Doyle save a key moment for Knock

FROM a wonderful weekend of sport that highlighted joy and heart break for so many teams on the local, national and global stage, the goalkeeping exploits of Ladies Hockey ‘keeper Ayesisha McFerran and Knocknagree custodian Patrick Doyle will forever be etched in folklore.

McFerran’s interventions with three saves in a penalty shoot out secured Ireland a place in the 2020 Olympics. Maybe not to the same vein in viewing audiences, Doyle pair of penalty saves were definitely inspirational to Knocknagree that helped secure another prize in Cork football.

“It’s all about picking the correct side, hoping to be close and saving it. There is no secret recipe, a huge amount of work goes into training with four ‘keepers involved, Duhallow selector Kieran Fitzgerald came in and gave us guidance, he deserves credit too,” he said.

“I usually choose an option, the first penalty was left legged and the second, right legged.

“Nine times out of ten, a penalty is scored, the saves helped our cause, it was hairy at times, but we’re delighted to get over the line,” he added.

A roller coaster week for Doyle and his Knocknagree colleagues, many involved in a defeat to Nemo Rangers in the County SFC Final.

“We were disappointed at the outcome, Duhallow is important to us, the hurt of the defeat will linger on over the winter months. For many, it would take a year, if lucky enough to reach a final again, for us, it was six days and we were focused on the next game, that involved Knocknagree in a county final,” he said.

An overwhelming majority had expected a clear-cut outcome for Knocknagree yet Doyle knew of the calibre of Gabriel Rangers.

“Many of these experts don’t go to games, we were aware of the opposition, some of the Gabriel players are exceptional, the names keep rolling off the tongue. Having played them on a few occasions previously, Knocknagree were aware of what was coming down the track.”

“Not the best of performances from us, a bit sloppy at times, even at the back, one or two kick-outs weren’t great but our team holds grit and heart. And of course, we have the forwards up front that can deliver scores,” he said.