Late points bring joy and redemption for Castlelyons

Having lost two of the previous three finals, Castlelyons finally came good

Sun, 15 Oct, 2023 - 15:34

John Coleman, Pairc Ui Chaoimh

Cork Premier IHC final: Castlelyons 0-19 Kilworth 0-17

Two injury-time points swept Castlelyons to victory in the final of the Co-Op Superstores Cork PIHC after they savoured the sweet taste of redemption in Pairc Uí Chaoimh this afternoon. Having lost two of the previous three finals, they finally came good here when it mattered against a superb Kilworth side who did very little wrong in defeat.

Alan Fenton levelled the sides for the fourth time at 0-17 each with the last puck of normal time and in the three minutes that followed it was the Imokilly side who found the scores they needed. Fenton gave them the lead for the first time in the game with a long-range free before Anthony Spillane, who caught fire when he was needed most, doubled their lead. A shell-shocked Kilworth had no answer as the Castlelyons faithful left their angst behind them.

In a helter-skelter opening, both sides had goals on their mind. Anthony Spillane was the first to get a sniff of a major, but his shot flashed wide while moments later Jamie Sheehan looked to have goaled for Kilworth only for Leo Sexton to somehow block it on the line. Eoin Carey, who started on the edge of the square, eventually got the scoreboard up and running with a fine point from distance. Jeremy Saich and Cormac Donnellan followed suit for Kilworth, as Castlelyons got nothing from three placed balls.

Oscar Hallihan then broke their duck seven minutes in, but it was Kilworth who were setting the pace. Two Michael Sheehan frees then sandwiched an Alan Fenton free for Castlelyons, and the Avondhu side led by 0-5 to 0-2 at the end of a high-octane opening quarter. Anthony Spillane then traded points with Michael Sheehan, Colm Spillane did the same with Jamie Sheehan before the former Sheehan’s fourth free left Kilworth leading by double scores, 0-8 to 0-4.

Castlelyons were under a bit of pressure, but they ended the half on a high note as two points from Leon Doocey put a more positive spin on their endeavours. Their inaccuracy must have been a concern, however, as they had only hit the target six times from 14 efforts whereas Kilworth were eight for 11.

Doocey continued where he left off on the resumption with his third point, but Kilworth countered with three in a row from Liam Whelan, Carey and Michael Sheehan to take control of the game. They then nearly surrendered their advantage. Doocey, who else, popped a neat pass off to Colm McCarthy who bore down on goal. Killian Heggtevit saved well, however, before then saving brilliantly from Anthony Spillane’s effort on the rebound.

Fenton pointed the ’65 though, and further points from substitute Keith O’Leary and Doocey left one between the, 0-11 to 0-10. The game was opening up now as both sides jabbed and danced, searching for that knock-out punch.

Jamie and Michael Sheehan pushed Kilworth three clear, Fenton and O’Leary reeled them in again before Leo Coffey left Kilworth leading by 0-14 to 0-12 as we entered the final quarter. Brian Sheehan gave Kilworth first blood in that final quarter, but two frees from Fenton made it a one-point game.

It was Castlelyons’ fourth time getting that close, but this time they were able to take the next step and get level as Anthony Spillane slung over his second of the day. Michael Sheehan then put Kilworth back in front, Spillane levelled, Brian Sheehan gave his side the lead again, Fenton levelled it again and the time was up.

In the time that was left, Castlelyons did what was needed.

Scorers for Castlelyons: A Fenton (0-7, 0-6 frees, 0-1 ’65), A Spillane and L Doocey (0-4 each), K O’Leary (0-2), C Spillane, and O Hallihan (0-1 each).

Scorers for Kilworth: M Sheehan (0-7, 0-6 frees), E Carey, B Sheehan and J Sheehan (0-2 each), L Whelan, J Saich, C Donnellan and L Coffey (0-1 each).

CASTLELYONS: J Barry; L Sexton, N O’Leary, C Barry; C Spillane (c), D Spillane, J O’Leary; J Kearney, A Fenton; P Roche, L Doocey, C McCarthy; D Morrisson, A Spillane, O Hallihan.

Subs: B Murphy for Roche and K O’Leary for McCarthy (both 35), S Moroney for J O’Leary (41)

KILWORTH: K Heggtevit; L Carey, K Lane, A O’Hara (JC); J Saich, D Twomey, M Gowen; L Whelan, J Saich; J Sheehan, N McNamara, W Condon; M Sheehan, C Donnellan, B Sheehan (JC).

Subs: L Coffey for Donneallan (h/t), R Jordan for Saich (47), P Riordan for Condon (62).

Referee: Wayne King (Banteer).