COUNTY FINAL SUNDAY WEEK

Kilworth 1-20 Ballincolling 2-16

It was a privilege to be in Riverstown on Saturday evening last to witness our Premier Intermediate hurlers come out on top in an enthralling contest against firm favourites Ballincollig to progress to our second Premier Intermediate County final and our first since 2019. The bare minimum separated the sides in a thrilling encounter and when Ballincollig equalised with a close in free three minutes into added time it looked as if extra time was on the cards. However, there was one more play with Michael Sheehan landing the winning score, the final whistle sounded on the Ballincollig puck to spark joyous scenes.

The lads displayed tremendous resolve and a never say die attitude in a game of epic proportions. Battle hardened following the recent wins over Ballinhassing and Valley Rovers there was no quarter given, the hits were tough and fair with both teams leaving it all on the field. The concession of a goal at vital stages in both halves did not faze the lads as they worked their way back into the game to draw level and retake the lead within minutes both times. The sides were level on eight occasions (1-9 to 1-9, 1-13 to 2-10, 1-14 to 2-11, 1-15 to 2-12, 1-16 to 2-13, 1-17 to 2-14, 1-18 to 2-15, 1-19 to 2-16) throughout an absorbing second half.

While conditions were slippy the Sarsfields pitch was in excellent condition given the rain in the lead up and it was dry overhead in time for throw in at 5pm. In a low scoring first quarter Ballincollig registered the game’s opening score from an early free. Jamie Sheehan landed Kilworth’s and his first of five points from play in the 7^th minutes with cousin Michael heavily involved in the build-up. We took the lead for the first time two minutes later with a trademark Liam Whelan effort, Mike Gowen and Brian Sheehan instrumental in proving the supply. The game was a war of attrition at this stage end to end stuff with scores hard to come by. A well worked move following a quick free from Eoin Carey in the right half back position, himself impeded, up the line was gathered decisively by the on-rushing Jamie Sheehan who turned and pointed off his left to leave it 0-3 to 0-1 in the 17^th minute. Ballincollig from a free and Eoin Carey with a superb individual effort on the run through the middle had the score 0-4 to 0-2 after twenty first half minutes. Ballincollig from a ‘65’ Killian Heggtveit deflecting out, and Liam Whelan with his second white flag helped maintain our two-point advantage. This was a well worked team score, an Eoin Carey side-line cut gathered by Will Condon who passed to Michael Sheehan, who in turn laid it back to Will to find Liam and finish a great move. Ballincollig replied with a well worked point themselves and tied up the game (0-5 to 0-5) with a second over within a minute, before they took the lead with the game’s opening goal in the 29^th minute and suddenly they had a three-point advantage 0-5 to 1-5. Kilworth’s response was immediate, an indirect free from Eoin Carey dropped in around the danger zone, a great tussle ensued with our forwards making it difficult for Ballincollig to clear and the ball breaking to Jamie Sheehan to turn quickly on his left before splitting the posts. A quick free from Eoin Carey after brother Luke was felled to Noel McNamara saw him head for goal and strike accurately between the sticks, reducing the arrears to a single score into first half added time. Ballincollig pointed a 34^th minute free and it appeared they would hold the advantage at the short whistle. Our lads had other ideas and as play continued Cormac Donnellan found Will Condon who returned the compliment with Cormac smashing the sliotar to the net with a great finish in the 35^th minute and the ‘Little Village’ led 1-7 to 1-6 on the changeover.

If the scores were scarce in the opening half the opposite was the case after the interval. Cormac Donnellan picked up where he left off dissecting the posts within thirty seconds of the resumption. This score was another prime example of the fight and character of the lads, Cormac appearing out of a stalemate ruck involving a number of players with sliotar in hand getting his shot off and over the bar before Ballincollig replied with a long range free from their own ‘65’. The diligent Will Condon turned provider once more setting up Liam Whelan in space and the scoreboard read 1-9 to 1-7. Ballincollig struck the post shortly after Austin O’Hara tidying up finding Kieran Lane to clear. Similar to the first half Ballincollig went on to add 1-2 in quick succession. Two points in a row were followed by their second green flag of the game and they led by three points after 38 minutes. Again, there was no panic from the Kilworth ranks and heads didn’t drop as the lads set about cancelling the Ballincollig lead. It was the 40^th minute before we got our first close in free and a shot at the posts, Will Condon going deep passing to Noel McNamara who was upended. Michael Sheehan obliged, and he added a second within a minute, Brian Sheehan manufacturing the scoring opportunity. The arrears now back to the bare minimum. Ballincollig responded with a point from the left side-line before Cormac Donnellan and Michael Sheehan from play levelled matters 1-13 to 2-10 in the 42^nd minute. Jamie Sheehan found Cormac with a pinpoint pass, with Michael Sheehan snapping an Eoin Carey side-line before turning to hit over. We retook the lead (1-14 to 2-10) at the three-quarter stage Michael Sheehan scoring from distance. Ballincollig added a point from range as the game ebbed and flowed from end to end. Jamie Sheehan pointed over his shoulder with a sublime effort but back came Ballincollig within a minute from play 1-15 to 2-12, the sides all square again after 47 minutes. Noel McNamara edged Kilworth in front once more. Great defending and clearance from Kieran Lane was not dealt with by the Ballincollig defence with a close in free conceded. The free was mis hit and saved under the cross bar with the Muskerry men working the ball swiftly up field to score and we were level once more 1-16 to 2-13. Austin O Hara with a relieving ball to Noel McNamara on the left who cutely turned and went past his marker before handpassing to Jamie Sheehan who restored our lead and bagged his fifth point in an outstanding display. Back came Ballincollig to tie up matters 1-17 to 2-14 with 57 minutes on the clock. A great Luke Carey catch and break out from defence resulted in a free with Michael Sheehan adding to his impressive and Kilworth’s tally. There was hardly time for a breath before it was all square once more. Now into added time Eoin Carey landed a beauty which was cancelled out by a close in Ballincollig free and extra time looked a distinct possibility. The referee played on, long in the puck outs paid dividend all day and again at the death with Will Condon winning possession and popping a pass to the on running Michael Sheehan who sealed the deal with the final score of the game. The final whistle sounded on the restart, with the celebrations memorable after an excellent and deserved team victory. Congratulations to the team and management on another fantastic win.

Team and scorers: K Heggtveit, L Carey, K Lane, A O’Hara, J Saich, D Twomey, M Gowen, E Carey 0-2, L Whelan 0-3, J Sheehan 0-5, N McNamara 0-2, W Condon, M Sheehan 0-6 (0-3 f’s), C Donnellan 1-2, B Sheehan. Subs used, R Jordan, L Coffey, P Riordan

The club would like to thank the Sarsfields club for their hospitality and assistance last Saturday. The Riverstown venue has been a happy hunting ground for Kilworth teams down the years. A few of the more notable games were, our junior hurlers defeated Eire Og in the 1961 county semi-final replay to qualify for the clubs first county final, our junior hurlers beating Aghada in the 1980 county semi-final and our Intermediate hurlers winning the Division 1 hurling league in 2012 getting the better of Ballinhassig.

Next up its the decider against Castlelyons on Sunday October 15^th at HQ. Castlelyons will enter the game as favourites and will prove formidable opponents. While we reached the final in 2019 Castlelyons have been in a couple of finals since and a semi-final last year. Another potential cracker is on the cards as we look forward to the build up to the big day.

COUNTY FINAL TRANING FUND

The club have set up a training fund to support the players in the lead up to the final. If anyone would like to donate they can contact any club executive member and all support is greatly appreciated.

SPONSORSHIP

Huge thanks to Garreth Murphy and Coalquay Developments Limited for their recent generous sponsorship to the club. Garreth’s wife Sinead is a former juvenile club officer while two of their sons Paddy and Sean are current juvenile players. In presenting the cheque at our club meeting on Monday night Garreth mentioned that when they came to Kilworth 17 years ago the GAA club were very welcoming and as the heart of the community he wanted to recognise that in some way.

Pictures is Garreth Murphy presenting a sponsorship cheque to club chairman John Heggtveit at the clubrooms on Monday night. Sincere thanks to Garreth for his generosity. 

CLUB LOTTO UPTO €4,800

There was no winner of this week’s lotto jackpot of €4,600 held on Monday October 2nd, the numbers drawn were: 12, 15, 24 and 25. The lucky dip winner of €50 was Brian Higgins c/o Online. The lucky dip winners of €25 each were Helena O’Hara c/o Bedina’s, Gemma Coffey c/o Online, John and James Tobin c/o Yearly. Next week’s jackpot on Monday October 9^th is €4,800.

Tickets cost just €2 each or three lines for €5 and they are available online, in the local business outlets or from your usual local sellers. As always, we would like to thank you for your ongoing support.

COUNTY PREMIER JUNIOR FINAL FOR AIDAN

Huge congratulations to club referee Aidan Hyland who has been appointed to officiate for the County Premier Junior hurling final between St Catherines and Erin’s Own at Pairc Ui Chaoimh on Saturday October 14^th. A well- deserved accolade for Aidan who has been rising through the refereeing ranks in recent years. We wish him and his loyal team of umpires the very best of luck in his first County Final at adult level Saturday week.

BEST OF LUCK TO U12s

Best of luck to the Kilworth Araglen Og Fe12 hurlers who take on Newtownshandrum in the Group 1 North final this Sunday. At the time of going to press time and venue are to be confirmed.

CAMOGIE COUNTY FINAL

Congratulations to the Kilworth U16 Camogie team who have qualified for the U16 A County Final against St Fanahan’s following their semi-final win over Laochra Og last Sunday. Well done and best of luck in the final (Date and venue tbc).

VOTE OF SYMPATHY

The club would like to extend its deepest sympathy to the Barry family Fermoy, following their recent bereavement.

DATE FOR DIARY

Co-Op Superstores PIHC Final; Kilworth V Castlelyons @ Pairc Ui Chaoimh, Sunday October 15^th at 2pm.

Don’t forget to purchase tickets for Sunday weeks game ONLINE (gaacork.ie) prior to throw-in, as tickets will not be available at the entrance to the venue.

Thanks also to Ronan Corcoran and GC Auto’s Fermoy and Mitchelstown for his recent sponsorship. This is very much appreciated. Ronan is pictured presenting a sponsorship cheque to club chairman John Heggtveit last Monday night. Also present is club treasurer Mossie McNamara.

MAIN CLUB SPONSORS: Mike Walsh Pharmacy, Ahearne’s Pub, The Village Inn, KDC Ltd, Kilally Stables, Mitchelstown Dental Clinic, Joe, and Trish Bonner.