Kilworth’s heroics

Fr O’Neill’s 3-23 Kilworth 1-20

KILWORTH’S heroic efforts in this season’s Premier IHC came to a disappointing end on Saturday as the North Cork side came up short in the showpiece game to a brilliant Fr O’Neill’s side that fully deserved the title win in Pairc Uí Rinn.

Fr O’Neills came into the contest as hot favourites after romping through the competition to this point – add that to the fact that the club have been on a high in recent years with first the IHC crown a few years back and last year the U21 title – plenty to admire about this club at the peak of their powers.

For Kilworth, it would be unfair to say that they were a total surprise package, as they have recorded some very impressive wins over the last number of years, however that said there was little doubting that they would need everything to go their way if they were to secure honours this time round.

One of Cork’s newest stars, Declan Dalton, was, as always these days, key to what Fr O’Neills were all about and while the young, and very talented hurler was keen to point out that this was a win for all and a win because of all.

“We are a very close bunch,” said Dalton, who bagged a personal tally of 1-11 in the match. “We all hang out together. I think it’s that bond that makes us. Outside of sport we are with each other a lot, that always creates that bond and that got us over the line again tonight.”

Fr O’Neills elevation through the grades over the last decade and a half has been impressive and