Rathnure boys rule in ‘B’ final
Blackwater battled all the way
The teams had just one point between them at half-time, and a superb goal from Rathnure’s Cathal Kehoe was the key incident in the opening minutes of the second period.
Both teams put their bodies on the line and were heavily supported by the well-entertained crowd. Blackwater continued to battle on with an accurate pass into the full-forward line by Seán O’Brien which resulted in a ‘45 which was put over by Joseph Rossiter.
Both sides went neck and neck and battled on into the darkness. Rathnure’s Shane Reddy was unstoppable as he shook the net for a second and third time.
Rathnure were well on top and Blackwater were tiring from their gallant efforts. It ended Rathnure 3-5, Blackwater 1-3.
The cup was presented to Rathnure’s captain by the Rackard League Chairman, Kevin Waters.
During his address, both as Gaeilge and as Béarla, he paid tribute to the late Hughie Foley of Rathnure who looked after the Rackard League team for many years and would have been immensely proud of their courageous display.
Rathnure: Mark Reddy; Brian O’Neill, J.J. Redmond, Ciarán Lennon; Conor O’Neill, Charlie Mooney, Cathal Ryan; Dennis Lambert, Tomás Guiney; Eoin O’Neill, Cathal Kehoe, Luke Codd; Shane Reddy, Samuel Mooney, Killian Cooney. Subs. - Aidan Somers, Kyle Murphy, Patrick Morrissey, Mikey Codd, James Murphy, Ian Reilly, Callum O’Connell.
Blackwater: Nathan Moran; Philip Byrne, Adam O’Connor, Barry Whelan; Tristan Cashe, Eugene Clarke, Caolan Sammon; Jamie Lambert, Ultan O’Reilly; Ciarán Byrne, Joseph Rossiter, Darragh Byrne; Seán O’Brien, Patrick Power, Callum Mooney. Subs. - Cillian Murphy, Callum Corrigan, Páidí Murphy, Callum Byrne, Seán Sammon, Eoin Roche.