NORTH KERRY LEAGUE FINAL.
Asdee 2-11 Knocknagoshel 1-11.
Played at O Sullivan Park, Finuge on Saturday evening last Asdee became McCarthys Insurance Brokers, North Kerry League Division 2 champions but had to survive a late come-back from the pre match favourites Knocknagoshel before getting over the line.
This has to be one of the best team performances that Asdee have given for quite a while; urged on by our huge support; they were really fired up; putting some terrific moves together that resulted in fantastic scores as they chased and harried their opponents winning huge turn-overs and without a doubt laid down a marker as to who wanted it more.
It maybe unfair to single any one player for special mention but certainly our excellent goalkeeper James Kelly played a huge part in this victory making some stunning saves during the game but none more-so than in the 26thminute of the first half when he was one and one with a Knock forward but brought off a super save to deny what looked like a certain score.
He was fronted by a solid back-line of Con Carmody, Kieran Kelly, Conor Keane, Mike Breen, Martin Collins and Jack Keane who kept the Knock forwards under wraps for the bigger part of the game.
Darragh Keane and John Doran excelled at midfield making sure that a good supply of quality ball went into our forwards and in a fast moving attack; Paul O Carroll, Darren Russell, Captain Sean Keane, Man of the Match, Eoin Kennedy, “Bomber” Tydings and the 2 goal hero Cyril Dineen were to cause havoc when in possession.
David O Connor Jack Collins and She’a Doran played their part when introduced.The game itself was played in championship fervor with no quarter given or asked, plenty physiciality but fair play to both teams always played within the rules.
It was only under a minute old when the elusive Cyril Dineen struck for the first of his two goals from a move that started out of defence and this certainly was the dream start that Asdee needed and probably was crucial to the end result.
Knock did have a few attacks but our defence stood firm and it took until the 18th minute before they got their opening score from Edmond Walsh; however by that stage Asdee had rattled off points through Darren Russell, Eoin Tydings, Darragh Keane and a superb score from his number 6 position by Martin Collins to put their team ahead 1-4 to 0-1.
At this stage Asdee were winning plenty possession and Sean and Darragh Keane splitting the posts. James Kellys save as already mentioned was crucial as Knock came strongly to get something before the first half ended and goals were exchanged by Cyril Dineen, (27th minute) and Knock substitute John O Keeffe, (28th Minute) but the final score of the half came from Eoin Tydings to leave the half time score Asdee 2-7 Knock 1-2.
On the changeover a stern pep talk at the break from John Kennedy was to drive the Shannonsiders on as they duly obliged showing pure passion and the will to win and even though they only scored 4 points they were always in the driving seat until the late stages of the game when Knock threw caution to the wind and went in all out attack.
Darragh Keane kicked 2 points as Knock were coming a little more into the game and with points from Edmond Walsh, John O Keeffe and Nial Barrett they were making inroads into the game as it stood 2-9 to 1-6 by the end of the 3rd quarter.
Eoin Tydings did get on the scoreboard again with a valuable point as Asdees rearguard were now working overtime as Knock were coming forward in droves in search of scores as we approached the final whistle; and they certainly put in a huge effort and 5 points in a row cut the deficit to just 2 points with Edmond Walsh very much involved in the comeback.
Then deep into injury time a long ball out of defence saw lone forward Darren Russell pulled down and from the resultant free the reliable Darragh Keane pointed as the Finuge Referee Ian Liston blew the final whistle to start the celebrations among players and supporters alike.
After the game Chairman of the North Kerry Board, Johnny Stack was on hand to present captain Sean Keane with the Cup.
On behalf of McCarthys Bar Finuge, Nollaig McCarthy presented Eoin Kennedy with the Man of the Match. Yes the players did us proud on the field but we cant forget the four wise men on the sideline; John Kennedy, Dan Dalton, Sean Doran and the ever present Mike “Tricky” Enright who masterminded a superb victory.
The team and scorers were; James Kelly, Con Carmody, Kieran Kelly, Conor Keane, Mike Breen, Martin Collins, 1pt, Jack Keane, John Doran, Darragh Keane, 5pts,(4f), Paul O Carroll, Sean Keane, captain, 1pt, Darren Russell, 1pt, Cyril Dineen, 2gls, Eoin Tydings, 3pts, Eoin Kennedy. Subs; David O Connor for Cyril Dineen, She’a Doran for Paul O Carroll. Jack Collins for Eoin Tydings, Stephen Lynch, Brian Coughlan, Dinny Dalton, Conor Coughlan, Keith McNamara, Matthew O Hanlon, Noel Long.
Referee, Ian Liston, Finuge Well done Ian for having a full compliment of match officials for the occasion.
GOLDEN GOAL Week 21 winners in our Fundraisers”Golden Goal” over the past week were; Helen O Sullivan, Tullamore, Ballybunion and David Lynch, Craughdarrig, Asdee who will each receive E40 to be given out each week to the winning number that corresponds with the first goal scored.
This is in conjunction with on going All Ireland Championship in both Football and Hurling; (Televised games). Tickets are available and will be on sale each week for the duration of the Championship from Club members and at the usual outlets; “Jack Jays” Bar and John Pius at E2 each.
FIXTURES.. Next County League Division 5. Round 8. Asdee v Beaufort “B”; Saturday/Sunday, July 13/14th.O Sullivan Park, Finuge.
Minor Leagues. North Kerry League, Division 1, Teams taking part; Castleisland Desmonds, Asdee/Ballylongford/Ballydonoghue/Clounmacon, Beale, Brosna/Duagh/Knocknagoshel. Home Advantage to the first named team. Thursday 11th July at 7.30pm. Round 1 , Brosna/Duagh/Knocknagoshel v Castleisland Desmonds, Ballylongford/Ballydonoghue/Asdee/Clounmacon v Beale Venue: Clounmacon.