Gritty Grenagh grab golden chance

NO more gremlins for gritty Grenagh.

Twice so agonisingly denied their slice of glory in the junior ranks, they finally reached the promised land under the lights at drizzly Páirc Uí Rinn on Saturday by claiming their first Evening Echo Cork County IFC title.

But not without one huge challenge from Carrigaline, who gave it their all in a hugely entertaining final. Forget the scoreline — it was far too flattering – only a disastrous mistake by Carrigaline keeper Michael Webb deep in injury time, when he left a harmless looking Mark Kenny lob trickle over the line, made this huge Grenagh win look so comprehensive.

In truth, Carrigaline had enough chances to have at least saved the game, but they failed miserably up front with Elliot O’Keeffe the chief culprit.

But let’s not take away from a fabulous and historic first adult county title win for this outstanding club — the pride o Mid Cork — who are just as adept with the small ball a they are with the larger one. They scored a tremendous 17th minute goal — for so long the difference between the sides — all their scores bar two points came from open play, they had eight different scorers, and, most of all, they had the heart and maturity to withstand some white heat when Carrigaline put it up to them in a nail-biting finale.

Coach Cathal Cronin — his last game in charge of Grenagh after two and a half years at the helm, summed it up. “Burning desire, that’s what got us through. After so much heartache in the past it’s just an unbelievable feeling. Just look at the lads, every one of them are drained, they played their hearts out tonight.

“They were strong when the going got tough and, believe me, we got one huge test from Carrigaline tonight.

“I thought our tactics helped us, we got it right, interchanging Tom (Kenny), John (Russell) and Seamus (Coleman) out around the middle of the park to curb Nicholas Murphy’s aerial threat. The points we scored were just fabulous, it’s a great way for me to finish up. I’ve been with a super bunch of players, I know that and I’m delighted for them.”

And they did have some quality performers. Strong in defence, where Cillian Kenny, Ray Dorgan and Gerry Russell (the last two even got on the scoreboard) were outstanding, Tom Kenny and his cousin John Russell majestic at midfield, and tigerish up front where Diarmuid Dorgan gave a man of the match performance with six points, Grenagh deserved their reward.

The football was sweet and flowing in the opening half with some wonderful points lighting up a drab night. Carrigaline, with wind advantage, opened the scoring when Barry O’Keeffe scored the first of his six pointed frees. But Diarmuid Dorgan soon equalised. Nicholas Murphy started at wing forward but, with Russell running the show at midfield for Grenagh, it wasn’t long before he was back in his usual berth. Still there was nothing really between the sides in the opening quarter, 0-4 apiece, both using the long ball to good effect and opening up the contest.

But then that opening Grenagh goal and a good one it was. Wing Back Donie Dorgan initiated the move, Mark Kenny took up the running, then Tom and Cillian Kenny and then a sublime finish from Kevin O’Neill.

In fairness to Carrigaline there was no panic. They scored some fine points via Nicholas and Eoin Murphy and Ken O’Keeffe. But Grenagh, with Tom Kenny superb, were always able to match them and deservedly led 1-7 to 0-8 at the break. The sure boot of O’Keeffe always kept Carrigaline in the hunt and by the 39th minute he pointed three more frees as his side now trailed by just the minimum in a compelling contest.

Game on now with the Murphy brothers Peter and Nicholas looking far more effective as a midfield partnership. But, again, when Grenagh needed a lift they invariably got one, with Tom Kenny and DD Dorgan pointing to restore that vital goal cushion by the 42nd minute.

But it was in the ensuing minutes before the end of the third quarter that the game was lost for Carrigaline, Elliot O’Keeffe spurning at least three golden goal chances after some super approach work. Just five points overall from play tells its own story as Eoin O’Sullivan’s second pointed ‘45 left just two between the sides.

But there was no way through for Carrigaline, that golden goal so badly needed, elusive. O’Keeffe misfired again, Grenagh keeper David Linehan, so nervous at times, made a fabulous stop to deny substitute Tony Murphy.

Then, deep into injury time, came Webb’s howler resulting in Mark Kenny’s goal. How Grenagh celebrated.

Scorers: Grenagh: D. Dorgan 0-6 (0-1 free, 0-1 45), M. Kenny 1-1, K. O’Neill 1-0, T. Kenny 0-2, S. Coleman, G. Russell, C. Fitzgerald, R. Dorgan 0-1 each. Carrigaline: B. O’Keeffe 0-6 (frees), E. O’Sullivan (45s), K. O’Keeffe, E. Murphy 0-2 each, N. Murphy 0-1.

GRENAGH: D. Linehan; M. Lehane, C. Kenny, R. Dorgan; A. Duggan, G. Russell, D. Dorgan; T. Kenny, J. Russell; T. Walsh, M. Kenny, D. Dorgan; C. Fitzgerald, S. Coleman, K. O’Neill.

Subs: M. Barry for Lehane (48m), K, Desmond for O’Neill (52).

CARRIGALINE: M. Webb; K. Forbes, N. Hayes, C. Blake; C. Lynch, J. Moran, E. O’Sullivan; E. O’Keeffe, S. O’Regan; N. Murphy, P. Murphy, E. Murphy; T. O’Sullivan, K. O’Keeffe, B. O’Keeffe.

Subs: T. Murphy for O’Regan (25m), G. Harrington for Lynch (36), M. Doody for E. O’Keeffe (48), N. Coakley for T. O’Sullivan (48), P. Ronayne for E. O’Sullivan (48).

Referee: D. Farrell (Mitchelstown).