COUNTY U21 B HURLING FINAL KILLULTA GAELS 1-12 BLACKROCK 1-15 The curtain finally came down on the season last Sunday in cold but sunny Feenagh as Killulta Gaels took on Blackrock in the County U21 OB, Hurling Final. While Killulta had played their semi final three weeks previous, Blackrock only defeated Drom/Broadford in their semi final the previous Wednesday to set up this encounter between the beaten finalists from the City & South Divisions. Killulta started off well and had plenty of possession in the first ten minutes as Ciaran Ryan tormented the Blackrock defence with his pace. Ruairi Maher had our first point on the board after two minutes following good work by Ryan to cancel out a Blackrock effort in the first minute. Willie Griffin edged us ahead when put through by Shane Hayes but Blackrock hit back with three points, two from frees, before Stephen McKeogh was on the end of a wonderful move involving Ruairi Maher & Ciaran Ryan on the right wing to leave a point between the sides. At this stage Blackrock were beginning to edge the midfield battle despite the efforts of Captain Simon Guerin & Brian O,Shea and Eoin O,Brien was doing his best to keep the Blackrock Captain David Moloney under wraps. The crucial score of the half though came a minute before half time and it went to Blackrock. Points from Willie Griffin and Ciaran Ryan had cancelled out two frees from Blackrock,s Mike Roche before Ritchie McCarthy dropped a long range free dangerously on top of the Killulta goal mouth. Blackrock were first to react and pulled first time to rattle the back of James Carey,s net. McCarthy pointed another free to leave Blackrock leading by six at the break, 1-9 to 0-6. We made the perfect start to the second half as within a minute the ball was in the back of the Blackrock net. Stephen McKeogh made an excellent break down the right wing, turning his man before hitting a low ball across the 21. The sliotar missed Darren Walsh but Ruairi Maher picked up the loose possession and fired passed the advancing keeper. Blackrock recovered well though and hit over four points, three from frees, to one free from Willie Griffin. Blackrock appeared comfortable midway through the second half but as bodies began to tire Killulta began to push forward once more. Shane O,Brien replaced Brian O,Shea and with Seamus McKeogh now operating at midfield we had a fresh impetus. Cian Hayes led the charge from full back and was ably supported by Mossie Sheehan and David Keating, who was booked late on. Ian Gibbs came on for the injured Ciaran Ryan with five minutes remaining and the fresh legs began to stretch the Blackrock defence. A couple of pointed frees from Willie Griffin brought us back into contention as Stephen McKeogh flashed a ball over the bar to leave just a goal between the sides. Blackrock edged ahead again before points from Darren Walsh and Willie Griffin set it up for a grandstand finish. The large crowd of supporters from both sides were in full voice at this stage and deep into injury time it was a case of hearts in mouths for the Blackrock contingent as Eoin O,Brien launched one last ball into the Blackrock defence but it failed to find a blue jersey and Blackrock managed to clear their lines. Moments later referee Fergal Hickey brought an end to the match and the last club final of the season as Blackrock rejoiced and Killulta Gaels fell to their knees in disappointment. County Board Assistant Secretary and Blackrock native Pat Creed presented the cup David Moloney who thanked his own players for their efforts, Feenagh for the excellent condition of the pitch and finally he thanked Killulta Gaels for an extremely tough and exciting game. Thanks to all the players for their commitment and to the management team of John McKeogh, Stephen Downey & Seamus Chawke, and also to our supporters and sponsors who backed the team all the way. Team: James Carey, Mossie Sheehan, Cian Hayes, David Keating, Seamus McKeogh, Eoin O,Brien, Shane Griffin, Simon Guerin (Capt.), Brian O,Shea, Shane Hayes, Stephen McKeogh (0-2), Ciaran Ryan (0-1), Ruairi Maher (1-1), Darren Walsh (0-1), Willie Griffin (0-7, (0-4fs, 1 O65m)). Subs: Shane O,Brien for Brian O,Shea, Ian Gibbs for Ciaran Ryan, Jason Daly, Aidan Lunn. Referee: Fergal Hickey (Adare). LADIES FOOTBALL Following a meeting held in the Community Centre, Pallaskenry it was decided to enter a Ladies Football Team next year called Killulta Gaels. The ladies will enter the County Novice Championship with players drawn from Pallaskenry, Kildimo & surrounding areas. Anyone interested in playing should contact the Secretary, Agnes O'Dowd on 0863984300, immediately. Also the team is on the look out for a coach/manager preferably with a background in ladies football. Thanks to all who attended and best of luck in the coming year. Tweet

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