Kilkenny Soccer: Evergreen take the spoils in Maher Shield Final derby

Second half goals from Mikey Clifford and David Grincell saw Evergreen snatch the Maher Shield from last season’s winners, Freebooters in a tight final in Thomastown on Saturday evening.

The best chances of the opening half fell Evergreen's way as Andrew Wall and Mikey Clifford were both denied by the woodwork.

Clifford would eventually break the deadlock though. Just past the hour mark, he cut in from the left and a right footed a bullet into the bottom corner (1-0).

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The lead was doubled just ten minutes later as David Grincell showed great skill and movement to open up space and shot home from four yards. (2-0)

'Booters weren't helped by the loss of David Rice and Jim Ryan to first half injuries on the night, whose absences were greatly felt as the game progressed.

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Both sides had chances to win the match over the 90 minutes but it was the men from the Kells Road who took the bragging rights over their city neighbours. 

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Half Time and it’s all square. Two very good teams but the best chances have fallen our way. Andrew Wall and Mikey Clifford both denied by the woodwork. @EvergreenFC 0-0 @FreebootersAfc #Mahershieldfinal pic.twitter.com/rlcqzQZzLJ

— Evergreen FC (@EvergreenFC) March 15, 2025