Oola score dramatic penalty shoot-out win in Limerick U21 ‘A’ football decider:
By Cormac Thompson Limerick Leader Sport
OOLA were crowned Limerick U21 A Football champions after scoring a pulsating 3-2 penalty shoot-out victory over Ballylanders in a nail-biting decider at Adare today, Wednesday.
When the ball was thrown in at 2pm no one could have envisaged that both sets of players would still be on the playing field two hours later as the outcome of the game was only decided after extra time and a dramatic penalty shoot-out.
Two lion-hearted sides had been tied, Oola 1-11, Ballylanders 0-14, at the end of two periods of extra-time.
The opening sequences of this keenly-contested U21 ‘A’ county final were typically cagey with Oola hitting three wides before Shane O’Donoghue slotted the first score of the game for Ballylanders from a free.
Tom Ryan responded before two placed balls, put Ballylanders were quickly back in front. Chris Thomas and Eddie Stokes then doubled up for Oola.
A point for Kevin Maher was followed by a brilliant Fergal O’Connor score to ensure the sides entered the half-time break, tied at 0-5 each.
Ballylanders struck the first score in the second half before the in-form Ryan provided an immediate response for the Oola men.
O’Donoghue struck twice with points before Stokes found the bottom corner of the net for Oola which at that stage looked to be a game defining score.
However, resilient Ballylanders responded with three excellent scores from the boots of Dennehy, O’Donoghue and O’Brien to put them back in the lead.
The drama wasn’t over yet, however, as Stokes tied the scores at the death. It was Oola 1-08 Ballylanders 0-11 with extra time
Shane O’Grady fired Oola to the front in the early seconds of extra-time. Philip O’Sullivan then dropped one over the crossbar for Bally’ which would turn out to be their only score of the half.
Ryan showed brilliant leadership as he struck twice to give Oola a two-point advantage.
Bally’ dominated possession in the second half of half-time and they were rewarded for their industry and endeavour with O’Donoghue and O’Connor finding the space to kick points.
O’Connor’s outside the foot effort guaranteed penalties as after extra-time, with the scoreline reading, Oola 1-11 Ballylanders 0-14.
Ballylanders took an early advantage in the shootout. Some costly misses let their rivals back in, before Shane O’Grady struck the golden penalty for Oola as they emerged victorious from the shootout 3-2.
A thrilling game to bookend the 2023 club scene.