Saturday 22nd November 2003 Final Munster Hurling
League Fitzgerald Stadium, Killarney
Kilmoyley 3-9
Na Piarsaigh 1-12
It
was fitting that this game was played on the 40th anniversary of the death of President
John F. Kennedy. People today can still easily remember where they were when they heard
the news. While this game certainly didn't make any international headlines as the event
in 1963, for Kilmoyley people this historic victory will too be always remembered.
Those lucky enough to witness the victory over Cloyne in the semi-final two weeks earlier
surely couldn't have expected another rollercoaster ride of emotions as they got today. A
small Kerry parish whose whole population is probably smaller than Na Piarsaigh's hurling
population out to prove itself in a Munster final - definitly David and Goliath
stuff. But such a task did not intimidate the Kilmoyley boys, and with John Meyler giving
excellent preparation and motivation it was a task they believed they really could
achieve. It was Kilmoyley's second successive appearance in the final, having been beaten
by Sarsfields in the 2002 final. The victory over Cloyne in the semifinal would have lost
its importance in time if Kilmoyley were to be defeated again. But unlike last year,
Kilmoyley were almost at full strength despite a few niggling injuries. But so too were Na
Piarsaigh, who had Sean Óg Ó hAilpín, Mark Prendergast and John Gardiner in the team.
Glorious sunshine beamed down on a solid surface at Fitzgerald Stadium. There was little
breeze, so conditions were excellent for a good game of hurling - despite the time of the
year. Back into Kilmoyley's team came Padraig Regan and Shane Brick.
Na
Piarsaigh started out with Prendergast, Gardiner and Ó hAilpín in their half back line
with Billy and Shane Brick and young Tom Murnane facing them. Tom was to come of age with
his display throughout the game, and dispite the quality of his opponent he played very
well. Kilmoyley got off to a great start and Ollie Diggin, got into his familiar role of
putting frees straight over the bar. Once again as he was against Cloyne, Ollie was almost
flawless from frees, only missing one long range effort in the second half, ending up with
five in total and another from play. The play was fast and furious early on and just like
the semi-final, exchanges were hard and well contested. Both defences were well on top and
it was only conceded frees that seemed to offer the best chance of scoring. Ollie
continued to tap over the points with some help fromMaurice Murnane with a glorious effort
and Micheal Regan. But Na Piarsaigh had early pointed frees from Ó hAilpín and
O'Sullivan at corner forward. After fifteen minutes Kilmoyley were seven points to three
ahead and seemed to be in control. But the Cork half back line came more into the game and
they had three wonderful long range points and a few more from O'Sullivan at corner
forwardagain to stretch their lead. Kilmoyley's forward at this stage seemed to have lost
their way and there was very little possession being gained by them. As a result,
Kilmoyley failed to score for the remainder of the half and went in at the break 0-10 to
0-7 in arrears.
With
only thirty minutes of hurling remaing in the year for Kilmoyley, it was felt they would
make a huge early effort to get back into the game. But Na Piarsaigh struck for an ealy
goal which seemed to put the game out of reach for Kiolmoyley. However, just as they had
done all year, Kilmoyley dug deep when things weren't going their way to turn the tide
again in their favour.Within a minute Tom Murnane gained possession twenty yards from
goal, and laid off the ball to Christy Walsh, whose shot rebounded off the cross bar but
out of the goal. But Billy Brick was there in Billy Burns type fashion to boot the ball to
the net. It was exactly what Kilmoyley needed to drag themselves back into the game. For
the remainder of the half Kilmoyley were only to concede two more points - one from a free
and one from a '65. And this was the basis of Kilmoyley's victory. It looked at this stage
as though the Kilmoyley forwards were begining to look more threatening and sure enough up
popped Billy Brick a few minutes later to rattle the Cork net for a second time. Another
rfree from Ollie Diggin cancelled an earlier Na Piarsaigh free to leave the side level
again, with fifteen minutes still to go. There was great excitement as the play swung from
one end of the field to the other and more goals looked a possibility. Thankfully it was
Kilmoyley who were to get the score,and in the 48th minute substitute Richard Gentleman
who had earlier replaced Micheal Regan batted a rebound to the net after Tom Murnane's
initial effort was saved. Excitement was fever pitch at this stage as the large Kilmoyley
and Kerry following sensedf that not only a shock was on the cards but so too an historic
win. But Na Piarsaigh weren't going down easily and John Gardiner was switched to full
forward to provide an extra attacking option.James McCarthy who had picked up a nasty
knock on the head in the first half was in the wars again in the second half with his
thumb coming out of place. Maurice Murnane was sweeping up to great effect at this stage
and he made a timely intervention as Gardiner came through with a few minutes to go. The
Kilmoyley defence seemed to coping with the added pressure with the half back line of
James McCarthy, Colin Harris and Sean Griffin clearing ball after ball. But with time
almost up Gardiner did get a ball thirty yards from goal. He got by his marker and headed
straight for goal. But corner back Ian Brick came across and pulled him down, rugby style
just inside the large square to concede a penalty. It was said afterwards that at this
stage, Mary Harris had her rosary beads out in the stand, and her prayers must have
worked because between them Joe Walsh and James McCarthy saved the penalty and Ian Brick
cleared to Colin Harris who cleared down field. The referree allowed a couple of more
attacks before finally blowing the final whistle amid great scenes of jubilation. It was a
fantastic occassion and a great way to finish off the year. After the game, Maurice
Murnane was presented with the Jack Lynch trophy. It was a wonderful day to be a
Kilmoley follower.
Sunday
9th November 2003 SF Munster
Hurling League Ballyhea, Cork
Kilmoyley
0-16 Cloyne 0-14
What
a difference two weeks can make. A fortnight earlier Kilmoyley travelled to Semple Stadium
with real aspirations of beating Tipperary champions Toomevara in the Munster club quarter
final. But in a fifteen minute spell at the start of the second half all those hopes were
blown away, with the Tipp side outscoring Kilmoyley 1-10 to no score. It could have
easier for the Kilmoyley boys to head home after that game and feel sorry for themselves -
and maybe they did for a while. Even just before the throw in for this Munster League
semi-final against one of Corks finest sides, the signs were not good for Kilmoyley. A
miserable wet day would suit the Cork side, and Kilmoyley had a number of late absentees
for a number of reasons. But Kilmoyley have developed this "never-say-die"
attitude under John Meyler which we in Kerry used to associate with Ballyduff in its
heyday. And this attitude was there for all to see, today more than any day this year.
Cloyne
lined out with their big guns - Donal Óg Cusack and Diarmuid O'Sullivan, and had
indicated by their thirty minute pre-match warm-up that they meant business, and early on
in the game it looked that way. Their side were much physically stronger and it was
felt that the narrower pitch of Ballyhea would also benefit them. They had narrowly beaten
Sarsfields the previous week in the quarter final and that too would have stood to them.
There was little breeze in the wet conditions and Kilmoyley played against it in the first
half. Kilmoyley had to line out without Padraig Regan and Richard Gentleman who were
unavailable, Shane Brick, Paul McCarthy and Sean Fitzgerald who were injured. There was
never much between the teams throughout the game and pointed frees were swapped early on
with Ollie Diggin taking Kilmoyley's frees. It is some statistic that Ollie did not miss
one single free on the day, scoring ten points in total, and this was a big factor in the
result. Despite the wet underfoot conditions, the standard of play was very good with
plenty of hard tackles being given and taken, and the ref. allowing the play to flow as
much as possible. Both defences were very much on top, but Christy Walsh and Ollie Diggin
were giving plenty of headaches to the Cloyne Backs as was Billy Brick to Diarmuid, and
they won a number of frees to keep Kilmoyley in touch. But approaching halftime, Cloyne
seemed to step a gear and the constant pressure told. Although the Kilmoyley defence only
conceded two scores from play in the first half, a number of frees were given away
throughout the field and the Cloyne free-taker (if anyone knows his name please let us know) punished Kilmoyley. At the
other end, the Kilmoyley forwards were doing their best against a tight defence and were
passing the ball around trying to create space. And five minutes before halftime it
took a point blank save from Cusack to deny Billy Brick. At half time Kilmoyley trailed by
0-8 to 0-6 but must have been nervous that a repeat of the Toomevara performance was
in store, as too must have been the large Kilmoyley crowd of supporters that travelled to
the game.
It
was apparent right from the throw in that Kilmoyley were not going to let that happen
again. The Kilmoyley defence which had been very good in the first half did almost a
complete shutout in the second half, and supplied plenty of ball to the Kilmoyley
forwards. Tom Murnane had replaced Pat Deenihan at wing-back at the start of the second
half, but Pat was to re-appear later in the game. The fullback line of Brendan Harris, Ian
Brick and Sean Griffin were outstanding, each covering for each other and centre back
James McCarthy was a tower of strength as the match wore on. Christy Walsh was moved to
the forty midway through the half when it was apparent that the Kilmoyley forwards were
not utilising the possession to best effect. Padraig O'Sullivan worked hard for a good
point early on, but it was Ollie Diggin who kept slotting over the frees for Kilmoyley.
Eoin Sheehy acme on as a sub, but twisted his ankle soon after and had to leave again -
enter Pat Deenihan again. Billy Brick worked tirelessly at wing forward keeping Diarmuid
O'Sullivan almost ineffective, and left Billy to move to centre forward as it was
now looking as if Kilmoyley held the upper hand. And with three minutes to go, Kilmoyley
hit the front thanks to a point from play by Ollie Diggin, after being set up by Pat
Deenihan. Kilmoyley battled bravely to hold out with time running out, but Colin Harris
was blown for overcarrying, and O'Sullivan pointed to level with the last puck of the
game. Extra time of twenty minutes had to be played.
Despite
the tough conditions, Kilmoyley still showed plenty of spark in the first period of extra
time and hit the front with another point from Ollie Diggin. Christy Walsh added another
for Kilmoyley and it looked as if they were coasting to victory. But Cloyne hit back to
reduce the deficit and leave the supporters very nervous with ten minutes to play. Joe
Wash in goals kept all the Kilmoyley players on their toes, and he never looked like being
beaten throughout the match. Diarmuid O'Sullivan moved to fullforward for the final ten
minutes and reduced the deficit with only a couple of minutes to play. Billy Brick had
another shot saved by Cusack in goals just when Kilmoyley looked to wrap up the game. But
Kilmoyley held out in the end for a famous victory despite .There were great scenes of
jubilation at the final whistle, and there was no prouder or happier man than John Meyler
when it was all over. It was great to see some of the Kilmoyley supporters giving their
team a guard of honour on leaving the field - such is the high regard they hold their team
in. It was certainly a victory to savour and possibly one of Kilmoyley's finest ever given
the circumstances. For the Kilmoyley people who were lucky enough to witness this great
victory, it will long remain in the memory. They will never forget the magnificent display
of free taking by Ollie Diggin. The wholehearted display by veteran Christy Walsh who
inspired all around him. The lion hearted display by Jim Mac at centre back, and the
brilliant defensive display by the fullback line of Sean Griffin, Ian Brick and Brendan
Harris. But overall it was a fantastic team display, with every player providing something
to the victory. After in the Deerpark hotel, at a meal organised by Agnes Godley, players
and supporters had a chance to come to terms with what had just been achieved. It was
indeed a great day to be a Kilmoyley person.
Sunday 19th Oct 2003 QF Munster Hurling League Na Piarsaigh, Limerick
Kilmoyley 1-18
Na Piarsaigh 0-9
Kilmoyley eased
into the semi-final of the Munster club championship with an easy win over Limerick side
Na Piarsaigh on Sunday. Kilmoyley's supporters once again travelled in numbers to Limerick
and they certainly weren't disappointed, even if conditions were very chilly. Kilmoyley
were slow enough to get into the game, and the home side were certainly giving it enough
of stick to make life difficult. Billy Brick in particular seemed to be singled out for
some special treatment, but Sean Fitzgerald behind him who was playing well early on was
more than capable of looking out for him. There was little between the teams in the first
quarter with Kilmoyley just shading, but once our midfield of Sean Griffin and Richard
Gentleman started to impose themselves, Kilmoyley began to put a few scores on the board,
thanks mainly to frees from Shane Brick.
In the second half
Kilmoyley's defence withstood an early scare when a Na Piarsaigh forward kicked the ball
off the upright, and it was cleared to safety. But Sean Fitzgerald scored a great point
from wingback soon after to settle Kilmoyley, and once Shane Brick had imposed himself at
centre forward (he had played with Munster the day before only up the road), the result
was never in doubt. Kilmoyley could even afford the luxury of introducing a number of subs
in the second half.
Sunday 27th July 2003 Round 2 Munster Hurling League (Ballyhea)
Kilmoyley 3-11
Ballyhea 2-08
The Seniors made
the long trip to play Cork Senior side Ballyhea at their home ground just outside
Charleville. It was good to see plenty of Kilmoyley supporters at the game and in the end
it was certainly worth their while travelling. Ballyhea had been well beaten by neighbours
Newtownshandrum in the TSB Cork championship a few weeks earlier and perhaps they were not
as sharp as they might have been, but nonetheless, for Kilmoyley to travel there and win
was no mean achievement. Ballyhea lined out with two former Cork Senior panellists in
their full-forward line and while they got a lot of possession they did little to convert
it into scores.
There was a lively
opening to the game with Kilmoyley's half back in control and delivering good ball to the
full-forward line where Eoin Sheehy latched onto two high balls and they ended up in the
back of the net. Kilmoyley went five points up midway through the first half but they did
not maintain their stranglehold on the game and Ballyhea scored 1-1 in the final few
minutes to bring themselves back into the game and leave the halftime score Kilmoyley 2-5
Ballyhea 1-5.
Kilmoyley played
with a slight breeze in the second half and although the forward had a lot of the ball
they shot a number of wides, although they were under pressure from the Ballyhea defence.
Ollie Diggins was hurling well at wing forward, and it was he who finished the best move
of the match, a move that began in the Kilmoyley fullback line. The result seemed to be
beyond doubt when Micheal Regan goaled after another good move between the forwards, but
Ballyhea kept applying the pressure and they were awarded a penalty which they scored from
the rebound. But in the end Kilmoyley added a few more points to stretch its lead and gain
its first win in the competition this year. There were no injuries picked up in the game
which was another bonus.
Sunday 20th July 2003 Round 1 Munster Hurling League (Lerrig)
Kilmoyley 0-14
Wolfe Tones 1-11
Kilmoyley
faced former All-Ireland club champions Wolfe Tones of Clare in their first game of the
Munster Senior League. Kilmoyley of course did so well in 2002 to reach the final of the
competition only to lose out to Cork side Sarsfields. Kilmoyley's group this year looked
more difficult with St. Finbarr's and Ballyhea also in the group. These games will of
course be great preparation for the county championship as long as injuries can be
avoided. Wolfe Tones had the Lohan brothers Brian and Frank in the team, at fullback and
left wing back respectively and they dominated throughout.
Kilmoyley
played into a stiff breeze in the first half and at times played some nice hurling,
but it was only in patches. Despite plenty possession Kilmoyley failed to make it count by
putting points on the scoreboard. But Wolfe Tones too had their troubles scoring although
keeper Joe Walsh made one very good save midway through the half. At half time Kilmoyley
led by 0-7 to 0-6. It was felt at this stage that Kilmoyley would run out easy winners as
they now had the breeze at their backs for the second half. But again despite plenty
possession the forwards could not score. Indeed, wing back Colin Harris popped up with two
points from play, one in each half. Kilmoyley led by four points with ten minutes to go,
but ref. Gerard Neenan awarded the Clare side a 21 yard free which rattled the Kilmoyley
net. They also made a switch at midfield and finished stronger with three more points. It
looked all over for Kilmoyley at this stage. But credit to them, with thirty minutes up
they added two more points and narrowly missed another to win the match.
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Kilmoyley Team
Joe Walsh, Brendan Harris, Padraig Regan, Ian Brick, Sean Griffin,
James McCarthy, Colin Harris, Darren Young, Maurice Murnane(0-1), Shane Brick, Ollie
Diggin(0-6,5f), Billy Brick(2-0), Tom Murnane(0-1), Christy Walsh, Micheal
Regan(0-1).
subs: Richard Gentleman, Joe Murnane, Sean Fitzgerald
Kerry' Eye
Report
The
Kingdom Report
Post Match Analysis
Kilmoyley Team
Joe Walsh, Brendan Harris, Ian Brick, Sean Griffin, Pat Deenihan,
James McCarthy, Colin Harris, Darren Young, Maurice Murnane(0-2), Billy Brick, Ollie
Diggin(0-10), Sean Young, Padraig O'Sullivan (0-1), Christy Walsh (0-2), Micheal Regan
(0-1)
sub: Tom Murnane
Kilmoyley Team
Joe Walsh, Brendan Harris, Padraig Regan, Ian Brick, Sean
Fitzgerald, James McCarthy, Colin Harris, Sean Griffin, Richard Gentleman, Shane Brick,
Darren Young, Billy Brick, Padraig Sullivan, Christy Walsh, Micheal Regan.
Kilmoyley Team
Joe Walsh, Brendan Harris, Paul McCarthy, Ian Brick, Sean
Fitzgerald, James McCarthy, Colin Harris, Sean Griffin, Richard Gentleman, Ollie Diggins,
Maurice Murnane, Billy Brick, Darren Young, Eoin Sheehy, Micheal Regan.
subs:- Shane Brick, Christy Walsh.
Kilmoyley Team
Joe Walsh, Brendan Harris, Paul McCarthy, Ian Brick, Sean
Fitzgerald, James McCarthy, Colin Harris, Sean Griffin, Darren Young, Maurice
Murnane, Shane Brick, Tom Murnane, Richard Gentleman, Billy Brick, Micheal Regan.
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