Another final

St. Canices 1-16  Ballyhale 1-1           22/10/2009

            With a top class display against a strong Ballyhale side today in Danesfort, we qualified to meet near neighbours C.B.S. in the Roinn A football final. This will be our 8th time in succession to appear on final day, the other eight all having happy endings!
            On a pitch that stood up very well to the torrential rain that fell in the previous 24 hours, we showed a determined approach right from the start, and led 1-4 to 0-0 when Ballyhale were awarded a dubious penalty after about ten minutes. In spite of the best effort of the ever alert Cian Lyng in goal, Ballyhale scored their only score of the half, while we added another 4 points to lead 1-8 to 1-0 at half time.
            There were many highlights during this half….Bill Sheehan’s great goal, Aidan Tuohy’s brilliant conversion of a long 45, Darby Fwamba’s long clearances from full back, Aidan Nolan’s intelligent use of the ball from wing back, Kieran Ryan’s strength at winning ball at centre forward, etc. etc.
            With the aid of the hill in the second half, the boys from Ballyhale really put on the early second half pressure and scored the first point of the half. It was good to see our defence being put under the spotlight, and how well they responded. Evan Carroll and Tommy Byrne are natural born corner backs, always on hand to snuff out dangerous situations. Chris Kavanagh excelled at centre back, well supported by Adam Clifford and the stylish Aidan Nolan.
            Tuohy and Sheehan are two beautiful footballers, and throughout the game displayed all the skills associated with only the best gaelic footballers. Our forwards scored a magnificent 16 points, a record return! Conor Doheny and Robert Crotty worked tirelessly and Jack Condren, Oisin Gough and Shane McGeary combined well throughout.
            Edward Moylan missed out today recovering from his appendix operation, but will hopefully be fit for the final when we return from our Halloween break. Harry Duggan has gone to Paris (sent on a scouting mission by Trapattoni for next month’s World Cup playoff?) Our unused subs today were Billy Rowe, David Delehanty, Peter Lynch, Peter Henebry(sick), Cormac Buggy. All these boys will be in action when we return in the Roinn B quarter final.
            Well done today boys. We will train well for the final, and keep focussed on the task ahead.