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Clonmel Celtic kicked off their league campaign with a creditable 2-2 draw away to champions Clonmel Town last night. The fact that these were the first league points dropped by Town in over a year gives some indication of Celtic's achievement. The game started quietly enough with a tame header from Aaaron Moroney that was easily gathered by John Ryan, the only incident of note in the early minutes. The game came to life on 9 minutes when Graham Doyle curled home a superb free kick to give Celtic a surprise lead. Town's response was instant with Moroney forcing a save from John Ryan and Alan Coady should have done better when clean through but he fired tamely at Ryan. On 14 minutes Moroney broke free on the right but David Peters made a vital interception at the expense of a corner. However Town were rocked again on 19 minutes when Stephen Ryan played an unorthodox one two with Eddie Doyle and the latter's superb cross was expertly headed home by Stephen Ryan at the far post. A minute later Paul Kennedy had a shot saved by the Town keeper. You felt that if Celtic could hang on until half time they could record a historic victory but unfortunately this was not to be. On 37 minutes Danny Madigan under pressure brought down Alan Coady and Aaron Moroney fired home the resulting penalty to leave the score 1-2 at the break to Celtic. As expected Town came at Celtic strongly as the second commenced and they were level on 54 minutes when Tony Scully scored a fine free kick. You had to be a bit worried for Celtic now as Town had the momentum. However Celtic responded to the challenge as Danny Madigan dropped deeper to protect his centre halfs and this move seemed to be the turning point of the game. Madigan revelled in his role as he broke up countless Town attacks and for a ten minute period Celtic began to carry more of a threat. Danny Madigan shot wide on 56 minutes. Five minutes later Paul Kennedy broke through but his final effort did not match his fine run as the ball went harmlessly wide. As the game wore on Town took control and forced the pace but Celtic deservedly held on for a precious point. Kenny O'Shea can be well pleased with his first competitive game in charge. Graham Doyle had some sublime touches especially in the first half, Danny Madigan made a huge contribution but the man of the match award must go to Ian McCollum. Playing in an unaccustomed centre half role and marking the most prolific goalscorer in junior football he hardly put a foot wrong. However we must point out that this result means nothing if we don't build on it. I would also like to point out an incident in the second half which suggests that the concept of fair play is alive and well in South Tipperary Junior soccer. Celtic kicked the ball out of play to enable a Town player to receive treatment. When Town returned the ball Celtic didn't gain much of an advantage as they had a throw in deep in their own half. However Paul Scully instructed the Celtic player to throw the ball back to his keeper unchallenged. At a vital point of the game this was an impressive display of sportsmanship by Paul Scully and for this he must be commended. May more follow his example.
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