Extra-time flourish earns Knocknagree triumph at Kanturk’s expense

Knocknagree 3-14 Kanturk 3-11

A FRANTIC end to an absorbing encounter saw Knocknagree earn a three point triumph over Kanturk in a cracking Central Stores Duhallow U-21 ‘B’ Football Championship semi final at Millstreet. From a truly absorbing contest, this game had everything, passages of excellent football, brilliant scores and pulsating finish to force extra-time.

Crucially, Knocknagree steadied themselves and finished strongly to land a ticket to the decider against Duarigle Gaels. At times, Kanturk had looked favourably positioned before capitulating to skilful opponents that got over the line thanks to hard work, belief and parading high quality attacking football

Knocknagree raced into an early lead before Kanturk signalled their intentions for Daniel O’Donoughue to convert a penalty. That advantage was short lived, Knocknagree powered into the game through the key play of Michael Doyle, Gearóid Looney, Seán Twomey and Michael Mahony.

Goals in quick succession from Glen Vaughan and Niall O’Connor confirmed Knocknagree’s grip, Kanturk thankful to custodian Jordan Fullerton on producing a series of excellent saves. Indeed Kanturk answered with a Daniel O’Connell goal to trail 2-4 to 2-2 at the break.

A hectic pace continued on the restart, both sides committed to attack added to an intriguing contest enjoyed by a large attendance. Spurred on by the outstanding Ryan Walsh, Kanturk shaded matters , Walsh, Christopher Mullane and Gavin Keneghen adding points.

And Kanturk looked well positioned when O’Connell netted a goal to jump four points ahead. However Knocknagree’s resolve was most impressive, Mahoney grabbing a goal before Looney levelled the game at 3-8 apiece.

Into extra time, Kanturk had lost the influencial Walsh as Knocknagree edged ahead from points by Niall O’Connor and Denis O’Connor. Back came Kanturk with likewise scores from Keneghen and Mullane for deadlock and a replay looked on the cards.

With the excitement reaching fever pitch, Knocknagree held the adrenalin to push on, the enterprising Niall O’Connor led the way with a run of late points to swing a titanic battle,, the outcome sets up Knocknagree a place in the final against Duarigle Gaels and the chance to end a barren run at u21 level. KNOCKNAGREE: A O’Sullivan; P Lock, M Doyle; G Looney 0-1; S Twomey, D O’Mahony 0-2 , T Mahoney; M Mahoney 1-0, G Vaughan 1-1; T O’Connor 0-1, D O’Connor 0-2, D Twomey 0-2; E Herlihy, P O’Connor 0-2 (1f), N O’Connor 1-3. Sub: K Cronin for E Herlihy.

KANTURK: J Fullerton; C Breen, L Cashman, E Guiney; B O’Sullivan 0-1, E Geaney, A Murphy; R Walsh , A Walsh 0-3 (1f) ; D O’Donoughue 1-0p, D O’Connell 2-0, C Mullane 0-4; S Hopkins, B Kenneally , G Keneghen 0-3. Subs: E McAulliffe for A Murphy, C O’Donoughue for B Kenneally, C O’Sullivan for R Walsh (inj).

REFEREE: D Hickey (Millstreet)