Kilmurry regain Junior title in Muskerry

THAT downpour lasted for the full game but it is to the credit of those participating that they managed to produce a game worthy of the occasion that went right down to the wire.

Kilmurry were the better side for much of the action but they found it hard to press home their advantage and they had reason to be worried when they were two points in arrears with five minutes remaining. A flash of genius from substitute Padraig Berhano who scored a top quality goal set them on the road to victory however so they captured their ninth title.

The contest opened promisingly for Iveleary who led by three points following six minutes of action as Colm Óg Jones, Cathal Vaughan and Kevin Manning all managed to send the football between the uprights and Kilmurry found themselves under pressure as they were wide of the posts in five occasions.

Kilmurry were having the upper hand around the middle third however where man of the match Marco Healy and Greg Barrett (who was listed at full forward but moved out to mid-field) were effective so the eventual winners were beginning to put scores on the board.

William Buckley raised a white flag in the 14th minute to open their account and Joe Ryan and Marco Healy did likewise to have the sides all square by the 20th minute. Iveleary were making no progress in attack at this stage as the opposing defenders particularly full back Kevin Barrett were advancing confidently to intercept dangerous situations.

Kilmurry took the lead for the first time in the 25th minute when William Buckley converted a free. Kevin Manning for the second time advanced from the his centre half back position to send the football between the uprights so the sides were level but Kilmurry finished the first half the stronger side. David O’Halloran scored their 5th point so they were in front and resuming with the wind to their backs they had to be fancied. David McCarthy scored their sixth point in the 32nd minute but they did not press on and Iveleary got on level terms when substitute Liam Kearney, Brian Cronin and Cathal Vaughan all raised white flags.

Vaughan was now a major figure in the action and he regained the lead for Iveleary when he recorded point number nine. Brian Cronin further enhanced the victory prospects of the reigning champions when he increased their lead to two points. Berhano’s superb goal regained the initiative for Kilmurry however and a Greg Barrett point put them in the driver’s seat as time was on their side.

Vaughan raised another white flag so the arrears were reduced to the minimum but Greg Barrett replied for Kilmurry so victory was secured.