Deliverance at long last for champions

COUNTY JFC FINAL (replay)

Glenbeigh-Glencar 1-16 Na Gaeil 0-12

REPLAYS rarely if ever follow the trend of the drawn encounter and the second meeting of these sides in differed in many respects, not least the fact that perfect playing conditions made for a pretty open and free flowing contest on this particular occasion.

Given the agonising losses they suffered in two finals in recent years it was a real test of character for the Mid Kerry side who had one hand on the trophy two weeks ago and the fact that Na Gaeil produced a late surge of scores to share the spoils meant that momentum maybe was with them coming into last weekend’s encounter.

However, it was Glenbeigh-Glencar who displayed real intent from the outset of proceedings on this particular occasion with a performance which was rich in endeavour and expertise and was notable for some extremely incisive and purposeful running which repeatedly unlocked Na Gaeil’s defence. That, allied to a spread of scorers who opened up a really commanding lead in the first half.

Na Gaeil who didn’t score from play until the seventeenth minute struggled to contain Glenbeigh’s pace and movement, and really, they left themselves with a mountain to climb from a very early stage in proceedings.

Glenbeigh were 0-3 to 0-0 in front after just seven minutes with Na Gaeil having already kicked three early wides and it was noticeable that both sides had adopted a different strategy in attacking situations with Na Gaeil, who located Jack Barry close to goal early on, lofting a lot of high, hopeful deliveries into the goalmouth area, a situation that didn’t really yield any dividends, with Jeremiah Hoare an extremely solid anchor for Glenbeigh and remaining so for the duration.

Glenbeigh, by contrast, adopted a more measured and methodical approach with Darran O’Sullivan orchestrating matters and opening up different lanes of attack, with Fergal Griffin, Pa Kilkenny and Colin McGillycuddy providing support and options with runs from deep positions.

The game’s only goal in the tenth minute, which was finished to the net from close range by Kieran Courtney after Darran O’Sullivan’s initial effort had been blocked, was crucial and further consolidated Glenbeigh’s advantage.

It meant that Glenbeigh led by seven points, 1-4 to 0-0, and with Na Gaeil having lost one of their key defenders Eoghan Sheehy through injury they were struggling to stay afloat, even if a brace of pointed frees from Darragh Carmody meant that they were still somewhat in touch, 1-5 to 0-2, at the end of the opening quarter. Na Gaeil had also lost wing back Eoin O’Neill by this stage to a black card.

It was all Glenbeigh-Glencar at this juncture with Pa Kilkenny providing a lot of leadership with some surging runs, and with the O’Sullivans, Danny and Darran, registering a few fine scores the lead had been increased to 1-9 by 0-3 by the 25th minute with Gavan O’Grady operating to good effect around the middle third of the pitch and Fergal Griffin a real

powerhouse in this sector also.

Na Gaeil did finish the half strongly and two points kicked neatly and sweetly by the impressive Ian McCarthy in the dying minutes meant that the deficit was reduced to 1-10 to 0-5 at the interval.

Darran O’Sullivan had a goal chance, one of many his side had in the second half, within minutes of the restart, and while Na Gaeil dominated matters territorially for a period, and monopolised the kick outs at opposite ends, they couldn’t transfer that superiority into scores, which was in part due to Glenbeigh-Glencar’s defensive strengths, but having kicked two short and one wide it indicated Na Gaeil’s inadequacies in attack.

Certainly for a period Glenbeigh were stuck in second gear, being somewhat indecisive and on occasion turning over the ball rather needlessly.

One felt that if Na Gaeil scored a goal, which they never really threatened, that it would ask questions about Glenbeigh’s credentials as they looked unsure and unsettled for a period.

However, Bernard Murphy’s input off the bench and Pa Kilkenny’s inspirational score meant that Glenbeigh weathered the storm and took an eight point lead into the final quarter.

Two more points from their most resourceful attacker Ian McCarthy kept Na Gaeil’s fading hopes alive with the margin momentarily reduced to six points but the impressive Danny O’Sullivan could really have sealed the deal with another gilt-edged goal chance.

Mike Griffin and Darragh Carmody kicked points from play for Na Gaeil, but Glenbeigh were by this stage in cruise control and in a position to introduce players off the bench to play a part and share in the occasion.

All the years of heartache and frustration were wiped away in no uncertain fashion by a Glenbeigh-Glencar team that benefited enormously from the influential input of some key individuals who provided the impetus at crucial intervals.

Still one felt that this victory owed much to those in the background who instilled the type of desire and belief so necessary if championships are to be won, especially given Glenbeigh’s recent poor record in finals.

It was easy therefore to relate to the outpouring of joy and emotion – relief even – at the end of proceedings. Eventually, the much sought after championship crown has found a resting place between the Caragh and Behy rivers in a picturesque spot in the Kingdom affectionately known as ‘The Jewel in the Ring of Kerry’.

Next up is the Mid Kerry Championship on this weekend before the Kerry representatives open their provincial campaign at home on November 13.

GLENBEIGH/GLENCAR: Rory O’Connor, Sean Roche, Jeremiah Hoare, Kieran Doyle, Jack Brosnan, Pa Kilkenny (0-1), Caolim Teahan (0-1), Colin McGillycuddy (0-1), Fergal Griffin, Danny O’Sullivan (01), Darran O Sullivan (0-4), Tommy Cahill (0-2, 1f), Kieran Courtney (1-0), Gavan O’Grady (0-5, 3f, 1 ‘45’), Daniel Griffin Subs: Bernard Murphy for C Teahan, Padraig Griffin (0-1) for F Griffin, Shane Riordan for K Courtney, Vincent Hoare for K Doyle, Jason McKenna for D Griffin, Kieran Cahillane for T Cahill NA GAEIL: Timmy Culloty, Eoghan Sheehy, Kieran Dineen, Eoin Walsh, Eoin O’Neill, Andrew Barry, David Culloty, Jack Barry (0-1), Dan O’Connor (0-1), Seamus O’Neill, Ian McCarthy (0-4), Shane Carey, Darragh Carmody (0-5, 4f), Mike Griffin (0-1), Stefan Okunbar Subs: Dylan Brazil for E Sheehy, Colm Lyons for E O’Neill (B/C), Diarmuid Herlihy for E Walsh, Kieran O’Donovan for S Carey, Jamie Lowham for S Okunbar, Rob Murphy for D Culloty

REFEREE: Padraig O Sullivan (Firies)