Kilcummin see off Currow to book their place in O’Donoghue Cup final

DR O’DONOGHUE CUP SEMI-FINAL Kilcummin 1-17 Currow 0-12

THE first semi-final in this year’s Dr O’Donoghue Cup saw Kilcummin come out on top against Currow after an entertaining game at Fitzgerald Stadium.

Although Currow opened the scoring with a lovely Daniel O’Shea point from play, Kilcummin then dominated the opening quarter, holding the ball effectively and scoring a goal and 3 points without reply. A Gary O’Leary point was followed with the Matt Keane goal, provided by Philip Casey, from a free. Kieran Murphy and Gary O’Leary pointed – 1-3 to 0-1 going into the second quarter.

With Seamus Scanlon winning their kick outs at mid field, Currow responded with 6 unanswered points to lead by the minimum on 30 minutes. Currow free taker, Mike Mc Carthy, scored impressive long distance points and from difficult angles. While Daniel O’Shea (2) and Pa Mc Carthy also pointed for Currow. However, Kilcummin won the next kickout and in a fast upfield move Gary O’Leary split the posts. A Matt Keane point saw the Munster Intermediate Champions ahead by the minimum at the break, Kilcummin 1-5 Currow 0-7.

On the restart, Currow’s Luke Fitzgerald levelled the game in the opening minute. However, Kilcummin’s greater experience showed and they pulled ahead with 4 unanswered points. Matt Keane converted a free, then followed with a point from play. Ian Devane and Philip Casey pointed from play - 1-9 to 0-8 on the 40th minute.

The sides traded two points apiece, Luke Fitzgerald and Mike McCarthy for Currow with Kieran Murphy and Gary O’Leary replying for Kilcummin – 1-11 to 0-10 on 46 minutes. Kilcummin’s greater match fitness then showed and they increased their lead to seven points on the 52nd minute and they ended up as eight-point winners to book their place in the final.

The man of the match award was presented to Kilcummins Gary O’Leary by East Kerry Chairman Johnny Brosnan. KILCUMMIN: Brendan Kealy, James Nagle, Donal Maher, Daniel Moynihan, Philip Casey (0-2, 2f), Damien O’Leary, William Maher, Shane McSweeney, Kevin Gorman, Matt Keane (1-5, 1f), Gary O’Leary (0-5, 1f), Kelvin Teahan, Kieran Murphy (0-3), Ian Devane (0-2), Mikey O’Shea. Subs: Oscar O’Connor for Kelvin Teahan (54), Jamie O’Donoghue for James Nagle (57), Paul O’Riordan for Daniel Moynihan (60), Sean Moynihan for Kelvin Teahan (60)

CURROW: Shane O’Leary, Kevin Fitzgerald, John O’Connor, Sean Brosnan, Mike Hanifin, Pat O’Sullivan, Gareth O’Connor, Seamus Scanlon, Seamus Brosnan, Kevin Daly, Luke Fitzgerald (0-2), Timmy O’Leary, Adam Manley, Daniel O’Shea (0-4, 3f), Pa McCarthy (0-1). Subs: Mike McCarthy (0-4; 2f, 1 ‘45’) for Adam Manley (19), Adam Manley for Sean Brosnan (41), John Buckley for Kevin Daly (46), Jack Griffin for Seamus Brosnan (54).

REFEREE: Brendan Brosnan (Glenflesk)

The Kilcummin team that defeated Currow in the East Kerry Dr O’Donoghue Cup semi-final in Fitzgerald Stadium on Sunday.

East Kerry Board chairman Johnny Brosnan presenting the Fr Galvin Cup to Listry captain Gary O’Sullivan

Johnny Brosnan, East Kerry Board Chairman, presenting the Aquila Club Man of the Match award to Kilcummin’s Gary O’Leary