Knocknagree summon up character to stem Cullen in epic JAFC decider
HOLDERS Knocknagree scaled the heights to retain their Kanturk Credit Union Duhallow JAFC title by virtue of a thrilling victory over neighbours Cullen at Rockchapel on Saturday evening.
At the end of the hour, there was no argument about who went home with the bragging rights. That said, both sides contributed hugely to a game between two fiercely committed teams where at key stages, defending champions Knocknagree held their composure to turn the screw to kick all important points during the closing 10 minutes.
Challengers Cullen gave it their all in a game of fantastic endeavour but it wasn’t enough to halt a gritty Knocknagree inspired by man of the match and team captain Danny Cooper from collecting their 12th outright title. Ultimately Knocknagree deserved their success if only for the manner in which they refused to be ruffled after Cullen threatened to snatch the initiative.
Knocknagree had opened full of promise and though shooting a pair of wides, a point by Anthony O’Connor gave the defending champs an early lead. For their part, Cullen had started nervously yet they soon discovered a rhythm and began to play with a confidence and conviction that troubled Knocknagree.
Once Tomás O’Keeffe pointed, Cullen were clearly up for a battle, the assertive play of Dermot Hickey, Pat O’Sullivan, Alan Regan and O’Keeffe helped gain a considerable influence. Going forward, Cullen had the alarm bells ringing, points to the Flemings, Seán and Mike in addition to O’Keeffe built up a 0-4 to 0-1 advantage.
Back came Knocknagree, the O’Connor brothers Anthony and Fintan obliged to tie up the contest. With the action fast and furious, a splendid advertisement for the grade, the sides traded points, O’Keeffe boomed over a massive pair only for John Fintan Daly and Matthew Dilworth to reply for Knocknagree.
Again Cullen remained that bit sharper in general play, confirmed on regaining the lead from Jerry O’Connor and O’Keeffe points.
However, Knocknagree hauled themselves right back into contention in the 26th min. with the game’s only goal. That stemmed after Knocknagree skipper Cooper averted clear danger on taking the ball away from Regan, Paul O’Connor moved the ball down the wing, Eoghan McSweeney fed Daly who took a return pass from Fintan O’Connor to finish with power and precision.
In fairness, Cullen remained in the hunt, the surperb O’Keeffe and David Walsh claimed points for parity. But just on the call of the interval, Cullen might well had conceded a second goal, thankful to ‘keeper Billy O’Connor on producing a wonder reflex save from Padraig Collins.
Deadlocked at the break 1-7 to 0-10, Knocknagree restarted with renewed vigor on lead points to Paul O’Connor and Eoghan McSweeney. Again Cullen stood up to the challenge, Regan and O’Keeffe splitting the uprights for equality for the sixth occasion.
Maybe not as freeflowing as the opening half, the contest was never less than compelling given the closeness of the exchanges. The scoring conversion rate had dropped too, Knocknagree had reason to regret wastage of possession on shooting six wides during the third quarter.
It was question time for Knocknagree and not unexpectedly, their response was well co-ordinated on ruling matters. At the back, substitute Andrew Sheehan, Kealan Buckley and Paul O’Connor tightened the defensive bolts, Cooper along with James Dennehy covered acres as McSweeney, Daly and Anthony O’Connor offered real penetration in attack.
After an indifferent spell shooting wise, Knocknagree capitalised on their dominance with points to Dilworth and Anthony O’Connor. Cullen hung in, O’Keeffe pointed a free to reduce the deficit to the minimum only for the scheming Daly reply at the opposite end for the insurance point.
*Consistent Knocknagree captain Danny Cooper took the man of the match award, presented by Mary O’Sullivan, Kanturk Credit Union. High commendation to the host Rockchapel club, their match arrangements, programme, parking and stewarding excelled. Adding to the occasion were a primary schools fgo games between Knocknagree and Cullen in addition to Newmarket Pipe Band adding to the occasion with Kathleen Carroll singing the national anthem.