Killenaule finish with aplomb to down the Sash and lift Division 2 crown

Killenaule defeated Boherlahan Dualla in the Division 2 final

FBD Insurance County Hurling League - Division 2 Final

Killenaule 0-22

Boherlahan Dualla 1-15

Killenaule claimed the Jim Devitt Cup in Littleton on Friday evening, overcoming Boherlahan Dualla by four points in a competitive FBD County Hurling League Division 2 Final played in bright but windy conditions.

It was a game where Killenaule’s scoring spread, their greater fluency in attack and the accuracy of Ciarán O’Dwyer from placed balls eventually proved decisive.

Boherlahan Dualla, to their credit, stayed in the contest throughout and never allowed Killenaule to fully ease clear, but the Mid side were chasing the game for long spells after Killenaule’s strong finish to the opening half.

Boherlahan-Dualla made the brighter start despite playing against the wind. They had 1-2 on the board inside the opening minutes, with Paddy Gahan striking for the game’s only goal after just 90 seconds.

Tossy Ryan followed with early placed-ball scores, and Boherlahan-Dualla looked sharp and purposeful in the opening exchanges.

Killenaule, though, gradually worked their way into the game. Michael Doyle, who finished with four points from play, settled them with a couple of well-taken scores, while Tom Stakelum was also prominent as Killenaule began to find rhythm in attack.

Points from Doyle, Stakelum, Charlie Barrett and Ciarán O’Dwyer helped them eat into the early deficit before they moved ahead.

The opening half became increasingly productive for Killenaule, with their forward line creating chances at regular intervals.

O’Dwyer’s free-taking became a major feature, while he also chipped in from play. Boherlahan Dualla were kept in touch by Tossy Ryan, who was their main scoring threat throughout, and by points from Ned Ryan and Euan Ryan.

By the interval, Killenaule had turned the early Boherlahan Dualla burst around, leading 0-14 to 1-8. Given the wind factor, that three-point advantage was significant, although Boherlahan Dualla had shown enough to suggest they would not go away quietly.

The second half was tighter and more fragmented, with frees dominating the scoring. Both sides conceded plenty, and both O’Dwyer and Tossy Ryan punished those mistakes with excellent accuracy.

Killenaule were not as fluent after the restart, and their shooting accuracy was an issue across the hour, finishing with twelve wides.

Boherlahan-Dualla kept themselves in the game through Ryan’s placed balls and added points from James Kirby, Mark Downey and late substitute Charlie Ryan. Kirby’s introduction gave them extra energy, while Charlie Ryan’s late point added to their tally, but they never quite looked like they were turning the game in their favour.

Killenaule had important second-half scores from Luke Ryan, Darragh Doyle and a string of O’Dwyer frees. Tom and Mark Stakelum both worked hard and contributed to the scoreboard, while Doyle’s four points from play were vital in giving Killenaule that extra edge in open play.

Boherlahan Dualla deserve credit for staying in the contest, especially as they were without Charlie Ryan until his late introduction. They continued to make Killenaule earn it, but Killenaule always carried a little more scoring threat and managed the closing stages well.

O’Dwyer closed the game out with further frees before Boherlahan-Dualla added late scores through Tossy Ryan and Charlie Ryan. At the final whistle, Killenaule were four points clear, 0-22 to 1-15, and deserved winners of the Division 2 title.

Scorers: Killenaule: Ciarán O’Dwyer (0-10, 0-8f), Michael Doyle 0-4, Tom Stakelum 0-3, Charlie Barrett, Mark Stakelum, Oisin Shelly, Luke Ryan, Darragh Doyle all 0-1 each.

Boherlahan Dualla: Tossy Ryan (0-8, 0-7f), Paddy Gahan 1-0, Euan Ryan 0-2, Ned Ryan, David Clarke, James Kirby, Mark Downey, Charlie Ryan all 0-1 each.

Killenaule: David McCormack; Jack Hassett, Killian O’Dwyer, Shane Ryan; Podge O’Dwyer, Cian Johnson Croke, Charlie Barrett; Luke Ryan, Tony Ryan; Mark Stakelum, Ciarán O’Dwyer, Darragh Doyle; Oisín Shelly, Tom Stakelum, Michael Doyle.

Subs used: Paudie Feehan; Fionn Fitzgerald; Owen O'Dwyer.

Boherlahan Dualla: Darragh Lacey; Conor Kennedy, Ger O’Dwyer, Brian Carrigg; Ned Ryan, Martin Paul O’Dwyer, Dylan Fogarty; Cathal Darcy, David Clarke; Euan Ryan, Paddy Gahan, Seamus Leahy; Mark Downey, Conor Fogarty, Thomas Ryan.

Subs used: James Kirby; Charlie Ryan.

Referee: Shane O’Neill (Ardfinnan)