The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Kilmoyley land 24th Senior Hurling Championship title
COUNTY SHC FINAL REPLAY
Kilmoyley 1-18 Ballyduff 2-13
THE final scoreline doesn’t entirely reflect the difference between the teams in the replayed County Senior Hurling Championship final in the Austin Stack Park last Saturday evening, because for the most part Kilmoyley were the better hurling combination, more balanced as a team, and with a superior scoring spread, but Ballyduff’s battling qualities again ensured a thrilling finale. Indeed, briefly there was the possibility that they might snatch what would have been a sensational victory very much against the odds.
Much like the drawn encounter, goals kept Ballyduff’s challenge very much intact, and Kilmoyley, similar to many of their performances this season were unable to fully put the issue beyond doubt. They certainly left the door open by retreating in numbers in the latter stages of the contest, but, such was their collective endeavour in defensive situations that ultimately they were equal to Ballyduff’s late surge.
Certainly, it was the sum of the parts which ensured back to back titles for the Lads from Lerrig with each line individually and as a unit contributing to a success which owed much to the tenacity of their rearguard unit with Tom Murnane as ever outstanding, and Dougie Fitzell largely limiting the effectiveness of ace attacker Jack Goulding. In midfield Paudie O’Connor was extremely efficient alongside James Godley who was a cornerstone when he reverted to defence in the second half. Their attack resourceful and hugely productive was orchestrated superbly by the Man of the Match Shane Brick.
Ballyduff, by contrast, didn’t have the same level of effectiveness throughout the pitch and were again largely relying on such as Padraig and Mikey Boyle, Jack Goulding and Paud Costello, and much like the drawn game they didn’t get a sufficient scoring return from all of their six forwards unlike Kilmoyley who had nine different scorers, including all six attackers.
Much was speculated regarding the team selections for the replay, and as predicted Bobby O’Sullivan started for Ballyduff in attack. But it was the reshuffle by Kilmoyley that really paid dividends with Robert Collins, Luke Fitzell, and Maurice O’Connor all starting having been listed as substitutes on the match programme. Collins did play in the drawn encounter, Fitzell didn’t feature, while O’Connor who was a constant threat on this occasion was only introduced as a sixty first minute substitute last time out. Certainly, in terms of making the right calls, Kilmoyley benefited the most, even if they did have more options in their squad overall.
Kilmoyley settled early, and were in front 0-3 to 0-1 after eleven minutes, with Sean Maunsell effective as a target close to goal. Ballyduff however struck for a decisive goal in the twelfth minute, with a typical Padraig Boyle effort, beating Aidan McCabe after a fine fetch and an angled drive. It put them in front, and, they maintained it to the end of the first quarter, 1-3 to 0-5.
Some fine scores from Mikey Boyle ensured that they retained an advantage with Paud Costello prominent in defense and Daniel O’Carroll being particularly effective in midfield. However, with Shane Brick influential and scores from four different players being converted from every angle and distance, Kilmoyley were 0-11 to 1-6 ahead by the 27th minute, consolidated by Luke Fitzell’s goal two minutes later, finished from close range after Shane Brick had created the opportunity. It ensured that they held a decisive 1-12 to 1-6 lead at the interval. Ballyduff, courtesy of a Liam Boyle point within a minute of the break reduced the deficit, but it was quickly negatived by a sublime sideline strike from Shane Brick. Ballyduff’s chances were dealt a severe blow when Paud Costello who was relocated at centre back for the second half, was forced to retire with a hamstring injury after seven minutes, and with Shane Brick and Daniel Collins (pictured) combining with some excellent link up play and Maurice O’Connor energetic and effective in midfield, Kilmoyley maintained their lead and momentum being five points in front going into the final quarter. With Tom Murnane, Sean Dowling, and in particular James Godley effecting some sterling clearances, Kilmoyley remained in the ascendancy, matching Ballyduff score for score. Aidan McCa- be’s brilliant save at the near post from Padraig Boyle in the 54th minute was hugely significant, but when Boyle capitalised after McCabe’s touch had fallen invitingly in front of him in the dying minutes it set the scene for a grandstand finish. Momentarily it looked as if Kilmoyley might be caught on the line, but, they dug deep in defensive clusters to smother and deny Ballyduff’s best efforts.
Relief and jubilation in equal measures at the final whistle with Kilmoyley retaining the Championship crown and confirming their status as the kingpins of the code by winning their eight title, since they bridged a 30-year gap back in 2001. Their campaign this season has been an arduous journey, at times indifferent, but full of character, and such was the case last weekend as well. Passion, perseverance and lots of expertise were very much key ingredients as they joined Ballyduff on top of the leaderboard with their 24th title.
KILMOYLEY: Aidan McCabe, Robert Collins, (0-1) Colman Savage, Sean Nolan, Sean Dowling, Dougie Fitzell, Tom Murnane (0-1), James Godley, Paudie O’Connor (0-1), Sean Maunsell (0-1), Shane Brick (0-3, 1 s/l), Daniel Collins (0-8, 7f), Maurice O’Connor (0-2), Adrian Royle (0-1), Luke Fitzell (1-0). Subs: Jordan Brick for S Nolan, James McCarthy for A Royle, Joseph McElligott for S Maunsell
BALLYDUFF: PJ Gorman, Thomas Slattery, Paud Costello, David O’Grady, Eoin Ross, Padraig O’Grady, Anthony O’Carroll, Daniel O’Carroll, Mikey Boyle (0-3), Padraig Boyle (2-7, 0-7f), Liam Boyle (0-1), Barry O’Grady, Jack Goulding (0-2), Gary O’Brien, Bobby O’Sullivan. Subs: Eric O’Connor for P Costello, Paul O’Carroll for B O’Grady,