Kinsale Snatch Dramatic Extra-Time Victory Over Belgooly

Kinsale 2-32 Belgooly 1-34

(JJ Hurley)

Kinsale following their victory over Belgooly in the Ross Oil JAHC Semi-Final at Ballinspittle on Saturday 

Kinsale booked their place in the Ross Oil South East Junior A Hurling Championship final after edging Belgooly by the narrowest of margins, 2-32 to 1-34, following a thrilling extra-time encounter in Ballinspittle on Saturday.

In a contest played at a relentless pace from start to finish, Belgooly looked in control early on as Ryan Long's goal helped them surge into a 1-6 to 0-1 lead, while Barry Dwyer was deadly accurate from placed balls and open play.

Kinsale responded superbly. Noah Ryan helped spark the comeback before being forced off injured, and the seasiders gradually whittled down the deficit.

Their efforts were rewarded on 15 minutes when Micheál Murphy struck for goal to put Kinsale ahead for the first time at 1-7 to 1-6.

Belgooly regrouped and moved three clear midway through the half, but Kinsale finished strongly. Inspired by captain John O'Brien, who struck four late points, they carried a 1-14 to 1-12 advantage into the interval.

The second half was equally gripping. O'Brien continued to drive Kinsale forward while Kevin Fitzgerald led the Belgooly challenge. With time running out, Fitzgerald produced the crucial score that levelled matters at 1-23 apiece and forced extra time.

Kinsale held a two-point lead at the extra-time interval after an excellent score from Brian Coughlan left them 1-29 to 1-27 ahead. Belgooly, however, looked destined for victory when late points, including two from substitute Mark Kenny, opened up a three-point cushion.

Yet Kinsale produced one final twist. O'Brien reduced the gap before a dramatic late attack saw Gearóid Finn fire to the net, turning the game on its head and sealing a remarkable one-point victory for the seasiders.

Scorers for Kinsale: John O'Brien 0-15 (9f), Micheál Murphy 1-5, C Fitzpatrick 0-4, Gearóid Finn 1-0, B O'Neill 0-3, O Buckley 0-3, R O'Brien 0-1, N Ryan 0-1.

Scorers for Belgooly: Barry Dwyer 0-14 (8f, 3 '65s), Ryan Long 1-3, Kevin Fitzgerald 0-6, C O'Donovan 0-5, Mark Kenny 0-3, C McCarthy 0-1, E Corkery 0-1, S Kiely 0-1.

KINSALE: T Broderick; N McCarthy, K O’Callaghan, D O’Leary; C O’Leary, O Ryan, B Coughlan; C Fitzpatrick, B O’Neill; N Ryan, O Buckley, J O’Brien (c); D Forde, C Fitzpatrick, M Murphy.

Subs: G Finn for N Ryan (9 inj), R O’Brien for C O’Leary (47), S O’Callaghan for O Buckley (77 inj)

BELGOOLY: J Dwyer; D Walsh, T O’Donovan, C O’Sullivan; J O’Sullivan, N O’Sullivan, L Walsh; C O’Donovan, S Kiely; E Lynch, E O’Donovan; E Corkery, K Fitzgerald, R Long, B Dwyer.

Subs: F Walsh for E Lynch (HT), M Kenny for F Walsh (57), C McCarthy for E Corkery (71 inj).

Referee: Brian Coniry (Crosshaven).