Boherbue get together to acknowledge their long overdue Duhallow JAFC title

BOHERBUE GAA convene in Killarney on this Saturday night to recap on a rewarding past year that culminated on regaining a hold of the Duhallow JAFC for the first time since 1988. By doing so, Boherbue flagged their rising stock to better some of the big guns when the championship pressure was exerted.

Having promised much over recent years, Boherbue had failed to reach a final since a defeat to Cullen after a replay in 2008. That said, Boherbue were always amongst the front runners in 2017 in the aftermath of total dominance of the Ducon Cup over the past four seasons.

And the campaign began promisingly, Boherbue emerging clearcut winners on Lyre first time out. That form continued into a semi final, Boherbue rose their game to a level that Dromtariffe failed to reach with a blast of first half goals.

On the opposite side of the draw, Knocknagree began the defence of their title impressively on seeing off a brave Castlemagner effort. And a dominant performance saw Knocknagree secure a comfortable victory over Cullen in the semi-final.

No surprise about the quality of two finalists, meeting in a decider for the first time since 1990, Knocknagree and Boherbue didn’t disappoint the Kanturk masses that took a replay to decide.

Neither team deserved to lose the drawn tussle given the tremendous effort by both sides over the extended hour, Boherbue laid siege on Knocknagree defence late on, rewarded on Kevin Cremin’s last ditch effort in the fourth minute of added on time ensured a return to Kanturk three days later for the next instalment.

The second chance paid dividends for Boherbue on a 61st minute winning point from Jerry O’Connor helped divide the sides.

From a thrill a minute spectacle, this was club football at its best, catching the imagination, another bumper attendance. As the tension mounted, it required something special to drive a wedge between the pair, Boherbue’s O’Connor swept forward to pop over the match winner to secure Boherbue their 4th outright title.

While the outcome of a subsequent County JAFC quarter final defeat to Iveleary was disappointing, Boherbue can reflect on a successful 2017 to dominate domestic affairs. Of course, Knocknagree progressed to bigger prizes, building from the experience gained over five years.

On the evidence of their 2017 performances, Boherbue can look ahead on a positive note, holding the talent to take on new challenges in the next year or two. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3 All-Ireland JAFC Final

Knocknagree v Multyfarnham (Westmeath), Croke Park 2pm

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 4 All-Ireland IHC Final

Kanturk v Ballyragget, Croke Park 3.45pm

County FL Division 2

Aghabullogue v Newmarket, Coachford 2.30pm

Clyda Rovers v Kiskeam, Mourneabbey 2.30pm

County FL Division 3

Rockchapel v Dohenys, Rockchapel, 2.30pm

County FL Division 4

Gabriel Rangers v Ballydesmond, Ballydehob 2.30pm