Distance to land hurling accolades
Banteer and Kilbrin were striking form, the question ahead of the decider was could Kilbrin maintain their dominance over their great opponents and collect another title or would Banteer break new ground, claiming a first time victory over Kilbrin.
A tricky wind contributed to a sluggish opening to the Newmarket hosting, scores a scarce commodity, the initial flag from play surfaced from Kilbrin’s Stephen O’Reilly’s point in the 13th min. However Banteer took up the challenge, defenders Martin Kearney, O’Connor and Colm Coughlan grew in stature as did Weathers and Kevin Tarrant in the centre with David Murphy delivering a typical energetic and man of the match performance.
The accuracy of Denis Roche swelled a breeze assisted Banteer’s handle on the proceedings. Late on, Kilbrin remained in touch, Stephen O’Reilly and Shane Crowley pointed to trim the arrears 0-8 to 0-6 at the break.
With the standard improving on the restart, neither side managed to assume control. However Banteer’s confidence received a massive boost in the 46th min., David McAulliffe and Brian O’Keeffe combined for Eamon O’Flynn to goal from close range.
Trailing by six, Kilbrin rallied per O’Reilly and Crowley points to offer glimpses of a comeback. Banteer concerns proved groundless, no intention of leaving all their unproductive work go unrewarded and a late flurry of points from the enterprising Roche and Murphy put the icing on the cake.
A tight defensive display, efficient grafting at midfield and sweet finishing allowed Banteer battle tenaciously all through to secure a spirited triumph and end an eleven year barren run to claim the John Joe Brosnan Cup. At the end of the domestic campaign within Duhallow, Banteer had proved too good for the best of the rest.