In a pulsating cup encounter at Clogheen on 9th February 2025, Donohill FC edged past Vee Rovers with a final score of 4-3. The match, which kicked off at 11:30 am, was a rollercoaster of emotions, showcasing both teams' determination and skill as they battled fiercely for a place in the next round of the competition.
Donohill FC set up in a traditional 4-4-2 formation, with Paul Delvin in goal, flanked by a solid back four comprising Alan Shanahan on the right, Darragh Mooney and Alan Wallace in central defence, and Micheal Bradshaw on the left. The midfield was anchored by Denis Cross and David Buckley in central roles, while Aidan Griffin operated on the right and Colm O'Dwyer on the left. Up front, Kevin Fox and William Barry were tasked with leading the line as forwards. This formation allowed for a balanced approach, with width provided by the wingers and a strong central presence in midfield.
The substitutes for Donohill FC included Joe Shanahan and Micheal Buckley, who would later play pivotal roles in the match's outcome.
The match began with a shocking start for Donohill FC as Vee Rovers took the lead just one minute into the game. The early goal set the tone for a tense encounter, with Donohill FC forced to chase the game from the outset.
As the first half progressed, Donohill struggled to find their rhythm, and things took a turn for the worse when Vee Rovers doubled their advantage in the 43rd minute, leaving Donohill FC trailing 2-0 at half-time. The frustration was palpable, and the players knew they had to regroup and come out fighting in the second half.
In a tactical adjustment, Joe Shanahan replaced Aidan Griffin at the break due to injury, adding fresh legs to the midfield. The second half began with renewed vigour from Donohill FC, who were determined to claw their way back into the match.
However, Vee Rovers struck again in the 64th minute, extending their lead to 3-0 and seemingly putting the game beyond reach for Donohill FC. But the home side refused to give in, and the introduction of Shanahan proved to be a turning point.
In the 67th minute, Joe Shanahan scored a crucial goal, igniting hope for Donohill FC and reducing the deficit to 3-1. The momentum shifted, and the team began to press forward with increased urgency.
Just seven minutes later, in the 74th minute, David Buckley found the back of the net, bringing the score to 3-2 and further energising the Donohill supporters.
With time running out, Donohill FC continued to push for an equaliser, and their relentless pursuit paid off when Shanahan scored again in the 86th minute, completing a remarkable comeback to level the match at 3-3.
As the clock ticked down, the tension was palpable, but Donohill FC was not finished yet. In a dramatic finale, Denis Cross scored the winning goal in the 89th minute, sending the home crowd into raptures and sealing a stunning 4-3 victory for Donohill FC.
In the dying moments of the match, Micheal Buckley came on for Alan Shanahan, but the game was already won. The referee, G Maher, blew the final whistle, and Donohill FC celebrated a hard-fought triumph that will be remembered for its thrilling twists and turns. Joe Shanahan's performance, particularly his two goals, earned him the accolade of Player of the Match, highlighting his impact after coming on as a substitute.
