paul Kirwin (2)
Barry Ryan
The second half wasn’t as exciting as the first. Some great defending throughout the Thurles team ensured another clean sheet. Eoghan Vaughan was very unlucky not to get a 5th for Thurles only for a great save. Thurles can now look forward to a place in the last 32. Next weekend Town host Tipperary Town in the 4th round of the FAI junior cup. All support for this would be greatly appreciated . Kick off is 11am the Greyhound Stadium.
27th. W - 4-1. Roscrea Town - Premier league
Thurles Town 4-1 Roscrea Town
Barry Ryan (3)
Liam Hickey
Manager Bub Byrnes and his side welcomed local rivals Roscrea Town to the greyhound stadium this weekend in a bid to continue their 100% league record. The early exchanges belonged to the home side and deservedly took the lead on six minutes when Paul Kerwin created the opening for Barry Ryan to slot past the advancing keeper from ten yards. Roscrea had a great chance ten minutes later and would certainly have scored if it wasn’t for a truly magnificent save from town keeper Graham Loughman. Minutes before the break Barry Ryan gave his side a two goal cushion when he calmly finished an inch perfect through ball from Martin Darmody.
The restart produced some nervous spells for Thurles but the defense, marshalled by former Roscrea man Aaron Ryan, held firm. That was, until the visitors were awarded a penalty with fifteen minutes remaining following a dubious foul in the box, Brian Franks converting the spot kick. Roscrea’s celebrations were short lived however, when with the very next attack, Town had their own chance from the spot when Paul Kerwin was fouled in the box. Up stepped Barry Ryan to convert for his hat trick and secure a vital three points in the clubs quest for a league title. Liam Hickey rounded off the scoring in the dying stages when he smashed home a shot from the edge of the box following his superb run from the halfway line. Roscrea can count themselves unlucky as the score line did not reflect their efforts and great play throughout the game. Next week Town turn their attention to the 5th round of the FAI Cup, a tough away trip to Cork side, Middleton FC. Kick off is 2pm at Knockgriffin Park, Midelton.
December
4th. W - 2-0 Cloughjordan - Fai Junior Cup 5th Round.
Midleton FC 0-2 Thurles Town
Paul Kirwin
Midleton had a rare chances to score just minutes after the restart but were denied by a magnificent save by Graham Loughman in the town goal. Ten Minutes later Town had their best chance when Pairic “Foggy” Fogarty rattled the Midleton crossbar with a stunning strike from just outside the box. With all their dominance one would have been forgiven for thinking Town would not manage to get the breakthrough and this tie may head into extra time. But the Town strike-force had other ideas, when with ten minutes remaining, Paul Kirwin was put through by Liam Hickey, and his cross was dispatched to the net by Barry Ryan with a diving header from six yards to sent the away dugout and fans wild. Midleton had to go all out for an equalizer but were frustrated by a very solid and compact back four comprising of Liam Hickey, Micheal Byrnes, Arron Ryan and Stevie Coppinger. This in turn left Midleton open at the back and were punished when Paul Kirwin capitalized on a defensive mix up to tap into an unguarded net to make it two nil and secure Towns place in the next round.
Everyone at the club is saddened to hear of the untimely death of Kevin Fogarty of Templetuohy. The Fogarty family have a long association with football in North Tipperary and we offer our sincere condolences and sympathies to the family and friends of Kevin Fogarty. May he rest in Piece. As a Mark of Respect all North Tipperary Games next weekend are postponed.
18th. W - 5-0 Ballymackey - Premier League.
Ballymackey 0-5 Thurles Town
Paul Kirwin
Barry Ryan (3)
The second half started in similar fassion to the first when inside 50 seconds Liam Hickey set Barry Ryan through on goal and his shot from a tight angle 20 yards from goal flew into the bottom corner to give him his hat-trick. 5 minutes later it was 5 when Paul Kerwin and Barry linked up excellently and Barry sent Eoghan Vaughan through on goals, he mad no mistake in firing to the back of the net from 15 yards. Stevie Coppinger was very unlucky not to add a 6th after a brilliant solo run down the left resulted in his shot going right across the goal line.Thurles passed around the ball very well for the remainder of the game and only for the crossbar on 3 separate occasions denying Barry Ryan, Paul Kerwin and Mickey Commeford could have been further ahead. A good performance throughout the team. Thurles go into the Christmas break with the 100% record in all competitions still intact. It will be a big January with important league , FAI and Munster games to come.
January
8th. W - 2-1. Bt Harps - Premier league
Thurles Town 2-1 BT Harps
Paul Kerwin
Pairic Fogarty
22nd. W - 4-1 Shannon Hibs - Munster Junior Cup 4th Rd.
Shannon Hibs 1-4 Thurles Town
Whatever manager Bub Byrnes said at half time worked as it only took Town three minutes to regain the lead as centre half Arron Ryan rose highest in the box to find the net following a superb Paul Kerwin assist Town did not have it all their own way at times and had to rely on keeper Graham Loughman to make vital saves on two occasions.
However the tie was virtually over past the hour as Aidan “Roxy” Keenan hit two goal in five minutes, the second an exceptional strike from just inside the box following great work from “Foggy” Fogarty and Eoghan Vaughan. Next week Town turn their attention to the Tipperary Cup with a tough trip away to Cloughjordan. Kick off – 12pm.
14th. L - 1-4 Crumlin Utd - FAI Junior Cup 6th Round.
Crumlin United 4-1 Thurles Town
14th. W - 5-1 Cloughjordan- Tipperary Cup 2nd Round.
Cloughjordan 1-5 Thurles Town
The second half started perfect for Thurles when they raced into a 3-1 lead before the hour mark with two well taken goals from striking partners “Roxy” Keenan and Paul Kerwin. Five minutes later Clough had their best opportunity to claw their way back into the game but were again denied when Man of the Match Graham Loughman saved a well struck penalty kick, “Foggy” bravely clearing the scrappy rebound. The game was effectively over shorty after when Micheal Foley scored twice in six minutes to make it 5-1, both great goals but the second especially, a neat chip from the edge of the box which left the home keeper grasping at thin air. Clough still had their chances late on but were denied more than once by defenders Colm Jimmy Pearson and Martin Darmody. Facing the elements and a very strong home side this could be considered a major turning point in Towns quest for some more silverware (having already secured the Divisional Shield) following some below par performances of late. Next Sunday Town are back to league action where they face Borrisokane at home in the Greyhound Stadium. Kick-Off 11.30am.
February
5th. W - 8-0. Borrisokane - Premier league
Thurles Town 8-0 Borrisokane
Barry Ryan (4)
Aidan Keenan (2)
Eoghan Vaughan
Martin Darmody
He was however helpless early in the second half when Eoghan Vaughan made it three following an exceptional run and cross from Paul Kerwin. Martin Darmody got in on the act shortly after to crown his superb performance. The fifth came curiosity of top scorer Barry Ryan following great play from midfield duo Pairic Fogarty and Micheal Foley. With twenty minutes remaining Barry grabbed his hat-trick in style with a powerful finish from close range which left the keeper no chance. Town keeper Graham Loughman, virtually a spectator at this stage, watched his side go seven up as a Liamy Mackey corner was buried to the net by in-form striker “Roxy” Keenan, his second of the game. Barry Ryan capped a magnificent personal and team performance when he snatched his fourth in the dying stages following great work down the right hand side by Robbie Jordan and Jimmy Pearson. Next sunday Town play in the Ricky Fogarty Cup when they make the tough trip to Roscrea, a 2.30pm kick off.
19th. L - 0-2. Pike Rovers - Munster Junior Cup 5th Round
Thurles Town 0-2 Pike Rovers
Limerick giants Pike Rovers were the visitors to the greyhound stadium this weekend as both teams looked to advance into the last eight of the Munster Junior Cup. Town knew that if they were to keep their extraordinary cup run going they would require a monumental performance on the day to eliminate one of the favourites to lift the cup. In what was a very cautious opening period to the game chances for both side were kept to a minimum. That was however until the twentieth minute when pike produce a flowing move as a cutback from the end-line found an unmarked John Connery who found the net from fifteen yards via a deflection. This in turn forced town into action and six minutes later town almost produced an equaliser as Eoghan Vaughan came close as his neat chip went inches past the post. Pike were looking vulnerable at this point and were forced to clear a Paul Kerwin header off the line when he beat the onrushing keeper to a Martin Darmody set piece. Pike came close to adding their second when on thirty-five minutes Graham Loughman was called upon to make two point blank saves following some neat play from the Pike Rovers forward line.
The restart produced Towns best chance to get back in the game as Paric Fogarty made an opening for Eoghan Vaughan who unfortunately lifted the ball over both keeper and crossbar. Things got worse for Town shorty after when Pike made it two nil when Cian Collins rounded the helpless Loughman in the goal, a bitter blow for the home side and its impressive support. This was a huge setback for manager Noel Byrnes and his side who for large periods of the half were were restricted to only half chances, largely down to the impressive Pike Rovers centre half patrick Mullins. Town did come close in the dying stages when a Paul Kerwin header struck a post but as throughout the game that little bit of luck that is sometime needed on a cup run eluded the home side.
12th. W - 3-2 Roscrea Town - Ricky Fogarty Cup 1/4 Final.
Roscrea 2-3 Thurles Town (aet)
Town made the short journey to Roscrea this weekend for this Ricky Fogarty Cup Quarter Final clash with Nenagh Celtic awaiting the winners in the semi-final. In what was a very scrappy and physical opening half hour Town had the better of play and forced the home goalkeeper into some good saves, most notably Paul Kerwin and Aidan “Roxy” Keenan. Towns excellent back four of Bryne, O Connor, Ryan and Darmody restricted the home side to long range efforts and set pieces for the entirety of the half. Roscrea almost made it to half time at 0-0 but former player Paul Kerwin had other ideas, putting Thurles ahead with a cool finish from an excellent pass from Eoghan Vaughan.
Town managed to double their lead six minutes into the restart when a corner was flicked on by Pairic Fogarty for center half Ted O Connor who buried into the net from three yards. The home side continued to battle and got their just rewards when they pulled one back ten minutes later when a deflected free kick left goalkeeper Graham Loughman helpless. This sparked the Roscrea side into life and having come close on a few occasions previous, they finally clawed themselves level with ten minutes remaining to force the tie into extra time.
Both sides were visibly shattered at this point and most likely the next score would probably settle the tie. This came three minutes into extra time in the form of Eoghan Vaughan, who cut in on the left-hand side and curled a right footed screamer into the top corner from twenty-five yards, a truly magnificent goal.
Next Sunday Town welcome Limerick side Pike Rover in the Munster Junior cup 5th Round. Kick-off is 2pm in the Greyhound Stadium.
26th. W - 4-2. Nenagh Celtic - Premier league
Thurles Town 4-2 Nenagh Celtic
Martin Darmody
Aidan Keenan
Micheal Byrnes
Eoghan Vaughan
Nenagh Celtic were the visitors to the greyhound stadium this weekend for this Premier League six pointer. The away side realistically needed a win to have any hope of retaining their title whereas Thurles, sitting in third place, needed a win to leapfrog both nenagh and leaders BT Harps and take a major step in securing league glory. Town managed a dream start when just seven minutes in, Martin Darmody looped a magnificent free kick over the helpless keeper from just out-side the box. This clearly rattled the away side who almost conceded a second ten minutes later from another free kick, this time Aiden “Roxy” Keenan powered a low shot against a post. However, Roxy’s despair soon turned to joy when five minutes later he did find the net to put town two goals to the good, a superb left footed strike from twenty-five yards out. In what was a tough opening half due to the very poor weather conditions, both sides to their credit played good football and Nenagh came close to pulling to pulling one back just before the break when they struck the post with a Jimmy Hynes header, a timely warning to town that this game was far from over.
The second half saw Celtic throw a bit more at the home defence and would surely have scored had it not been for a point blank save by Keeper Graham Loughman, and minutes later Ted O Connor with a brave block just yards from goal. Shortly after against the run of play Town did make it 3-0, courtesy of Micheal Byrnes, a sweet strike from an acute angle. Town were back in their stride at this point and with just over a half an hour remaining Eoghan Vaughan made it four when he beat the offside trap to round the oncoming keeper and tap into an empty net. Nenagh did manage to pull back two late goals, both penalties, but town defended magnificently to ensure that’s all they got and more importantly see out the game to secure the three points. Manager Noel Byrnes was said to be delighted after the game which leaves his side just one win away from a glorious first title in the club’s history. Next Sunday Town get the chance to clinch the Title when they make the tough trip to Roscrea, an 11.30am kick off.
March
10th. W - 3-0 Roscrea Town - Premier League.
Roscrea 0-3 Thurles Town
Town claimed their first NTDL Title in forty years with a brilliant performance away to a tough Roscrea town outfit last friday night. The away side started well and were unfortunate not to take the lead five minutes in when a superb header from Micheal Foley rebounded off the crossbar. Minutes later Town did open the scoring when a Stevie Coppinger cross was headed into the net by Aidan Keenan. Twenty minutes in Town were two up when Micheal Foley tapped home from close range following a great save by the Roscrea keeper. The home side had two good opportunities to get back into the game before half time but were denied by Graham Loughman in the town goal.
25th. L- 2-2 (3-4 on Pens) Roscrea T - Tipp Cup Q-Final
Roscrea 2-2 Thurles Town (AET, 4-3 On Pens)
Thurles Town returned to the ground where they took their first Premier Division title just two weeks previous in this Tipperary Cup Quarter Final. Roscrea started brightest and were quickly rewarded when they raced into a one-nil lead with just minutes on the clock. This Woke Town up a bit and were level shortly after when Micheal Foley picked the ball up in his own half, beat three players and smashed a thunderous shot from thirty yards which the goalkeeper could only fingertip into the net, most certainly one of the goals of the season. The away supporters thought this may be a turning point for Thurles but it seemed they were suffering from a bit of a “Trophy hangover”, which saw Roscrea take full advantage, playing the better football for large periods. And their reward came in the form of a second goal in the twenty-third minute following a messy scramble in the box. Town were fortunate not to concede a third shortly before the half only for a couple of great saves from goalkeeper Graham Loughman.
The second half continues just as the first in many ways with Roscrea keeping good possession, creating chances and defending resiliently when called upon. Town howeved did come back more into the game when the home side were reduced to ten men as they suffered an injury and they had no more substitutes available. This was a bitter blow for Roscrea and things got worse for them fifteen minutes from the end as Town pulled level for the second time when Barry Ryan converted from close range following a Martin Darmody corner. Both sides had further chances in the dying minutes but were denied by two in-form keepers, the best chance for Thurles falling to Eoghan Vaughan.
Extra time began with a more determined look to Thurles, who created a number of good openings within the twenty minutes but despite lots of possession were unable to turn it into goals. So to separate the sides the lottery of penalties was required, Roscrea coming out on top by four goals to three, a bitterly disappointing way to lose for the away side, but Roscrea to their credit deserved it a lot more.
19th. W - 3-0. Cloughjordan - Premier league
Thurles Town 3-0 Cloughjordan
Thurles Town Awarded A 3-0 Win.
April
2nd. W - 3-0. BT Harps - Premier league
Thurles Town 3-0 Bt Harps
Thurles Town Awarded A 3-0 Win.
14th. W - 4-0 Nenagh Celtic - Premier Division
Thurles Town 4-0 Nenagh Celtic
Thurles completed their record-breaking league campaign last night with an emphatic win versus last year’s champions Nenagh Celtic. Town also created another piece of history for themselves as the completed the season with a 100% record, something which hasn’t been done in the NTDL since Nenagh Town managed it in 1986 and in 2008. Club Captain Barry Ryan finished his season in style with an impressive hat-trick, making it 19 league goals and 35 in total for the season. Eoghan Vaughan finished off his first season with the club in style with a great fourth goal.
In what was a remarkable season, Thurles Town managed 49 goals and conceded only 7 goals (4 of which were penalties) all season, something one would assume, will not be bettered for quite some time.
9th. L - 0-2 Nenagh Celtic - Ricky Fogarty Cup Semi Final
Nenagh Celtic 2-0 Thurles Town
League Table
| Pos | Club | P | W | D | L | F | A | GD | Pts |
| 1 | Thurles Town | 12 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 49 | 7 | 42 | 36 |
| 2 | BT Harps | 12 | 7 | 2 | 3 | 30 | 25 | 5 | 23 |
| 3 | Nenagh Cel | 12 | 7 | 1 | 4 | 35 | 19 | 16 | 22 |
| 4 | Cloughjordan | 12 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 35 | 34 | 1 | 15 |
| 5 | Roscrea | 12 | 4 | 2 | 6 | 31 | 34 | -3 | 14 |
| 6 | Borrisokane | 12 | 2 | 2 | 8 | 28 | 50 | -22 | 8 |
| 7 | Ballymackey | 12 | 0 | 2 | 10 | 18 | 57 | -39 | 2 |
| 8 | Sallypark * | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 9 | Lough Derg * | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
*Lough Derg & Sallypark withdraw from the league