Keevans Cup Senior Football B Final
At O’Kennedy Park
Enniscorthy VC…….5-8
New Ross VEC……..1-2
Despite the comprehensive scoreline the final of the Keevans Cup SF ‘B’ competition was close and competitive for much of the hour. It was only in the final twenty minutes that Enniscorthy VC’s greater craft made the scoreboard more definitive.
The match started at a frantic pace with the New Ross students getting on top early in midfield due to the work of Kilkenny pair Steven Cody and Shane Murphy. The half back line was well marshalled by Richie Kinsella, Dylan Egan and Chris O Connor while the industry of Niall Bradley and Geoffery Northcott was also impressive for New Ross VC in the first half.
Despite the greater possession, New Ross failed to convert their dominance into scores which would prove very costly. As the first half progressed Enniscorthy’s dangerous forward Dale Kirwan began to exert more influence. His forward movement coupled with some good quality ball from the Starlights flyer John Peare resulted in New Ross VC conceding some kickable frees which were converted. The sides retired at half-time with Enniscorthy VC in front by 0-5 to 0-1 after playing with the benefit of the wind.
In the second half, despite the continued excellance of James Kelly at full back for the home side, the Enniscorthy teens got on top due to the direct running of Enda Byrne and the creative forward play of Peter Cullen and Dale Kirwan.
Enniscorthy VC’s midfielder Colin Nolan was responsible for the first goal after 45 minutes and this seemed to crush New Ross VC. Four more goals arrived in the final quarter – from Dale Kirwan, Enda Byrne, John Peare, Enda Fox and Nolan also added a second – as converted their scores in a far more clinical fashion than New Ross VC.
John Peare at midfield began to control the area as the considerable effort exerted by Shane Murphy and Steven Cody for New Ross in the first half took its toll.
Both teams continued to battle to the end and New Ross got their reward when Dylan Egan scored a goal with one of the final kicks of the ball.
Afterwards Liam Fardy presented the cup to Enniscorthy captain Craig Dwyer who gave an excellent acceptance speech. Prior to the throw-in both sides observed a minute of silence for the late Michael Byrne of Enniscorthy VC.
Enniscorthy VC: WojeiechTeodorowicz; Nathan Breslin, Ger Walsh, Barry Lacey; Adam Fox, Ben Kirwan, Ger Breen; John Peare, Colin Nolan; Craig Dwyer, Dale Kirwan, Declan Power; Peter Cullen, Enda Byrne, Aaron Sinnott.
Subs: Stephen Corrigan, Gary Cullen, Ryan Murphy, Darren Redmond. Manager Keith O’Hara
New Ross VC: PJ Hartley; Jason O Connor, Mark O Connor, James Kelly; Richie Kinsella, Dylan Egan, Chris O Connor; Steve Coady, Shane Murphy; Niall Bradley, Shane Gaynard, Jef Northcott; Ciaran O Connor, James Fitzgerald, Wayne Gardiner.
Subs: John Forristal, Keith O Leary, Stephen Elmes, Steve Murphy, Thomasa Dunne, Eric Power.
Ref: John Barron.
