Browne: it was terrific to pull it out of the bag
KANTURK found themselves in a tooth and nail battle to retain their narrow advantage at the end of a gripping Munster IHC contest only to hold their nerve and land a single point victory to clinch a dramatic provincial crown.
Not for the first time, pivotal Kanturk defender Darren Browne offered further evidence of his burgeoning talent on delivering a powerpacked performance that helped build a security wall in the half back line that curtailed the Kilmaley goal threat.
The modest co. u21 captain was thrilled to savour a dramatic win and help complete a rewarding few weeks for the Duhallow club.
“Kilmaley were the hot favourites, it was terrific to come up and pull it out of the bag. Having enjoyed a good start, it turned to be nip and tuck, we had to come from behind and thankfully Paul Walsh delivered a fantastic point to force extra time,” he said.
Having jumped into a commanding six point advantage, Kanturk handed over the initiative to a Kilmaley response defiant and efficient that concerned Browne.
“We sat back a bit too much and it allowed Kilmaley come at us to force a lead, However, this Kanturk side are a great fighting bunch, Paul(Walsh) epitomised that on shooting the late equalising point”.
Indeed Kanturk refused to be deflected from their glory pursuit with the centre back emerging from a key pivotal role.
“The boys around me make the job easier, I was performing as a sweeper for a portion of the contest. Despite the injury to Lorcán, we drove on, our bench is experienced and a number of substitutes such as Martin O’Riordan and James Fitzpatrick are well accustomed for the big occasion,” he said.
With celebrations put on hold ahead of another looming contest, Browne is eyeing up the next challenge.
“There is no let up, back training and all about pushing on and attempting to follow up with a win in London. We take at it comes and hopefully, the winning run continues.”