CRUCIAL WIN FOR THE TURKS AT ‘THE BATTLE OF THE BOYNE’

THE Battle of the Boyne in 1690 was a pivotal battle in Irish history, it turned the tide away from the Jacobite’s and shaped the country’s direction for centuries. After a resounding victory last Saturday - so close to the site of this very battle - perhaps the same could be said of Kanturk’s season in the All Ireland League.

This was a victory built on solid defence, planning and patience - key components of a disciplined military unit. This strategy laid the foundation for its general on the field, Ben Martin, who kicked three unanswered penalties in the first half, including one from the half way line. Few could argue the North Cork side’s supremacy in the first 40 minutes, if anything a score line 0-9 flattered Boyne.

In keeping the Leinster side scoreless there were some tenacious displays, in particular by Alan O’Brien, who led the tackle count.

The Turks will lament their start to the second half, though, and will be disappointed with the way they conceded a try under the posts, leaving Boyne back into the game. Their difficulties were compounded when Barra Buckley was sinbinned soon after.

Somehow, Kanturk found the determination to pull through. The experience of legendary forward Dan McCabe was key. The number 8 showed incredible leadership when his forwards were down to seven men and was instrumental in forcing the crucial penalty minutes later which Ben Martin expertly converted to make it 12-7.

Then came the stand out moment of the game at Shamrock Park from Kanturk’s player manager Ben Martin. Gathering the ball in the middle of the field, the Australian ran a delightful line to suck in three defenders before tossing a majestic pass to player of the year candidate and top try scorer Olan Daly, who finished superbly.

This left the score 19-7 with only minutes left and, effectively, game over.

When the final whistle blew tears of joy were etched in the eyes of the away supporters. They knew the importance of this 12 point victory on the banks of the Boyne, their warriors had turned the tide and will now look forward in confidence to future battles ahead.

After the game team manager John Duggan said “this was an outstanding performance from everyone, but I have to give special mention to Alan O’Brien. That boy is a tackling machine, his technique is excellent and he is a great role model for all young and aspiring players.

“The management are very pleased, too, with the consistency of players like Denny O’Donoghue and Daithi Fitz; they have come on a lot this year.”

When questioned on Barra Buckley’s record on yellow cards, Duggan said “Barra plays the game with intensity and aggression, that’s just who he is; it’s not the dog in the fight but it’s the fight in the dog”.

TEAM: B Kelleher, D O’Donoghue, M Daly, B Buckley, J Bradley, B Daly, A O’Brien, D McCabe, C Cremin, B Martin, L McCabe, S Cremin, D Fitzpatrick, O Daly, R O’Brien, Timmy Cremin

Man of the Match: Alan O’Brien weekend Saturday January 28th when they have a home game against Rainy Old Boys at 2.30pm in Knocknacolon.

This will be an historic occasion as it will be the first time there will be a female referee. Helen O’Reilly is a very promising upcoming referee and will be a big success for the future.

It is hoped for a big home support and with both teams hitting top form it promises to be an exciting encounter.

Fixtures AIL Division 2C 2017 SAT 28th Jan 14.30 Kanturk v Rainey Knocknacolan FRI 10th Feb 19.30 Bruff v Kanturk Kilballyowen Park SAT 18th Feb 14.30 Bangor v Kanturk Upritchard Park SAT 4th Mar 14.30 Kanturk v Tullamore Knocknacolan SAT 11th Mar 14.30 Navan v Kanturk Balreask Old SAT 25th Mar 14.30 Kanturk v Sligo Knocknacolan SAT 8th Apr 14.30 Seapoint v Kanturk Kilbogget Park SAT 15th Apr 14.30 Kanturk v Midleton Knocknacolan MUNSTER Junior Cup SUN 29th Jan 14.00 Cobh v Kanturk Cobh