NORTH KERRY 2013 UNDER 21 FINAL.
AsdeeBallylongford Gaa/ Beale Gaa Club2-9 Knock/Brosna 3-12.
By Jack Hennessy
This was an absolute cracker of a contest that had to go into extra time before the issue was decided played in excellent playing conditions on Saturday last at Duagh. However on saying all that there was no question or doubt but that Knock/Brosna who entered the game as favourites were the better side; they led at the break by 7pts and 8mts into the second half seem to have the game wrapped up, dominating proceedings and leading by 8pts. Still the Shannonsiders who were chasing the game up to this seemed to get a foothold and bit by bit clawed their way back and a scrambled goal into injury time by full back Martin Collins took the game to extra time. They failed to score in that extra time and Knock/Brosna were crowned Under 21 champions for 2013.
It took 8mts of play before we had the first score registered with Patrick O Keeffe splitting the uprights for Knock/Brosna but in fairness the St. Kierans side were in total control but were off target when it came to putting scores on the board and it took some excellent goalkeeping from Joe Downey, A/B/B to keep the scoreline down. Jermiah Tydings,13th minute and David Culhane 26th minute were the Shannonsiders only first half scores as Knock/Brosna totted up a further 1-5; James Walsh who was in excellent form at midfield notched 3pts while Timmy Finnegan and Eamon Prenderville, 1pt each and Patrick O Keeffee with the first of his 2 goals left the half time score 1-6 to 0-2 in Knock/Brosnas favour. On resumption the Shannonsiders came out with all guns blazing and 4pts in the first 13mts from Jermiah Tydings had his side well back in the game. At this stage Knock/Brosna were rattled despite Timmy Finnegan getting in for a softish goal. David Culhane was now coming more into the game. The industrious Darren Russell who was having a battle royal with Michael Walsh exchanged points with Patrick O Keeffe; David Culhane added another point and with 10mts left for play it was 2-7 to 0-8. Still it looked as if the St. Kierans side would hold on as brothers James and Michael Walsh pushed their side a clear 2gl in front with only a minute left for play. In the 29th mt. David Culhane got on the end of a well worked move to billow the net from close range and an injury time scrambled goal from Martin Collins forced the game to added on time; 2-9 a piece. Into extra time and even though Asdee/Bally/Beale had their moments the St. Kierans side who were almost caught in normal time but this time made no mistake holding their opponents scoreless and James Walsh, 2pts, Michael Walsh, 1pt and a goal from Patrick O Keeffe settled the issue. Certainly Knock/Brosna were better overall side with a teak tough defence, James Walsh and captain Eamon Kiely held sway at midfield while in a fast moving attack Adam Barry and the Finnegans were on top of their game. For A/B/B Philly Blake, David Culhane, 2nd half, keeper Joe Downey,Jermiah Tydings, Darren Russell and Neilus Mulvihill impressed. After the game Liam Dennehy, Duagh who kindly sponsored the competition presented the Under 21 cup to Knock/Brosnas captain, Eamon Kiely. A word of thanks to the Duagh club who had everything in order and to Ted Halpin for the half time refreshments. Teams and scorers; Knock/Brosna, Gearoid Kelly, Michael Brosnan, Shane Fitzmaurice, Chris Brown, Conor Sheehan, Micheal Walsh, 2pts, Gary Downey, James Walsh, 6pts, (4f), Eamon Kiely, Patrick O Keeffe, 2-1, Michael Finnegan, Daniel Fitzgerald, Timmy Finnegan, 2pts (1f), Eamon Prenderville, 1pt, Adam Barry. Subs; Conor Kiely, Ger Nash, Conor Shine, Micheal Shine, Cillian Fitzmaurice, Cillian Keane, Kieran O Donnell. Asdee/Bally/Beale. Joe Downey, Philly Blake, Martin Collins, 1gl, Eamon McElligott, Andy O Connell, Cormac Walsh, Kieran Kelly Padraig Murphy, David Culhane, 1-2, Neilus Mulvihill, Darren Russell, 1pt, Michael Tydings, Daniel Ellis, Jermiah Tydings, 5pts, (4f), Ian Mannix. Subs used, Sean Keane for Michael Tydings, Eoin Tydings for Daniel Ellis, Matt O Connor for Cormac Walsh, Kenneth Foley for Kieran Kelly, Diarmuid Crowe for Ian Mannix. Referee, Seamus Mulvihill, St. Senans.