Awards: Best performance in a hurling final
January 19, 2012
Total concentration from Rathmolyon's Mickey Cole
All the 2011 Meath hurling championship finals took place in Pairc Tailteann. County headquarters was witness to many fine games and individual performances and we take a look at what we think are the top six.
2011 was a very successful year for Boardsmill. The Intermediate title was won with a final day win over Rathmolyon while the club's second string reached the JHC decider. Luck was not with the "Mill" and Navan O'Mahony's held on to win 1-14 to 2-8. Half forward John Flood was a constant thorn in the O'Mahony's side that day. His high fielding and ball control were from the top drawer. Flood covered most of Pairc Tailteann for the Boardsmill cause and chipped in with a goal and a point.
Mickey Cole rolled back the years for Rathmolyon last year. One of Meath's outstanding hurlers in the past decade was central to 'The Village's' path to the IHC final. Cole was superb on final day against Boardsmill. The ace marksman almost single handily won the final for Rathmolyon scoring a massive 1-11 of his sides total 1-13. The day belonged to Boardsmill who won by three points but everyone in attendance that day witnessed another masterful display by Mickey Cole.
Staying with the IHC final, Boardsmill had a great performance from their full forward Cathal Flattery. Flattery proved a great target man for the winners on the edge of the square and when Rathmolyon threatened to haul in Boardsmill Cathal won loads of possession around the half forward line at crucial stages in the game. He also scored three wonderful points.
Derek Doran pulled the strings for Kildalkey all through the 2011 season. One of the highest scorers in the championship, he came into the final with a lot of pressure on his shoulders. Despite carrying an injury Doran he managed to produce another masterclass and Kildalkey won their three in a row. Derek bagged two very important goals, one in each half and picked up the coveted man of the match award.
Last year will go down as a very successful season for Navan O'Mahony's hurlers. The seniors got to the decider for the first time in 25 years while the clubs second string defeated Boardsmill to win the JHC. Dave McMullen was outstanding for the juniors as they held on for a 1-14 to 2-8 win. The talented free taker scored 1-6 of his side's total, the six points coming from frees and his goal in the 20th minute of the opening half was crucial as O'Mahony's led 1-8 to 0-4 at half time.
One of the unsung heroes to the Kildalkey cause has been Sean Heavey. Every successful team has someone that "pulls the strings'" and Kildalkey had their man in Heavey. His flicks here and neat touches there led to many of Kildalkey's scores, the county final was no exception. Heavy scored two points that day, one from a sideline cut which was worth the admittance fee alone and was instrumental as Kildalkey won comfortably on the day.
Our Award goes to Mickey Cole
Tomorrow we have our last award - Best performance in an Adult football final.
Our previous award winners
Awards: Best captain's speech
Awards: Best U21 hurler
Awards: Best camogie player
Awards: Best U16 Footballer
Awards: Best Senior Hurler
Awards: Unluckiest team
Awards: Best former county man still playing
Awards: Best Ladies Footballer
Awards: Best U21 Footballer
Awards: Best combination of referee and player
Awards: Best Minor Hurler
Awards: Best Intermediate Club Footballer
Awards: Best Club Grounds
Awards: Best Dual Player at Club Level
Awards: Club of the Year (on the playing field)
Awards: Best referee in a pressure situation
Awards: Best Intermediate Club Hurler
Awards: Senior Club Footballer of the Year
Awards: Best Junior Championship Player
Awards: Best Meath star in a club management role
Awards: Minor Footballer of the Year
Awards: Best comeback in a championship match
Awards: Best togged out team at adult level
Awards: Best display in a ladies football final
Awards: Most medals won Tweet
