Barr’s and Kilbrittain fail to resolve outcome after exciting battle

Kilbrittain 1-8 St Finbarr’s 0-11

Mon, 19 May, 2003 - 01:00

Bob Lester

No scoring in the final 14 minutes but plenty of effort and close calls, and perhaps the Barr’s will be the more aggrieved at not winning the contest, feeling that Kevin Kelleher’s 50th minute free, which would have given his side the lead for the first time, had gone over the bar. However, after much deliberation between referee Kevin Hennessy, who had a good match, and his umpires, the score was ruled out.

No question though, but a draw was the right result with the strong wind that blew down the pitch having a huge bearing on play.

Kilbrittain had it at their backs in the opening half, and with centre-back Vincent O’Brien and midfielder John O’Brien in top form, they made a quick impression.

Two mighty frees from the centre-back and a point from play by the skilful midfielder had Kilbrittain 0-3 to 0-0 in front after only five minutes.

But the Barr’s were in no mood to lie down and always threatened. Kelleher opened their account in the sixth minute with the first of his eight points and they should have had a goal immediately afterwards when Paschal McSweeney put James McCarthy through.

But Kilbrittain goalkeeper Ollie Harrington denied the full-forward with a great save. Victor Cooney did point the subsequent ‘65 and the Togher men only trailed 0-4 to 0-3 after the opening quarter.

The Barr’s, with corner-back Colm O’Sullivan having a tremendous match, stuck to their task manfully in the second quarter despite some sterling play from Kilbrittain, and could have had a brace of goals.

Indeed, they were well in touch coming up to the half-time whistle when the Carbery men broke through for a fine goal to at last put some

daylight between the sides, Adrian Harrington finishing off a fine run by big Dan O’Connell and Kilbrittain led 1-6 to 0-4 at the break.

It was a terrific second-half with the Barr’s piling on the pressure from the restart. Kelleher pointed inside 12 seconds, McSweeney, just back from Australia and growing in stature, followed with a brace. Then another couple from Kelleher and the sides were level by the 39th minute and advantage Barr’s.

Some tremendous hurling now with Kilbrittain showing their renowned spirit and fighting back in style.

Points from substitute DP Hickey and Dan Hickey put them back in front, and with O’Connell looking far more dangerous out around the ‘40, Kilbrittain led 1-8 to 0-10 entering the final quarter.

And what a final 15 minutes it proved to be with two mighty defences standing firm in the face of end-to-end bombardment. It could have gone any way. Kelleher levelled the scoring in the 46th minute and then had that free ruled wide.

But no more scores. Justice perhaps.

Scorers for Kilbrittain: A Harrington 1-0,

V O’Brien 0-3 (frees), D O’Connell 0-2 (0-1 free),

J O’Brien, DP Hickey, D Hickey 0-1 each.

St Finbarr’s: K Kelleher 0-8 (0-4 frees), P McSweeney 0-2, V Cooney 0-1 (’65).

KILBRITTAIN: O Harrington; D O’Mahony,

P Sexton, D Desmond; P Ryan, V O’Brien,

S Wafer; D Ferriter, J O’Brien; D McSweeney,

D Hickey, O Sexton; D Deasy, D O’Connell,

A Harrington. Subs: DP Hickey for Deasy,

E Sheehy for Wafer, F Hickey for D Hickey.

ST FINBARR’S: S Barry; C O’Sullivan, D Murray, L Burns; P Buckley, C Maher, EP O’Callaghan;