Killeagh and Carraig na bhFear must go again after torrential thriller

The conditions may have kept this East Cork Junior A HC final low scoring, but there was no shortage of entertainment 

Cormac Murphy of Carraig Na bhFear attempts to hold back Killeagh's Barry Walsh during the East Cork Oil East Cork Junior A Hurling Championship final in Castlemartyr. Picture: Howard Crowdy

East Cork Junior A HC Final: Carraig na bhFear 1-10 Killeagh 0-13 

A last gasp winner. A later equaliser. Margins so fine, Killeagh and Carraig na bhFear would not be separated.

The torrential conditions may have kept this East Cork Junior A HC final low scoring, but there was no shortage of entertainment in Castlemartyr on Sunday.

Carraig were scoreless for 30 minutes and trailed by five. Evan Flynn’s point after 37 minutes was a welcome one – but Killeagh’s four point lead felt like a greater cushion than it was.

12 minutes later, they remained four in front. Poised for victory.

That was until substitutes Billy Connolly and Oisin Crowley looked to be forging a goal chance. The latter was brought down for a free that Flynn converted, 0-10 to 0-7.

Thirty seconds later, another chance at goal for Carraig. Paul Sheehan got too close, and was swarmed by Killeagh defenders.

Hurleyless and nowhere to go, he found Crowley with a handpass. Crowley spun around, and struck it. The oncoming Fionn Murphy could do little – it bounced in over the line. Draw game, eight minutes to go.

Four minutes after the goal, Carraig were two in front – courtesy of Paul Sheehan and David Sweeney pointing from play.

Killeagh weren’t done.

In the 58th minute, Ben Walsh’s deflected pass fell to Dan Landers. He made no mistake. A minute later Ben Walsh played his part in winning a free in midfield. He turned, and roared as the entire team celebrated.

His cousin Barry converted against the breeze. Level again. One minute of normal time to go.

One mistake – Killeagh’s work was undone.

Jack Ahern had a free shot at the uprights and converted. Carraig led with 30 seconds of added time to play. Sean Meade only needed thirty seconds.

With the last chance of the game, he got away from his man and struck it over the posts on the run. Level for one final time. A replay to come this Saturday.

The first half saw both full-back lines impress. Particularly Tadhg O’Donoghue and Felix Murphy, who were outstanding for Carraig. Killeagh full-back George Walsh Wallace was equal to it.

Though Carraig hit the first three scores in seven minutes, Eight points without reply from Killeagh left them five in front after 33 minutes.

Carraig fought back.

They can thank their substitutes for that one, but Killeagh – spearheaded by their minor stars Sean Meade, Ben and Barry Walsh ensured there would be no winner in Castlemartyr.

Scorers for Carraig na bhFear: James Forde 0-3 (0-2 f, 0-1 65), O Crowley 1-0, E Flynn 0-2 (0-1 f), C Murphy, John Forde, J Ahern, P Sheehan, D Sweeney 0-1 each.

Scorers for Killeagh: Barry Walsh 0-6 (0-4 f), S Meade 0-3, Ben Walsh, G Walsh Wallace, K Budds, D Landers 0-1 each.

CARRAIG NA BHFEAR: A Buckley; T O’Donoghue, F Murphy, P Geaney; M Ahern, C Cooney, T Geaney; John Forde, J Ahern; C Murphy, D Foley, R Sheehan; P Sheehan (c), James Forde, E Flynn.

Subs: B Connolly for R Sheehan (HT), O Crowley for Foley (38), D Sweeney for James Forde (47), A Dorgan for M Ahern (54).

KILLEAGH: F Murphy; A Morrison, G Walsh Wallace, P Leahy; D O’Brien, C Fitzgibbon, R Treacy; Ben Walsh, M Fitzgerald; D Kelleher (c), K Budds, D Motherway; S Meade, B Walsh, J Fogarty.

Subs: P Mackey for Kelleher (38), D Landers for Budds (55).

Referee: Anthony O’Regan (Youghal)