East Kerry Minor Championship Final (Div 3)
Kilcummin 2-20 Glenflesk 3-13
Our Minors gave selector Darragh Kelly a perfect wedding present by adding the East Kerry Division 3 title to the East Kerry League won earlier in the month over Glenflesk. There has never been much between these two rivals over the years and it was the same in Farranfore on Sunday last. Very evenly matched with scores being swapped throughout, the half time scoreline reflected this at Kilcummin 0-9 Glenflesk 1-6.
The second half followed the same pattern but Glenflesk forged ahead early on and looked to be gaining the upper hand but a goal from Dylan Murphy and some inspirational points from man of the match and captain Paul O’Shea had Kilcummin in the driving seat. However, Glenflesk fought back and goaled themselves to leave the game on a knife edge but Cian Foley settled the nerves when he finished a fine move to the net. When Danny Cronin, Philip O’Leary and Cian Foley added further points Kilcummin looked home and dry but Glenflesk didn’t believe that and hit the Kilcummin net following a rebounded free-kick.
Adam O Sullivan put us back in a four-point lead as Glenflesk ‘s goalkeeper had a goal disallowed for a square ball six minutes into time added on. The final whistle brought a long season to an end where these bunch of lads have progressed immensely and have learned how to win. Well done to manager DJ Fleming and selectors Tim Ryan and Darragh Kelly. Keith O’Leary was outstanding in goals bringing off two great saves as well as influencing the teams approach with his kickouts.
The fullback line of Dara Brosnan, Nathan McCarthy and Dara Cronin defended resolutely against a potent Glenflesk forward line while the brothers Dylan and Cian Murphy were a threat going forward as well as sticking to their defensive duties with effect. Dara O’Callaghan has been simply immense throughout the year and showed that again on Sunday despite his tender years. Paul O’Shea’s final game at minor level left us with lasting memories as he fielded superb balls at midfield despite the very close attention of more than one of the opposition. His point kicking was confident and skilful as he finished the day with 0-8 from play.
Chris Moynihan was a great ally at midfield and defended very well when asked to do so. Darren Lehane was a constant threat and accounted for four of his team’s points. Danny Cronin, Philip O’Leary and Cian Foley show great promise for the future and have been scoring well all the year accounting for 1-4 between them on Sunday. Dean Bradley Cronin and Mark O’Shea played their part all the year and again on Sunday as they worked extremely hard throughout.
Colm Kelleher, Jack McClain, Oisin O Leary and Adam O Sullivan were introduced on Sunday as others tired and all have contributed greatly despite being still U16. Roll on 2020.
Congratulations to Ciara O Leary (club sec) and Dara Kelly who were married on Saturday in Kilcummin Church.
