St. Mary's, 2009 County Junior-B Hurling Champions The replay of the County Final on Sunday 15th November between great rivals St. Mary's and Killeedy was a cracker as predicted by all spectators who attended the first game which ended in a draw on Sunday 8th. Both teams were determined and eager while both brought a large crowd of supporters to Foynes to cheer them over that final hurdle. It is a credit to Foynes GAA that the field was in such good condition after such heavy rain all week. Just as in the drawn game Killeedy got the better start and had 4 points (3 frees and 1 from play) on the board before St. Mary's achieved our first two points from Sean Sheahan and Mark O'Sullivan following some great play from Keith Hartnett, Shane Hourigan, Robert Byrnes and Paul Hogan. Killeedy then scored three points, (a free and two from play) but this five-point lead was quickly cut when Mark O'Sullivan got a green flag after some serious marking by Damien Quaid and Eoghan O'Connor. Killeedy's Ger Kelly scored the next point, which was soon cancelled by another super point when Sean O'Shea passed to Keith Hartnett who passed to Sean Sheahan, who lifted our spirits with another white flag. The scoreboard read 1:03 for St. Mary's to 0:08 for Killeedy when the referee, Eamon Phelan of Ballinacurra Gaels blew the half-time whistle. By a coincidence the score-board at half-time in the drawn game of the 8th also showed a 2 point deficit for St. Mary's at half-time and on that occasion we had 0:6 to Killeedy's 2:02. Much discussion took place between spectators during the break and no doubt but the management Gerry Molyneaux, Pat O'Donnell and Pat Sheahan gave our squad some words of wisdom to sustain them in the 2nd half. The second half was even more exciting with Killeedy first to register a pointed free followed by their first goal. Shane Hourigan pointed a free but the next score was another thundering goal for Killeedy. They now had an eight-point lead but thankfully our captain Damien Quaid narrowed the gap to five points with a magnificent goal following serious marking from Patrick Sheahan, Sean O'Shea, Michael O'Sullivan and Eoghan O'Connor. Killeedy got the next point bringing the score to 2:04 for St. Mary's while Killeedy had 2:10. Mark O'Sullivan pointed a free and Shane Hourigan scored a point from play. Willie Coffey made some brilliant catches while Gary Enright, Timmy O'Connor and Patrick Sheahan were resolute in defence along with Sean O'Shea and Paul Hogan. Killeedy scored the next point, which Shane Hourigan, our No. 10 quickly cancelled. With about 8 minutes remaining in the game Killeedy scored what was to be their final score bringing the tally to 2:12 while St. Mary's had 2:07. The spectators were on their toes as each puck of the ball was analysed. For St. Mary's team, this final episode was sheer magic. Kevin O'Shea and John Enright were introduced as substitutes and Keith Hartnett scored a brilliant point having received a pass from Brian Duggan. The next point was from Eoghan O'Connor who outran his opponent after a great pass from Shane Hourigan. Keith Hartnett was next to raise a white flag after outstanding play along with Damien Quaid, Mark O'Sullivan and Eoghan O'Connor. James (Connie) O'Connor came on as substitute as the scoreboard showed Killeedy 2:12 to St. Mary's 2:10 and about 2 minutes remaining. The play was moving like lightning when undoubtably the score of the day was from the camán of Mark O'Sullivan when he goaled to bring St. Mary's ahead for the first and only time in this nail-biting encounter. The scoreboard read 2:12 for Killeedy and 3:10 for St. Mary's when the final whistle sounded. The delight of all St. Mary's supporters was a joy to witness. Players of various generations were present and clearly so proud of our team of 2009. The panel of players who won the County Final on Sunday was as follows: William Coffey, Timmy O'Connor, Gary Enright, Robert Byrnes, Patrick Sheahan, Sean O'Shea, Paul Hogan, Damien Quaid (captain)(1:0), Mark O'Sullivan, (2:02), Shane Hourigan, (0:3), Eoghan O'Connor, (0:1), Sean Sheahan, (0:2), Brian Duggan, Keith Hartnett, (0:2), Michael O'Sullivan, Kevin O'Shea, Jack Coleman, John Enright, Patrick Enright, James O'Connor, Stephen Noonan, Padraig Jones, Derry White, Robert White, John O'Connor, Gerard Frawley and Brian Byrnes. A special word of thanks is due to Mary Sheahan and Doctor Tom Curtin who looked after 1st Aid on the day. Michael O'Sullivan of the Co. Board presented the James Corbett Memorial Cup to our delighted Captain Damien Quid. Damien thanked all those who had been involved with the St. Mary's team all year, team-members, management, backroom helpers, supporters and sponsors. He dedicated the win to our motivating Assistant-Treasurer Mollie Frawley and to club members who have passed away during the year. Damien then led a rousing three cheers for the team from Killeedy who had provided such keen opposition in the three games in which we met them, and who were so gracious in defeat. The local Publican John McMahon of "The Kerry Bar" in Foynes presented a "Man of the Match" prize to the delighted Mark O'Sullivan. Returning to Rathkeale was a joy for all players, management and supporters of St. Mary's. We congregated at Rathkeale House Hotel at 6pm and paraded along the town's main street to the Community Centre led by piper Seamus Hunt. On display were the two County Cups won by our club this season. We had the County trophy won by our Minor Footballers in the 12-a-side competition just three weeks ago, along with the James Corbett Memorial Cup, which incidentally was presented in 1984 in honour of the Granduncle of our present Goalie William Coffey. Following the parade, our team and supporters were treated to tasty refreshments by the management and staff of Davy Mann's Hotel. Speeches were delivered by our Chairman Joe O'Connor; Selector Pat O'Donnell; Captain Damien Quaid, Secretary Pat Sheahan and finally our Coach Gerry Molyneaux. The players were informed of the Munster leg of the Junior-B Hurling Competition, which will take place in December. 58th Annual Christmas Draw: With Christmas approaching fast we are reminded of annual events and traditions that go together automatically. Turkey and Pudding, raffle tickets and prizes are all part of the run-up to the Christmas season. St. Mary's/Sean Finn's Club has just launched the 58th annual draw, which was first launched by the committee of the Golden Era of Rathkeale GAA not long after they last won a Junior Hurling County Final 59 years ago. Just like the team of 2009, that team of yesteryear had won three West Junior Hurling titles and one County Junior Hurling title in a the years 1947-1951. This year we again have 50 prizes on offer, and the tickets are again priced at 2 each with a book of three tickets for 5. The draw will take place as usual at the Rathkeale Community Centre on Thurs. 17th Dec. This annual draw continues to be a vital source of income for the club and we appeal to all members, players and friends to support the draw and enjoy a little flutter. The funds raised last year helped us to finance many expenses of the club during the year; both on and off the field and the financial boost of the income generated from the Christmas draw is needed this year as much as ever. We thank the Draw Co-ordinators, the three Mary's: Mary Liston, Mary Frawley and Mary Sheahan who have already given up much of their time and energy working on this event, and who will no doubt be extremely busy right up to the 17th ensuring that everything is in order. Tickets can be purchased from any member or player of the club and we look forward as always to a successful draw and many happy winners on 17th Dec. Tweet

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