Knockmealdown Gaels win last GAA final of the year in south Tipperary

Knockmealdown Gaels 2-9  Killenaule 2-6

The South Tipperary GAA Board's final fixture of the year took place in Kilsheelan on Sunday, with the Under 21 footballers of Killenaule and Knockmealdown Gaels contesting the final of the B grade for the Dick Allen cup, with Knockmealdown emerging victorious.

Before the game commenced a minute’s silence was observed in memory of the late David Lahart of Killenaule, who died so tragically just over a week ago.

Knockmealdown Gaels dominated the early stages of the first half but were well contained by a strong Killenaule defence and found it difficult to register a score. Eventually, full forward Ben Carey secured possession and when he was fouled going through he tapped over the resultant free to register his side's first score.

As the half progressed Killenaule began to impose themselves on the game and in a slick movement, with several players involved, the ball eventually went to full forward David McCormack, and from a tight angle he shot to the Knockmealdown net.

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From the kickout Killenaule won possession and Fionn Fitzgerald sent over a fine point. Killenaule extended their lead with a point from a close range free by Charlie Barrett. This was cancelled almost immediately by a similar score from a free by Ben Carey, who was a constant menace to the Killenaule defence.

With twenty minutes gone in the half, the score stood at Killenaule 1-2 Knockmealdown Gaels 0-2. At this stage Killenaule looked the more likely winners. Knockmealdown Gaels had other ideas, however. They finished the half stronger with Ben Carey scoring a peach of a goal. When the ball left his boot it looked like it was going wide but it curled into the top corner of the net, giving the Killenaule goalie Charlie Cummins no chance.

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Charlie Barrett pointed a free for Killenaule and in the 30th minute Chris O'Donnell brought the teams level before the half-time whistle blew at 1-3 each.

Knockmealdown Gaels dominated the first twenty minutes of the second half. They took control at centrefield, with Darragh Maher and Cathal English dominating. The constant flow of play towards the Killenaule defence put them under pressure and the Knockmealdown Gaels forwards took full advantage.

Darragh Maher took a shot from a distance and it dipped into the Killenaule goalmouth area. The Killenaule goalkeeper did his best to keep it out but it slipped from his grasp for a decisive score for Knockmealdown Gaels.

Ben Carey followed up with a point and it opened a gap of four points between the teams. It was all Knockmealdown Gaels midway through the half and even wing backs Greg Nugent, with one point, and Daire English with two inflicted more pain on Killenaule, whose display at this stage was not a patch on their first half performance.

It was hard to see Killenaule making a comeback but credit to them, come back they did. Podge O'Dwyer and Tony Ryan got to grips with their counterparts at centerfield and the last ten minutes was all Killenaule. Points by Luke Fitzgerald and two from Charlie Barrett reduced the lead to six points, as the minutes ticked away.

Referee Paddy Ivors awarded a close range free to Killenaule and free-taker Charlie Barrett decided to take on the packed goalmouth and take his chances for a goal. His shot was pushed out of the danger area but the in-rushing David McCormack connected to crack the ball to the net. Time ran out on Killenaule, however, and Knockmealdown Gaels were deserving winners by a three-point margin.

Knockmealdown Gael had exceptional performers in Cathal English and Darragh Maher at centrefield and a strong half backline where Cian O'Brien, Greg Nugent and Daire English performed well. Ben Carey was the outstanding forward on the field while Chris O'Donnell's workrate was excellent. 

For Killenaule, Darragh Doyle performed well in defence while Podge O'Dwyer and Tony Ryan had their moments. Charlie Barrett and David McCormack were best up front.

Knockmealdown Gaels: Joseph O'Brien (captain), Dylan Morrissey, John English, Gearoid Hurley, Greg Nugent 0-1, Cian O'Brien, Daire English 0-2, Darragh Maher 1-0, Cathal English 0-1, Jack Owens, Chris O'Donnell 0-1, Paul Murphy, Dan Burke, Ben Carey 1-4, Padraig Hickey.

Subs: Ben Doyle for Padraig Hickey, Evan Hyland for Paul Murphy.

Killenaule: Charlie Cummins (captain), Jack Healy, Darragh Doyle, Jimmy Ryan, Shane Ryan, Eoin Byrne, Luke Ryan, Podge O' Dwyer, Tony Ryan, Fionn Fitzgerald 0-1, Charlie Barrett 0-4, Nathan Barrett, Andy Williams, David McCormack 2-0, Luke Fitzgerald 0-1.

Subs:  Oisin Shelly for Eoin Byrne, Igor Miguel for Nathan Barrett, Thomas Maher for Andy Williams.

Referee: Paddy Ivors Ballingarry.