Muskerry Under-21 ‘A’ football final finishes all square
him to a significant degree. The excitement of the exchanges and the improvement in the quality of play became more and more pronounced subsequently and the large attendance were very much on their toes with the issue always in doubt.
Both sides had periods of dominance and Kilmurry could feel hopeful when James Mullane, Joe Ryan and Eoghan Clifford all raised white flags, to a solitary minor secured by Antóin Ó Cúana for their opponents. The former consequently enjoyed a three point’s advantage following twelve minutes of action. The pendulum then swung in Cill Na Martrás direction however when two Ó Deasúna Points from frees and one each from Dannó Duinnin and Dean McCarthaigh from play put the Gaeltaeth side ahead for the first time. Sean Warren was then on target for Kilmurry so the sides were level following 20 minutes of action. Cill Na Martra then brought pressure to bear on the opposing citadel and it was rewarded when Seán Ó Cróinin managed to get the football over the goal line.
Another Deasúna point from a free consolidated Cill Na Martra’s position but there no question of a Kilmurry capitulation. A Joe Ryan point from a free reduced the appears and despite the fact that it was nullified when Tadg Ó Corcora was on target for Cill Na Martra, the final five minutes before the break belonged to Kilmurry. They scored four points without reply when Eogan Clifford Joe Ryan and Sean Warren both frees and Warren from play were all on target.
The sides were consequently on level terms at the short whistle and the attendance were well satisfied with the fare they witnessed. 1-8 to 0-11 was good indication of the ability of both sides to capitalise on their scoring opportunities during a thirty minute period when Cill Na Martra kicked no ball wide of the uprights and Kilmurry were only off target on two occasions.
Kilmurry went on the offensive when the action resumed and Eogan Clifford and Brian Hinchion rised white flags but Damien Ó Hurdáil kept his side in touch when he registered their ninth point.
A superb goal by Joe Ryan in the 39th minute looked likely to tilt the balance in Kilmurry’s favour but their opponent replied determinedly displaying clearly that they had no intention of bowing out tamely. Their mentors moved Ó Deasúna to fully forward where he was effective in putting extra pressure on the Kilmurry defence. Frees resulted and as his accuracy from placed balls continued so arrears were reduced to two points.
It was down to one when Antóin Ó Cúana for the second time in the game moved up from full back to be part of movement and he sent the football between the uprights as the game was heading for the very exciting final quarter. Joe Ryan gained some respite for Kilmurry when he raised a white flag in the 49th minute but their opponents replied promptly. Two points in as many minutes one from a Micheál Ó Deasúna free and one from Gearóid Ó Faoláin put them on the level terms.
Cill Na Martra now had the initiative and they were awarded a free in the 53th minute. They consequently had an opportunity of regaining the lead. It was not an easy free as it was from long range on the right going close to the side-line. Ó Deasúna who was impeccable with free taking up to that stage, kicked from the ground but unfortunately his effort was at the wrong side of the upright. It was the first wide by the Gaeltacht side and left off the hook Kilmurry went on the attack.
Substitute Tom Collins proved himself to be an opportunist when he drove the football between the uprights and as his team could sense victory they stayed on the offensive. Long deliveries goalward went over the end line on two occasions so Cill Na Martra still had a chance to secure an equaliser. An effort from Gearóid Ó Faoláin a minute from full time was narrowly wide but there was one final attacking movement in Cill Na Martra. Tadg Ó Corcora who had moved upfield to score a point in the opening half found himself in a similar situation at this final time in the contest. He was not found wanting, as his effort was between the upright so the sides meet again.