The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Five soccer titles handed out over busy weekend
DENNY PREMIER A FINAL REPLAY Killarney Athletic 1 Killarney Celtic 0
AS the old cliché goes ‘everything comes to those who wait’ and that was Killarney Athletic’s battle cry at Mounthawk Park on Friday evening and it brought them to the Promised Land when they lifted the Premier A title for the very first time and it could not have been any sweeter as it was against their fellow townie arch rivals Killarney Celtic.
This was much more that a league final to both sides as of paramount important was the fact that the pride of the town was at stake and bragging rights were up for grabs.
Both sides played with great intensity and there was no quarters asked or given as every player contested the ball as if their life depended on it and it provided edge of the seat entertainment for the huge crowd present at the game.
There were three changes in the Celtic side from the drawn game with Matthew Moynihan replacing Jamie Spillane, Stephen Hayes starting in place of Peter McCarthy while Chris Brady was on instead of Pa McGrath.
Meanwhile, Athletic had two changes with Paudie Clifford replacing Shane Lynch while Jamie Doolan was in for William Courtney.
For a long time it looked as if this game would go to extra-time but a late goal gave Athletic a memorable victory.
Celtic again had a much greater share of the possession but despite this Brian O’Connor in the Athletic goals did not have much to do during the game.
Athletic played their usual style of game defending deep and hit- ting on the counter attack whenever they got a chance.
They were very patient when Celtic were on the offensive and cleared they lines on every occasion at the back when the pressure was on.
Celtic dominated early possession and despite forcing 9 corner kicks in a 15 minute spell they were unable to test the Athletic custodian.
Throughout the game the Athletic defence were magnificent fully prepared to lay their bodies on the line to make blocks or to get in tackles.
Celtic had a good opportunity when they got a free kick just outside the box but
John McDonagh’s shot was poor and was dealt with by the defensive wall.
Then Wayne Sparling made a great run and set up Matt Keane just outside the box but he drove his shot high and over the top.
Just before half time Athletic were unlucky not to go ahead when a Brian O’Reilly free kick arrived invitingly for Daithi Casey and his glancing header from 10 yards came off the woodwork and was scrambled to safety.
It was a similar pattern of play in the second half with Celtic passing the ball around but they were enjoying no success when they got near the Athletic rearguard. A swift moving attack involving Paudie Clifford and Jamie Doolan created and opening for Daithi Casey but his shot was straight at the Celtic goalie. Celtic’s best scoring chance of the game came in the 71th minute when Cathal O’Shea headed on a Stephen Hayes throw in and Chris O’Leary could not find the target from 12 yards with his header high and over.
There was a scare for Celtic four minutes later when Sean Cournane sent a great over the top ball to Daithi Casey but he got to the ball but not before fouling a defender.
Then Wayne Sparling went on a great run from midfield and put in sub Stephen McCarthy but just as he was about to pull the trigger Eanna Kavanagh came in with a tremendous score saving tackle.
As the game entered the final 10 minutes everyone were almost resigned to seeing the game going to extra time.
However, all this changed in the 84th minute when Athletic sub Pauly O’Sullivan sent a sublime over the top ball from deep in his own half, which split open the Celtic defence, and Daithi Casey was on to it like a locomotive train. He controlled the ball delightfully after it hopped, evaded a defender and the out-coming Celtic keeper Roy Kelliher, and calmly slotted the ball into the unguarded net for a goal of sheer class.
Athletic supporters almost brought the stand down in jubilation when the ball struck the net and they knew now that their hands were almost on the cup.
Now it was only a matter of parking the bus and letting the clock run down for Athletic.
To their credit Celtic continued to try and engineer a goal but despite getting a few free kicks they never looked like getting it.
Athletic could have doubled their lead in added time when Celtic were caught with their goalie out after a free kick but Daithi Casey was unable to find the net this time around.
There were unbelievable scene of ecstasy and unbridled celebration when the final whistle sounded with the huge band of Athletic supporters consumed with delight and celebration.
Team captain Paudie O’Conor was given a tumultuous reception as he was presented with the cup by the chairman of the KDL Sean O’Keeffe.
He thanked Celtic for a great game and paid tribute to all the players for their commitment and dedication.
He was also loud in his praise of the management team for all the hard work they put in during the season.
Athletic will take a step towards reaching another final this Wednesday when they play Castleisland in the semi-final of the Greyhound Bar Cup at Mounthawk Park with an 8pm kick off. KILLARNEY ATHLETIC: Brian O’Connor, Brian O’Reilly (Conor Farrell, 89 mins), Adam Moynihan, Paudie O’Connor, Enna Kavanagh, Shane Doolan, Mike O’Donoghue, Jamie Doolan (Paul O’Donoghue, 81 mins), Sean Cournane, Paudie Clifford, Daithi Casey (Shane Lynch, 62 mins),
KILLARNEY CELTIC: Roy Kelliher, Chris O’Leary, Brendan Falvey, John McDonagh, Matthew Moynihan, Stephen Hayes (Stephen McCarthy, 74 mins), Matt Keane, Gary Keane, Chris Brady, Cathal O’Shea,