Temple Villa FC welcomed Killcullen FC to Moate on 27 September 2025 for a cup home match that kicked off at 12:30pm. Over the course of a 60-minute contest plus added time, Temple Villa FC delivered a commanding performance, running out 7-0 winners in a one-sided affair.
Temple Villa lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, deploying Sam Mellet in goal. The defensive line featured James Dullea at right back, Dan Dwyer and Tiernan O’Shaughnessy as central defenders, and Cian Buckley on the left. In midfield, Oliver Cooney and Darragh Nee operated as the two holding central midfielders tasked with both breaking up play and initiating attacks. Ahead of them, the attacking trio consisted of Reuben Davis on the right, Christopher Coyle centrally as the attacking midfielder, and Tom Adamson on the left, all supporting lone striker Andrew Fitzpatrick. The substitutes available were James O’Grady, Luke McCrossan, Harry Donlon, Ryan Mahon, and James Henson.
The match burst into life early on when Andrew Fitzpatrick opened the scoring in the fifth minute. Reuben Davis delivered a precise cross into the box, which Fitzpatrick expertly finished with his right foot from close range. This early goal set the tone for what was to become a dominant display by Temple Villa.
Despite an offside call against Fitzpatrick in the 15th minute, which was later deemed incorrect, Killcullen FC struggled to gain any foothold in the game. Shortly after, two substitutions were made simultaneously in the 19th minute: James O’Grady replaced Christopher Coyle in midfield, while Luke McCrossan came on for James Dullea at right back, signalling a tactical refresh.
Oliver Cooney tested the opposition with a wide attempt in the 20th minute, showing intent to stretch the play. Just a minute later, Temple Villa doubled their advantage when Tom Adamson tapped in a close-range finish following another excellent cross from Reuben Davis. Davis then had a shot saved in the 22nd minute but quickly made amends by scoring in the 24th minute. Assisted by a short pass from Fitzpatrick, Davis slotted home a tap-in with his right foot.
The goals kept coming as Andrew Fitzpatrick grabbed his second of the match in the 26th minute, converting a close-range tap-in after a neat short pass from Adamson. Darragh Nee’s wide effort in the 28th minute was off target, but it was clear Temple Villa’s attacking threat was relentless. The first half concluded at the 30-minute mark with Villa firmly in control at 4-0.
The second half began with immediate impact as Harry Donlon, who had come on for Reuben Davis at the 24th minute mark, scored from outside the box in the 31st minute with a powerful strike. This goal was quickly followed by two more substitutions: Ryan Mahon replaced Dan Dwyer in central defence, and James Henson came on for Tom Adamson on the left wing.
Tiernan O’Shaughnessy’s attempt was saved in the 33rd minute, and Oliver Cooney hit the crossbar two minutes later, demonstrating Villa’s continued dominance and attacking pressure. Harry Donlon added his second goal in the 44th minute with a skilful lob, further extending the lead.
Darragh Nee then scored a spectacular direct free-kick from outside the box in the 47th minute, curling the ball past the keeper with his left foot. Shortly after, a series of substitutions took place: Christopher Coyle returned to the pitch replacing Fitzpatrick, James Dullea came back on for Cian Buckley, Reuben Davis replaced Donlon, and Tom Adamson re-entered for James O’Grady. Andrew Fitzpatrick also briefly returned, replacing Oliver Cooney in the 55th minute.
Temple Villa’s relentless attacking and tactical flexibility ensured they maintained control until the final whistle. The 7-0 scoreline reflected a comprehensive victory, with goals spread across several players and a display of clinical finishing and creative playmaking.
This emphatic win at Moate sees Temple Villa FC progress comfortably in the cup, having thoroughly outclassed Killcullen FC with a blend of sharp attacking moves, solid defensive work, and effective squad rotation.
