All Ireland glory for Shanbally
In the 12th minute a long range puck-out by Kevin Devine found Kevin Broderick who sent over. Coming up to the end of the first quarter Tynagh-Abbey-Duniry moved five points clear when Jamie Blake had a very good point.
Shanballymore had their second point in the 18th minute when Darren Roche placed Brian O’Reilly who sent over. The Galway side replied through Kevin Broderick. The only goal of the game came in the 27th minute when good play by John Brehony led to a well taken goal by Thomas Gordon that opened up a big lead 1-7 to 0-2.
Shanballymore made a few switches and two late points by Brian O’Reilly and Jamie Sheedy had the lead down to six. In injury time a foul on Kevin Broderick led to a pointed free by Gordon 1-8 to 0-4 at half time.
For the second half Shanballymore had Colman O’Reilly and Brian Sheedy at midfield. Kevin Devine saved well from Eoin O’Regan. Jamie Sheedy struck two pointed frees.
In the 35th minute a quickly taken free by Thomas Gordon picked out Niall Moloney who sent over. Shanballymore took control from here on. They defended very well and their midfielders also doing well ensured plenty supply to the attack.
Tynagh-Abbey-Duniry failed to score for the remaining 27 minutes of this half. In the meantime Shanballymore thundered into the game. The O’Reilly brothers were excellent and Brian Sheedy with a great point left just five between them.
At the end of the third quarter Brian O’Reilly gave a great cross to his brother Colman who struck a fine point under pressure. Jamie Sheedy added two points by the 52nd minute 1-9 to 0-10.
Tynagh-Abbey-Duniry moved Kevin Broderick to the half forward line. It made little difference as they did not have the pace to match Shanballymore who sensed victory. Paul Burke pointed and the lead was down to one.
In the 58th minute Jamie Sheedy levelled from a ‘65. In the dying moments both sides missed chances of securing the match winning score. It finished all square at 1-9 to 0-12.
Extra time prevailed. Shanballymore had the aid of the wind in the first half. The North Cork side had early points by Jamie Sheedy and Kenneth Barry. Good play by Colman O’Reilly and Jerome Fitzgerald led to a well taken Jamie Sheedy point.
Jamie Sheedy followed with a pointed free and they were four points clear 0-16 to 1-9. Tynagh- Abbey-Duniry were wide by Thomas Gordon. In injury time Brian O’Reilly cut through and scored a massive point 0-17 to 1-9 at half-time.
On the changeover Tynagh-Abbey-Duniry thundered into the game. They had a pointed free by Brian Cunningham with Thomas Gordon placing Kevin Broderick for a fine point to come within three points.
Eoin McHugh, James Hayes and Alan Sheedy made some great clearances as the Galway champions bore down on goal. A timely interception by Sean Lynch also proved vital.
Shane Flynn made a great run out of the Tynagh defence but his long delivery went narrowly wide. The final score came five minutes from time when Brian Cunningham pointed another free. Shanballymore who showed the greater fitness, determination and discipline held out for a close, but deserved win.