Strand Road retain their County SFC status
THEIR overall performance was somewhat indifferent, and, the eventual five point winning margin probably flattered O’Rahillys somewhat, but it was all about the result in this relegation battle in the Austin Stack Park last Sunday.
Kilcummin produced a most creditable performance and were the more resourceful and productive side for periods in the game but the Blues dug deep in the second half with such as David Moran and Barry John Keane producing the goods at varying intervals in proceedings.
Kilcummin were still within striking distance as the encounter entered it’s final stages, but O’Rahillys second goal put the issue beyond doubt, and sealed their Senior status for next season.
Kilcummin got to grips with the situation from the outset, and were two points in front after just four minutes, with their second score converted splendidly from distance by the impressive Matt Keane. With Kevin Gorman prominent and influential in midfield the East Kerry side shaded matters for most of the opening quarter, even if Cormac Coffey’s input in defence meant that they found it difficult to create openings.
They led 0-3 to 0-2 at the end of that opening quarter, and, with Kevin McCarthy relocated in the full forward line and, kicking a fine score, they doubled their advantage 0-4 to 0-2 by the 19th minute. Having kicked a few bad wides O’Rahillys, being somewhat tentative were largely at odds with the situation up until that particular juncture, but, they received a lifeline in the 24th minute when they were awarded a penalty for a foul on Barry John Keane at the end of some very good approach play.
However, Brendan Kealy was equal to the task expertly denying Keane from the resultant spot kick, and, at the time it looked as if it might well be a pivotal moment. Certainly, when Kevin McCarthy neatly slotted home a goal in the 29th minute after Kevin Gorman had released him in space inside the last line of the defence it opened up a 1-4 to 0-3 lead and swung the pendulum fully in favour of Kilcummin.
However, it was short lived with O’Rahillys responding with immediate effect courtesy of a Barry John Keane goal drilled low with conviction across the face of the goal and, beyond the reach of Brendan Kealy. A pointed free from Jack Savage meant that the teams retired deadlocked 1-4 apiece at the interval, with Barry John Keane’s goal being O’Rahillys only score from play during that opening half.
By contrast, Kilcummin registered four of their five first half scores from play. Kilcummin restored a two-point cushion within two minutes of the restart, and again it posed questions about O’Rahillys abilities to stay afloat. Barry John Keane provided the perfect answer with a hat trick of unanswered points to edge his side in front by the bare minimum 1-7 1-6 after 37 minutes.
With David Moran displaying a lot of endeavour and providing a platform in midfield, O’Rahillys courtesy of successive pointed frees from Jack Savage were three points in front 1-10 1-7 at the end of third quarter extended to four by substitute Rory Molloy.
Kilcummin did have to opportunity maybe to create and convert a second goal shortly afterwards but Damien O’Leary was denied at the expense of a ‘45’ subsequently converted by goalkeeper Brendan Kealy. Another fine score from Matt Keane, his third from play meant that just three points 1-12 1-9 seperated the teams by the 50th minute, reduced to two by a Kevin McCarthy free.
Delicately poised, the end result hung in the balance, with seven minutes remaining, and a goal either way at that particular juncture was certainly going to be a hugely significant factor. It duly arrived in the 58th minute when a lofted delivery from a Jack Savage free near the sideline in front of the stand was fisted to the net amidst a cluster of players by substitute Gavin O’Brien. A crucial finish from the young ORahillys attacker, who displayed a lot of resolve and determination to essentially put the issue beyond doubt.
Kilcummin, who finished with 14 players after Kevin McCarthy had been shown a second yellow card, pursued the issue right up until the final whistle, but the margin was, by this stage, largely unassailable, thereby putting paid to their brave challenge on the day.
O’Rahillys, given that they came within a point of contesting the Championship final, never deserved to be in this position, while Kilcummin’s performance confirmed also that they still deserve to be competing at the highest level. However, the rules currently in place having regard to one’s status in Championship football means they will play at Intermediate football next season for the first time in 20 years.
KERINS O’RAHILLYS: Gary Kissane, Danny O’Sullivan, Ross O’Callaghan, Tommy Begley, Shane Brosnan, Cormac Coffey, Ryan Carroll, David Moran, Con Barrett, Padraig Griffin, Jack Savage (0-7f), Cian Sayers, Gearoid Savage, Barry John Keane (1-4, 0-2f), Tom Hoare. Subs: Rory Molloy (0-1) for T Hoare, Gavin O’Brien (1-0) for C Sayers, Gearoid Dillane, for G Savage, Dave Murphy for P Griffin.
KILCUMMIN: Brendan Kealy, (0-2, 1f, 1 ‘45’), Damien O’Leary, Donal Maher, Dan Moynihan, Sean O’Leary, Chris O’Leary, Mike O’Shea, Kevin Gorman, Kelvin Teahan, Matt Keane (0-3), Kevin McCarthy (1-3, 0-2f), Noel Duggan (0-2), Oscar O’Connor, Shane McSweeney, Philip Casey. Subs: Ian Devane for P Casey, Dan O’Leary for D Moynihan.
REFEREE: Jonathan Griffin (Glenbeigh/ Glencar)