Knocknagree in rude good health after latest victory

Knocknagree’s remarkable progress shows no sign of slowing just yet with Senior B the next target writes John Tarrant

FTER a mediocre championship, Knocknagree and Gabriel Rangers kept the best wine ‘til last. The battling traits of both sides surfaced to a contest that held quality and excitement to it in abundance on a fitting climax to the Intermediate Championship.

No surprise that Knocknagree surfaced to land the ultimate prize, all through the campaign, there was an awesome ferocity that Knocknagree did on clocking up impressive scoring tallies and hotly fancied to land the ultimate prize. Gabriels were cast into the role of outsiders against a team that had marched to All Ireland Junior glory early last year.

At the end of the hour, the team from the Mizen Peninsula almost claimed a famous triumph. At the full-time whistle, Gabriels trailed by two points having missed two penalties. No doubt, a heartbreak ending for the challengers who found themselves on the receiving ending of a couple of Knocknagreee purple patches.

The first half was dominated by a series of decisive moments, the setback of a missed penalty for Gabriels, the boost of a cracking Knocknagree goal by Eoghan McSweeney in a classic move. Mark Cronin’s left legged penalty effort denied by Patrick Doyle midway through the opening half, second time around, Eddie Goggin entrusted with the responsibility, his right booted blast brought the best out of Doyle.

And to rub salts into the Gabriels wounds, Anthony O’Connor split the West Cork defence to finish off a marvellous move by drilling the ball into the roof of the net for a strike worthy of goal of the season contender.

The champions appeared to be cantering, maybe Knocknagree relaxed, forced to hold their nerve in the face of fierce pressure that saw a nine point plus situation reduced drastically to just two points.

Ultimately, Knocknagree managed to repel the late Gabriels onslaught that ensured they didn’t ship further scores. A game to remember, massive performances from Doyle and Anthony O’Connor for Knocknagree, not forgetting Gabriels, they needed someone to show some leadership, veteran Pat Nolan put up his hand.

Nolan resides in Kilshannig heartland at the opposite end of the county, no doubt his work ethic and example can spur on the North Cork club in the

County JAFC Final. Spells of enterprising play from Knocknagree, offset by a courageous Gabriels comeback made for an engaging contest, fittingly, the best two sides in the grade are elevated to premier status.

It’s fair to say that Knocknagree lived up to their billing as the best team in the campaign, Maybe a somewhat flat performance at times by Knocknagree in the decider, yet they stampeded through in impressive fashion.

And the figures justify Knocknagree’s wellbeing, by the time Gabriel Rangers had netted their first goal of the campaign during the closing stages of the decider, Knocknagree had bagged thirteen green flags.

It will take a good team to stop Knocknagree in the 2020 Premier Intermediate grade

With the John ‘Lock’ O’Sullivan Cup safely in the hands of Knocknagree captain Gary O’Connor, on the evidence of their performances this season, Knocknagree confirmed a team with real belief.

A fusion of new talent mixed with experience, it will take a good team to stop Knocknagree in the 2020 Premier Intermediate grade. Remember, it’s a revamped grade, strong sides such as Éire Óg, St. Michaels, Bandon, Bantry Blues and Beál Atha’n Ghaorthaidh are elevated to senior B ranks. That leaves others take stock, the likes of Kanturk, Newmarket, Cill na Martra, Naomh Abán, Aghada and St Vincents will harbour aspirations.

Add in Knocknagree to the equation, flying high and well equipped to tackle the aforementioned with a goal of landing a third county title and a shot at Munster and just maybe a second All Ireland.

Rest assured, Knocknagree’s plans for 2020 will commence when the draws for the group stages in the County Championships take place on Tuesday, November 19. Onwards and upwards for the men in Royal Blue and White.