Barryroe 2-14

Kilmeen 1-6

TOM LYONS REPORTS

SUMMER deserted us for the final of Division 1 of the Carbery Group Carbery/Beara football league as the rain lashed down and the south-east wind swept diagonally across the pitch, making life miserable for players, mentors and supporters alike.

A strong Barryroe outfit coped better with the conditions at Ahamilla than a Kilmeen side that was shorn of half their starting 15 for various reasons.

The Barryroe forwards could be happy with their shooting as they tallied a respectable 2-14 but Kilmeen struggled to find the posts in both halves, especially in the second half against the diagonal breeze.

Barryroe's Tomás Ó Buabhalla is challenged by JP O'Donovan of Kilmeen. (Photo: Paddy Feen)

Again, it was the O’Donovans, Ryan and Olan, to the fore for the light blues, Ryan kicking two two-pointers and converting a penalty for a foul on himself, while Olan kicked 1-2, the goal at a vital stage in the first half against the wind.

They had good company in strong full forward Seán Holland, who kicked five points from play and proved a handful for the Kilmeen full-back line.

At the other end, Kevin Keohane was the main threat at centre forward for Kilmeen, kicking a magnificent solo goal early in the game.

Barryroe's Aaron Fleming defending against Kilmeen's Michael Keohane. (Photo: Paddy Feen)

‘That was tough going out there but we have to be satisfied with our display,’ said Barryroe mentor Daithí O’Leary.

‘It was hard to play football in those conditions but we probably won the game in the first half against the wind when we scored 1-7. The goal by Olan (O’Donovan) was vital as any goal against the wind is worth its weight in gold.

‘We’re delighted with this win as it puts us into the play-offs in the county league and that could lead to promotion to Division 7 of the county league, which would be vital for the development of this team.

‘This is the first time the club has ever won the Division 1 football league, so it’s job done for now.’

Against the wind, Seán Holland had Barryroe in front with a point but the next score did not arrive until the eighth minute when Kevin Keohane cut through for a cracking goal for Kilmeen.

A great two-point free by Ryan O’Donovan levelled the scores to close the first quarter.

It was all Barryroe, against the elements, in the second quarter as impressive midfielder Tomás Ó Buachalla, Seán Holland and Olan O’Donovan kicked points.

The vital score came in the 23rd minute when Ryan O’Donovan caught the Kilmeen defence napping with a quick free to cousin Olan, who finished to the net. Another Seán Holland point stretched the lead to seven points and Kilmeen looked in serious trouble.

However, they got back into contention just before the break when Gearóid McCarthy pointed and James Clancy raised a fine orange flag from a free to cut the lead to a manageable four points at the break, 1-7 to 1-3.

Barryroe captain Olan O'Donovan raises the shield. (Photo: Paddy Feen)

When Brian Deasy kicked a point in the opening minute of the second half, we thought there might be a Kilmeen comeback, but it was a false dawn as Barryroe again grabbed control against the wind, as Holland, Olan O’Donovan and Ryan O’Donovan (a 45) kicked points.

Kevin Keohane struck back with a Kilmeen point but Barryroe stretched the lead to eight points with scores from Holland and a superb curling two-pointer from Ryan O’Donovan.

It was all over as a contest in the 45th minute when Ryan O’Donovan was fouled in the square and converted the penalty himself.

The last quarter, as the rain swept down, featured only two scores, with Gearóid McCarthy and Gearóid Holland trading points.

Also doing well for the winners were James Moloney, David O’Sullivan and Luke Murphy while Shane O’Donovan, Brian Deasy, Oisín Harrington and Seán Deasy tried hard for Kilmeen.

OUR STARS: Honours even between Ryan O’Donovan, whose kicking from placed balls was excellent in the conditions, Seán Holland (0-5 from play) and Olan O’Donovan (1-2 from play).

Scorers

Barryroe: Ryan O’Donovan 1-5 (2ptf, 2pt, 45, pen); Olan O’Donovan 1-2; Seán Holland 0-5; Tomás Ó Buachalla, Gearóid Holland 0-1 each.

Kilmeen: Kevin Keohane 1-1; Gearóid McCarthy, James Clancy (2pf) 0-2 each; Brian Deasy 0-1.

Barryroe: Conor Madden; Michael Walsh, Seán O’Riordan, James Moloney; Conn Dineen, David O’Sullivan, Aaron Fleming; Dermot Dineen, Tomás Ó Buachalla; Luke Murphy, Ryan O’Donovan, Jack Murphy; Olan O’Donovan, Seán Holland, Adam McSweeney.

Subs: Gearóid Holland, Ben O’Dwyer, Jerome O’Brien, Aidan Walsh, Brian O’Donovan.

Kilmeen: Brian O’Donovan; Oisín Harrington, Liam O’Brien, Cian Murphy; Shane O’Donovan, Johnny Deasy, William Young; Brian Deasy, Ogie Scannell; Gearóid McCarthy, Kevin Keohane, Joseph O’Donovan; Michael Keohane, Eoghan McCroghan, James Clancy.

Subs: Daniel O’Donovan, Jim Shanahan, Shane Clancy, Mark Keohane, Barry Kirby.

Referee: Michael Collins (Clonakilty).