Extra-time heartache for Dromtariffe footballers
S
O close yet so far for
Dromtariffe, giving this Munster Final their best shot but
going down with pride and reputation intact. From this observers point of view, Dromtariffe’s best
performances all season in terms
of consistency and endeavour surfaced in the drawn Duhallow JAFC Final and the Munster decider.
Rank outsiders on both occasions, Dromtariffe delivered gritty and courageous displays that may well had added divisional and provincial silverware to their collection. After four mediocre and one sided games in the Munster campaign, the two best teams surfaced to offer the match of the 2018 provincial campaign, brimming with energy, effort and enthusiasm, the tussle was decorated with excellent skill and sportsmanship that enthralled a vocal attendance.
What started in bright sunshine, this memorable Munster Final finished with the Mallow lights shining down on a winter’s evening, the outcome refused to be settled by the standard hour’s action.
On doing so, Beaufort were forced to endure nervous spells against Dromtariffe as a do or die affair contest developed. At the end of an epic contest of swaying fortunes, just a kick of a ball separated the teams where on the balance of play, Beaufort just about deserved silverware to become the 13th club from the Kingdom to collect provincial Junior A honours.
Previously Mid Kerry neighbours Laune Rangers, Miltown/ Castlemaine, Glenbeigh/Glencar and Keel had done so in various grades, the majority following up to add All Ireland honours with Beaufort carrying the weight of barren years. Its been a long time coming but deliverance surfaced in 2018, initially answering the searching questions asked of them during a demanding Kerry campaign.
No massive amounts of sweat perspired to reach a Munster Final prior to Beaufort surviving the severest of examinations from a pumped up and highly organised Dromtariffe that belied their 9/2 outsiders ranking. After a shaky start, the defensive toil of the Cork champions curbed a highly rated Beaufort outfit without some key players from their county winning run.
Having endured a torrid opening, Dromtariffe really settled into the proceedings, the extent of their dominance was underlined on Beaufort adding just a lone point in the closing 22 minutes to the opening half. And at the opposite end, Beaufort had leaked a pair of goals to find themselves six points adrift.
Half time allowed Beaufort absorb those blows, slowly settling into a pattern, their defiance manifested in key positions and the collective impact became increasingly evident as the game wore on. Still Dromtariffe remained gritted and determined not to fold, their persistence meant the outcome up for grabs and for the second consecutive season, stalemate and extra time was required.
That omen sounded good for Dromtariffe, fellow Duhallow neighbours Knocknagree had followed a similar scenario last season, both Knocknagree and Dromtariffe had lost divisional finals to Boherbue yet the rehabilitation of both sides prospered to win county finals. To the same day from 2017, Knocknagree struck late to take Dromid Pearses to extra time only to hold their nerve and secure outright victory to end a 10 year reign of Kingdom dominance.
The apprehension amongst supporters was palpable, Beaufort regrouped, their response impressive, charging at Dromtariffe time and again, indeed with a little more precision, Beaufort might well had outscored the opposition by more than 0-2 to nil.
Tired bodies and cramping meant no side was going to pull
away and amidst all the fatigue, Beaufort were content to hold their precious lead to the finishing line.
Indeed Beaufort enjoyed a familiar route to their latest piece of silverware, for the third time in the campaign, they were forced to endure and all importantly survived extra time. At times they felt the pressure enroute to landing their first major silverware in Kerry since 2000.
From tough physical battles, Beaufort had the bit between their teeth that formed single point wins over Churchill and Na Gaeil, both games required extra time to resolve.
That long awaited Kerry title dated back to early last May, it required Division 1 league action over the summer to retain Beaufort sharpness where they finished a creditable 10th place behind strong senior and intermediate action. For their part, Dromtariffe are somewhere around ranked 60th in Cork, five league divisions incorporating senior and intermediate teams operate above a county junior league.
It’s fair to say that Dromtariffe may well be far better than some of the sides operating in higher grades on Leeside. Whatever about the debate of reducing the number of senior ranked clubs in Kerry, its the opposite in Cork, near impossible to be relegated and with two intermediate grades in operation, it sees Junior A Football in effect listed as the fourth grade.
For many, that’s allowed a dropping of standards, again evident on Cork failing to win a Munster inter county or club championship title during 2018. Some degree of comfort saw Dromtariffe at least test Beaufort.
Whatever their fate in the All Ireland series, Beaufort will relish entry into Intermediate ranks with plenty of quality league and championship action. Not as definitive for Dromtariffe, starting off in Division 5, many games here are conceded or not played.
2018 debutants Knocknagree failed in their efforts to welcome any visiting team for a league fixture. Securing a place in a league final, it looks as if Knocknagree have taken the honours without kicking a ball for their opponents are unable to a team on a number of occasions over recent weeks.
Given dismal performances at inter county level, a Football Review is currently underway under former Cork managers Conor Counihan and Brian Cuthbert, All Ireland captain Graham Canty and Chairperson Tracey Kennedy. Their deliberations in terms of domestic championships and leagues are awaited with interest.