Kildorrery crowned Rebel Óg Minor C hurling champions
Kildorrery regained the Rebel Og Minor C HC title, they last held in 2015, when they overcame Newmarket in a thrilling 13-a-side final at the splendid 4G Sports Complex in Banteer on Friday night. The game was played in light rain. The sides were level on 7 occasions and extra-time looked very likely.
Both sides had an early point. Cormac Noonan goaled for Kildorrery and Cian Coughlan followed with a point. Points by impressive Tyler O'Donoghue and Owen Goggin had the lead down to a point after 20 minutes - 1-4 to 0-6. Newmarket levelled with further points from Ciaran Lynch (free) and Tyler O'Donoghue.
Both sides exchanged points with Newmarket having a goal in injury time from Tyler O'Donoghue, after good play by Owen Goggin, that had them 1-11 to 1-10 ahead at the break.
SECOND HALF
On the restart Kildorrery were quick to go ahead. Cian Coughlan soloed through and placed Lorcan Roche for a fine goal, now 2-10 to 1-11. Good play by Corey O'Keeffe led to a point from Sean O'Grady.
Newmarket came on strong and Tyler O'Donoghue pointed two frees. Good play by Cian Coughlan to Sean O'Grady led to a great save by the Newmarket keeper, Alan McCarthy. Kildorrery goalie Eoin Noonan also made some great saves. Cian Coughlan pointed in the 45th minute from long range - 2-12 to 1-13.
The Duhallow side replied with a goal from Owen Goggin as they got back in front. Cian Coughlan with a free levelled matters. They were also tied at 2-14 apiece.
A good move for Kildorrery by Tadhg Murphy, Sean O'Grady and Cormac Noonan led to the Newmarket keeper saving well, but the rebound fell kindly to Cormac Noonan who goaled, as Kildorrery moved 3-14 to 2-14 clear. Tyler O'Donoghue replied with a free.
A vital interception by Cian Coughlan in defence led to the well-placed Tadhg Murphy soloing through and pointing. Corey O'Keeffe pointed after a solo run, as Kildorrery moved 3-16 to 2-15 ahead by the 53rd minute. Both sides were wide, before Newmarket had the lead back to a goal.
Kildorrery finished very strongly. Tadhg Murphy pointed and Cian Coughlan followed with 3 very good points, now 3-20 to 2-16. Cormac O'Shea had a late goal for Newmarket following a long range free from Ciaran Lynch.
Newmarket made a great late rally for a goal, but a timely interception by Conor Dooling saw the danger cleared. Tyler O'Donoghue followed with a pointed free. Deep in injury time Tadhg Murphy pointed for the 'Hill', who held out for victory by a 4 point margin.
After the game, Denis Guinee, Rebel Og development officer, presented the cup to the outstanding Kildorrery captain, Cian Coughlan.
Kildorrery will now meet Western Gaels in the county final this weekend.
TEAMS
Kildorrery: Eoin Noonan, Carlos O'Grady, Conor Dooling, James Kennedy, Sean O'Grady 0-1, Ben Cotter, Corey O'Keeffe 0-1, Brian Mullins, Adam McNamara, Tadhg Murphy 0-5, Cormac Noonan 2-1, Cian Coughlan (capt - 0-12, 0-6f) Matthew Gould. Sub: Lorcan Roche (1-1) for Ben Cotter.
Newmarket: Alan McCarthy, Gavin Fleming, Diarmuid O'Donovan, Cillian Saville, Ciaran Lynch 0-1f, Graham Cottrell, Brian O'Keeffe (capt – 0-1), Owen Goggin 1-5 (0-1f), Colin Lehane, Darragh Weathers 0-1, Padraig O'Keeffe, Tyler O'Donoghue 1-8 (0-5f), Cormac O'Shea 1-0. Subs: Aidan Buckley (0-1) for Brian O'Keeffe, Rhys Weathers for Padraig O'Keeffe.
Referee: Maurice Farrell Newtownshandrum.