Killenaule bounce back from hurling heartbreak to claim county football crown

FBD Insurance County Intermediate Football Championship Final

Killenaule 2-11

Golden Kilfeacle 0-14

Killenaule put the disappointment of their premier intermediate hurling final defeat a week earlier behind them to carve out a deserved, if hard-earned, victory over Golden-Kilfeacle in the FBD Insurance County Intermediate Football Final at Semple Stadium on Sunday.

There was little sign of despondency as the south champions set to their task with an energy and determination that, despite a slow start, saw them make the running for most of the game, although Golden-Kilfeacle, when they debrief on this setback, will acknowledge that they made Killenaule’s task easier through some uncharacteristic errors.

A missed penalty after five minutes when Ben Currivan was fouled; another goal-bound effort which came off the woodwork; and a defensive blunder for Killenaule’s second goal undermined the Golden challenge as they sought a second title in the grade and their first since 1982.

They also lost Shane O’Connell to a black card early in the second half, during which spell Killenaule scored 1-2 without reply, scores that proved decisive at the finish.

That’s not to take from the merit of the Killenaule win. With county man Paudie Feehan a driving force, they settled into the game after Golden had taken an early lead with points from Sam and Charlie Hall. Sam Hall’s penalty effort went wide, and points by Charlie Barrett and Jimmy Feehan had the sides level after eleven minutes.

Golden were enjoying as much of the play, and points from Sam Hall and Jack Leamy (2) pushed them ahead again, but Killenaule finished the half strongly. “Bubbles” kicked a two-point free, Michael Doyle pointed and Paudie Feehan kicked a two-pointer for a 0-8 to 0-5 interval lead, their last three scores coming in injury time.

It was still anybody’s game, and Jack Leamy’s pointed free on resuming gave Golden encouragement, but then they lost Shane O’Connell to a black card. Killenaule took full advantage, Tom Stakelum setting up Killian O’Dwyer for a Killenaule goal after seven minutes.

Fionn Fitzgerald and Oisín Shelley points extended their advantage to 1-10 to 0-6 by the start of the last quarter, and the south side looked likely champions. Charlie Hall inspired a Golden rally with a two-pointer, followed by points from Éanna Ormond and Sam Hall to make it a one-score game with five minutes of the hour left.

Momentum looked to be with Golden at that stage, but a mishap in defence presented Killian O’Dwyer with an easy second goal for Killenaule. Jack Leamy countered with a great two-pointer for Golden as they chased down the opposition. Eoin Shaw’s point gave Killenaule breathing space, but another great two-pointer from Jack Leamy left Golden trailing by a goal with the game in injury time. Golden had one last chance, Jack Leamy blasting for a goal from close in, but Killenaule survived to secure the title and promotion to senior ranks next year.

There was little between these sides, but what was in it was on Killenaule’s side, and they will now go forward to represent Tipp in the Munster club championship against Limerick opposition.

They previously won this title in 2004, and this success owed much to the influence of county man Paudie Feehan at midfield, whose leadership and drive inspired his colleagues.

Killian O’Dwyer, winner of the official Man of the Match award, also starred, with veteran Michael Doyle another key figure in their win. Jimmy Feehan, Tom Stakelum and Luke Ryan were others to have big games for the new champions.

Golden-Kilfeacle contributed greatly to an exciting final and will be understandably disappointed that they did not succeed. They too were chasing a second success in this grade, their last in 1982, and Sunday’s performance suggests that their day is not too far off.

Jack Leamy was their most dangerous attacker, with the Halls, Sam and Charlie, also prominent. Niall Heffernan worked extremely hard throughout, with Eoin Marnane, Shane O’Connell and Ben Currivan also to the fore.

Scorers: Killenaule: Killian O’Dwyer 2-0, Michael Doyle, Paudie Feehan 0-2, John O’Dwyer (0-2, 0-1f), Ciaran Barrett, Jimmy Feehan, Fionn Fitzgerald, Oisin Shelly, Eoin Shaw all 0-1 each.

Golden-Kilfeacle: Jack Leamy (0-7, 2x2pt, 0-1f), Charlie Hall (0-3, 1x2pt), Sam Hall 0-3, Eanna Ormond 0-1.

Killenaule: John O’Dwyer; Jack Hassett, Jimmy Feehan, Tony Ryan; Padraig O’Dwyer, Killian O’Dwyer, Darragh Doyle; Owen O’Dwyer, Paudie Feehan; Tom Stakelum, Luke Ryan, Oisín Shelley; Charlie Barrett, Michael Doyle, Fionn Fitzgerald.

Subs used: Joe O’Dwyer for Hassett (HT); Tom Keaveney for Owen O’Dwyer (42); Ciaran O’Dwyer for Fitzgerald (49); Eoin Shaw for Barrett (55); Cian Johnson-Croke for T Ryan (59).

Golden-Kilfeacle: Jack Currivan; Ciaran Byrne, Aidan O’Connell, Padraig Dalton; Cian O’Connell, Shane O’Connell, Ben Currivan; Gavin Dalton, Eoin Marnane; Éanna Ormond, Sam Hall, Jack Leamy; Jack Lonergan, Charlie Hall, Niall Heffernan.

Subs used: Tyler Barry for J Currivan (HT); Cian Ryan for Byrne (HT); Jack Bergin for G Dalton (49); Aaron Colohan for Lonergan (53); Sean O’Halloran for Ormond (56).

Referee: Derek O’Mahoney (Ardfinnan)