Knocknagree 1-11
Carrigaline 0-16
If this game was decided on statistics, Knocknagree would be the favourites. They scored 8-61, averaging 2-15 per game in this year's championship, to Carrigalines' 3-73, 1-13. Knacknagree conceded only 0-44 points during their campaign, averaging 0-11 per game to Carrigaline's 2-60, 0-13 points per match.
It wasn't the start Carrigaline had hoped for in the SAFC final; Knocknagree opened the game the scoring within two minutes and doubled their advantage shortly after.
Brian Coakley got Carrig's first point on the board from a 45 as they trailed 0-3 to 0-1. Less than a minute later, Coakley narrowed the gap to a point.
It was a slow start for Carrigaline. Knocknagree were undoubtedly the better side during the open fifteen minutes, despite several wides.
A foul on Brian Coakley allowed Niall Coakley to step up to score his first point of the game.
Carrigaline began to edge their way back and showed some aggression. Brian O'Driscoll made his presence known and assisted Coakley, who added another point to his tally.
A superb block by David Griffin denied Knocknagree another scoring opportunity before a period of offensive play from Knocknagree.
Kickouts proved probablamtic in the first half for Carrigaline and poor decisions saw Callum Dungan chipped in goal as Knocknagree netted the ball.
Carrigaline responded with points from Jack McCarthy, Coakley, and Eanna Desmond.
Chris O'Herlihy had a chance on goal but was blocked by Patrick Doyle in the Knocknagree goal.
Carrigaline grew frustrated, and impulsive tackles by O'Driscoll led to another Knocknagree point to finish out the first half.
Knocknagree 1-07 Carrigaline 0-6
Carrigaline started the second half more promisingly, with Desmond kicking two points in the opening minutes of the second half, narrowing the gap to a single point.
Knocknagree answered by scoring two points in succession, setting the tone for an exciting second half.
The introduction of Adam Coholan was instrumental in turning the tide of the game.
Excellent passing, which started from the back line making its way up the pitch involving O'Driscoll and Coholan, gave Brian Coakley another point, but Carrig still trailed 1-09 to 0-10.
Another score from Desmond closed the gap to a point, and O'Driscoll levelled the game 1-09 to 0-12.
Niall Coakley dropped the ball into goal, but Doyle pushed it over the bar to give Carrig the lead for the first time.
Carrig was awarded a free for a pass back to goals from a kickout, which was coolly taken by Coakley.
Following a scoring drought, Knocknagree brought it back to two points with just over two minutes remaining.
Eoghan Landers finished off Carrigalines' scoring efforts as Knocknagree upped the ante to push for a draw, but it was too little, too late.
Jack McCarthy climbed the steps to lift the cup, bringing home Carrigaline's first county title in nearly a decade.
Speaking to The Carrigdhoun, Brian O'Driscoll said, "We brought composure back into our game in the second. Management made calls on the line that definitely helped, and players turned up when they were needed. The likes of Eanna Desmond were brilliant in the second half, so we were delighted to get it over the line in the end."
As predicted, the subs bench was the difference in Carrigaline's impressive second half. Niall Quirke was crowned man of the match, but a solid team performance won it for Carrigaline.
Thankfully, for Carrigaline's sake the bounce of the ball isn't ruled by statistics.
Comments