Knocknagree steered a

Calm, clever, accurate and determined have been the watch-words for Knocknagree THERE was immense joy for Knocknagree after ending a 26 year wait to regain the County JAFC after a highly impressive performance over Erins Own at Pairc Ui Rinn on the last Sunday of October 2017.

A lengthy spell in the school of setbacks may had left the new bearers of the Donal O’Sullivan Cup with some painful memories over recent seasons but it also hardened their resolve to savour glory.

At their best in the opening half, Knocknagree’s teamwork, greater energy and more potent forward unit proved the difference. But, not for the first time, Knocknagree handed over the initiative to an opposing side, and saw an 11 point advantage whittled down to four at the three quarter stage.

And Erins Own might well had been closer if they had converted a 55th minute penalty.

Crucially for Knocknagree, they succeeded in breaking down the flow and instead of trying to hold out they offered an aggressive offensive and the reward came with a productive late flourish.

Knocknagree had opened with a purpose, settling into the proceedings to offer an electric rhythm, and with James Dennehy’s goal helped secure a 1-11 to 0-4 interval advantage. Despite the spirited Erins Own fight back, an unfazed Knocknagree accepted the challenge and stormed back, with Matthew Dilworth and Danny Cooper pointing.

As Erins Own threw everybody forward they were caught out of position, and Anthony O’Connor unselfishly offloaded the ball for John F Daly to finish into an empty net to put the icing on the cake.

MUNSTER QUARTER FINAL

Knocknagree 5-15 Knockavilla Kickhams (Tipperary) 0-8

KNOCKNAGREE began the AIB Munster JAFC campaign on a winning note after recording a comprehensive quarter final victory over Knockavilla Kickhams.

The newly crowned Cork champions put together a well organised and efficient performance with 11 players getting on the score sheet. In an utterly convincing win, Knocknagree showed no ill effects from landing a county title seven days previously, and the sharper and hungrier side from the outset and once Padraig Collins netted an eighth minute goal they never looked back.

The Knocknagree attack continued to make use of a rich feed of possession. Eoghan McSweeney pointed a pair before linking up with Fintan O’Connor, who blasted home superbly for a clear 2-10 to 0-3 advantage at the break.

Knocknagree continued to hold the upper hand on the restart. O’Connor turned provider for Chris White to net from close range while Kickhams never really threatened in terms of creating goal chances.

At the opposite end, Knocknagree continued to look a different class, displaying a facility to carve out the openings. Matthew Dilworth linked up with Daniel Murphy for fellow substitute David O’Connor to net and as the contest moved towards its inevitable conclusion a fifth Knocknagree goal arrived when David O’Connor and another substitute, Seán Twomey, combined for corner back Gary O’Connor, up in attack, to billow the net.

MUNSTER SEMI-FINAL

Knocknagree 2-16 Sliabh gCua St Mary’s (Waterford) 1-7

KNOCKNAGREE conjured up a dominant display to better Sliabh gCua in a one-sided Munster JAFC semi-final.