Appearing in our 10th County Senior Final since 2009 the lads were very determined to wrestle the Daly Cup back from the champions. Kilmallock were first on the board from a Graham Mulcahy point but from there to the finish it was Na Piarsaigh to held the lead. Points from Peter Casey, Kevin Downes, David Dempsey and a goal from Adrian Breen had us in control early on. More points from Keith Dempsey, Peter Casey, Willy Henn, and Ronan Lynch kept the board ticking whilst Kevin Downes showed his accuracy from placed balls with 6 in the first half and 7 in all. The game was still tight with the former champions shooting points from long range to stay in touch. On the stroke of half-time, Adrian Breen added his second goal with a one-handed strike as the half came to a close. Half time it was 2-13 to 0-12 following a very good workmanlike performance all over. In the second half, we continued to dominate and 4 points from Peter Casey in the first 15 minutes had us out to a 10-point lead. Adrian Breen added 3 points of his own to seal a man-of-the-match performance but was equally rivalled by Peter Casey and newcomer Sean Long who excelled at cornerback. All over the field, we were hunting in packs and it was clearly evident the hunger to win back Daly. A late rally by Kilmallock where 2 goals were conceded was not enough to keep our hands off the trophy as David Dempsey added our third goal with a brilliant finish on the stroke of full time.
A seventh title in 13 years is truly remarkable and one that shall live long in the memory. There are those on the panel with all seven titles and many more picking up a first. Each and every one of them are remarkable young men and as a club we are hugely proud of the chapter they are writing. Massive credit much go to Kieran Bermingham and his backroom team who left no stone uncovered this year to bring this team back up to the top of the pile. All 36 to 40plus players that donned the jersey this year are a credit to themselves and their families and a third game to look forward to in the form of a County Intermediate hurling final. We wish those involved the very best. Next up for the lads now is a Munster semi final spot against the winners of Kilruane McDonaghs or Ballygunner. A home clash should it be Ballygunner or Thurles if Kilruane are victorious on November 20th
Scorers on the day were Adrian Breen 2-3, Kevin Downes (6frees) and Peter Casey 0-7 each, David Dempsey 1-1 Ronan Lynch 0-2 (2frees), William Henn, Keith Dempsey and Mike Foley 0-1. The team for the record were Evan Condon; Sean Long, Mike Casey, Cathall King; Mike Foley, Emmet McEvoy, Ronan Lynch; William O’Donoghue, Keith Dempsey; David Dempsey, Kevin Downes, Conor Boylan; William Henn, Peter Casey, Adrian Breen. Subs: Evan Gilvarry for Keith Dempsey (55mins), Gearoid Synnott for Cathall King (58mins), Thomas Grimes for Ronan Lynch (59mins).
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