Tourlestrane win Cup
TOURLESTRANE KILLANNIN 0- 16 1- 11 THE Leo Kenny Cup Final was contested on Tuesday in the Centre of Excellence Ballyhaunis. In the 18th year of the competition’s existence, Killannin of Galway faced off against the 2011 champions, Tourlestrane. This wasn’t Killannin’s first Kenny Cup final, as they contested the inaugural final against the eventual winners, Hollymount. Both sides went into the final after overwhelming victories in their respective semi finals. Tourlestrane defeated Mountbellew/ Moylough by 10 points, whereas Killannin overcame Aghamore by 15 points. With the trophy at stake, this game gave supporters their money’s worth.
Both teams made some last minute changes to their starting lineups, and it was one of these late inputs Alan Bowens who was called into action instantly in the Tourlestrane goal, saving Niall Walsh’s effort from close range. Five minutes had gone in the half, and Killannin found themselves in the driving seat leading by 0- 4 to 0- 1, with the pick of these points coming from the impressive full forward Patrick Sweeney. Sweeney proved to be a real threat in the Killannin attack throughout the game, keeping Tourlestrane’s Brian Kennedy on his toes. Killannin kept the lead for the first twenty minutes of the game, with some well taken scores from Niall Walsh and Enda Kelly. Tourlestrane’s defensive setup seemed to invite the opposing attack, but they were still able to hit Killannin hard when running at them on the counter attack. Cathal Henry struck four points in the first half, with two also coming from John Kelly as Tourlestrane relied heavily on these two to keep them in touching distance in the first half. Henry put Tourlestrane ahead just before the break, although Killannin still seemed to be on top as they held a lot of possession around midfield, and looked quite sharp infront of goal. The half- time score was Tourlestrane 0- 7, Killannin 0- 6.
The second half brought great excitement, which started in the 35th minute. Stephen Henry, who pulled the strings for Tourlestrane attacks throughout the second period, found Pat Harte with a long kick pass. Harte was taken down in the square, and referee Patrick McTiernan awarded a penalty. Killannin goalkeeper and captain Shane Sheridan made a double save as Liam Gaughan’s penalty and rebound were kept out. Although this rose Killannin spirits, Tourlestrane still pulled away, leading 12- 6 with some brilliant scores from substitute Brian Egan and a brace from Oisín Kennedy, who was outstanding throughout. County star Johnny Heaney got Killannin’s first point of the second half on the 43rd minute, which sparked what seemed like an impossible comeback. David Walsh sent a long free kick into full forward Patrick Sweeney, who rose to the ball and without hesitation rifled a right footed shot into the bottom left hand corner of Alan Bowens’ net.
Sweeney’s outstanding finish put only three points between the teams, as Tourlestrane players and supporters alike hoped that their team could prevent a Killannin revival.
Tourlestrane dropped men back to avoid conceding any more scores, however a challenge from Pat Harte gave Enda Kelly a chance to put a point between the teams, as Harte was awarded a second yellow card for his foul. With six minutes of normal time remaining, midfielder Gary Heffernan drew the game level, as a Killannin victory seemed more likely by the minute.
With their backs against the wall, the management team of Eamonn O’Hara and Gerry McGowan introduced their towering substitutes Conan Marren and John Quinn to try and regain their lead. Tourlestrane worked the ball well up the field, in search of the leading score. From what seemed to be a risky angle after such hard work, up stepped Shane Dunne, who stroked the ball over the bar to give Tourlestrane the lead.
With six minutes of added time, Tourlestrane took two more points to retain a three point lead. Killannin had one last chance to have a lifeline in the game, and the back of the net was their only option. A ball played across goal was met by Patrick Sweeney who fisted the ball with great force towards goal. Alan Bowens stuck up a hand to tap the ball over the bar, not only saving a goal scoring opportunity, but saving his team from defeat in what was a pulsating finish.
In such a dramatic game, both teams could hold their heads high after the final whistle, leaving all they had on the field.
Both showed great determination and team spirit, in a thrilling encounter. Patrick Sweeney earned a few mentions, taking some brilliant scores including his jaw dropping goal. Gary Heffernan, Enda Kelly and David Walsh all played key roles in Killannin’s performance on the day. Tourlestrane’s Adrian McIntyre, Oisín Kennedy and Liam Gaughan covered a huge amount of ground, heavily contributing to their team’s triumph. TOURLESTRANE: A Bowens; D Leonard, B Kennedy, B Walsh; O Kennedy ( 0- 2), A McIntyre, J Leonard ( C); S Henry, K Gavigan; C Henry ( 0- 6), J Kelly( 0- 2), G Gaughan; N Gaughan, P Harte ( 0- 1), L Gaughan ( 0- 3). Subs used: S Dunne ( 0- 1), B Egan ( 0- 1), J Quinn, C Marren. KILLANNIN: S Sheridan; D Kelly, E Murray, T McAndrew; C Roche, D Walsh, R Caldwell; S Thornton, G Heffernan ( 0- 1); C Sweeney, N Walsh ( 0- 2), J Heaney ( 0- 1); D Walsh ( 0- 1), P Sweeney ( 1- 2), E Kelly ( 0- 4). Subs used: A O’Neill.