St Kieran’s chance at championship glory was snatched away by a late penalty in the Acorn Life Under 21 Football Championship Final at Fitzgerald Stadium in Killarney on Wednesday evening.
Amber Galwey Reports:
Kieran’s, who led for the majority of the match, lost out to Kenmare District in the dying minutes on a scoreline of 2-12 to 3-11.
The runner’s up created an early six point lead thanks to goals from Gearóid McCarthy and Mike Finnegan. Kenmare District were awarded two penalties in the first half, the first was brilliantly saved by Kieran’s goalkeeper Conor Kiely and the second was driven into the back of the net by Brian Crowley. This, along with an earlier great goal also from Crowley, brought Kenmare back into the game. Both sides exchanged points finishing 2-05 each at half time.
St. Kieran’s scored three unanswered points at the beginning of the second half to give them the edge. However, Kenmare’s Cian Hallissey gave an excellent performance slotting over points, keeping his team within touching distance of St Kieran’s.
The dying minutes of the match saw St. Kieran’s downfall with just one point between the sides. Shane O’Connor was black carded and minutes later Eoin Murphy was shown a straight red card, with just five minutes on the clock.
Kenmare District were awarded their third penalty of the game in injury time. With just a single point between the sides Brian Crowley stepped up and made the courageous
decision to go for goal. Crowley found the back of the Kieran’s net for the third time and secured a two point win for his side. It was hugely disappointing for St. Kieran’s players and fans alike, as it was their third time losing the under 21 championship final in four years. It finished Kenmare District 3-11, St Kieran’s 2-12. Kenmare’s Cian Hallissey was presented with the Man of the Match award.
Scorers for St Kieran’s: Gearóid McCarthy 1-3, Mike Finnegan 1-1, Thomas Hickey 0-4, Shane O’Connor 0-03, Timmy Finnegan 0-01. Scorers for Kenmare District: Brian Crowley 3-0, Cian Hallissey 0-7, Fionán O’Sullivan 0-1, Pat Spillane 0-1, John Rice 0-01, Gavin Crowley 0-1.