Game’s only goal vital for PCD victory

WHEN Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne last won an O’Sullivan Cup in Kerry, Éamonn Fitzmaurice was also over that particular side but after a gruelling week of fixtures for the players he was delighted to see the school win another major title.

“We were coming into this after losing a Corn Uí Mhuirí game on Tuesday and there was also West Kerry Minor Championship last weekend, so the players had to cope with a lot this week.

“You must consider the performance in that context but it’s also better to have things to work on from a position of winning going into your next game.”

Fitzmaurice agreed that the game’s only goal going their way was a factor in their win.

“It was a great move for it and a great finish by Cillian as well. Rathmore didn’t get a goal when they came at us hard in the second half and this is a major shot in the arm for us going into the knock-out stages of the Corn Uí Mhuirí.

“We hadn’t intended on bringing Colm [ Ó Muircheartaigh] in today after the injury he got on Tuesday, but we needed his leadership late on to get us through.”

St Flannans will form a tough test for Pobalscoil next month and Fitzmaurice isn’t thinking too far beyond that even though a potential map to retaining their Corn Uí Mhuirí title has been drawn.

“Flannans won all their games in their Group so it will be tough and it’s all we will be thinking about in the meantime, not what might come after if we win.”

SPSL Rathmore mentor David McCarthy was delighted with his side’s effort in defeat.

“They put in a massive effort and played with a great intensity and discipline and really went for it. If we took some of the chances we missed who knows, but after losing Darragh Rahilly to a broken hand we’re very happy to have come that close, Daniel Fleming did well in his absence and it shows you the depth we have in the panel at present to cope with the loss of Darragh,” he said.

McCarthy was happy this side showed great heart like they did in facing similar deficits earlier in the competition with the focus now switching to Pobalscoil Inbhear Sceine Kenmare for SPSL.

“We’re very proud to have gotten here to an ‘A’ final in Kerry for the first time and that we brought our level of performance to match that of the Munster A Champions themselves in Corcha Dhuibhne.

“Kenmare beat us in the ‘B’ final of both Senior and U-16½ last year so we know what they are about, and we are looking forward to our semi-final with them in the new year.”