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Sensational recovery by Gaeil Cholmcille

by Conall Collier  Updated: Wednesday, 31st March, 2010 5:00pm

Gaeil Cholmcille 4-8 Kildalkey 1-13

John Murray (Kildalkey) and Eimhin Keegan (Gaeil Cholmcille) in action at Pairc Tailteann on Sunday.

Gaeil Cholmcille completed two in-a-row at Pairc Tailteann on Sunday when they won the MHC B title at the expense of a talented Kildalkey side.

Last year, Gaeil Cholmcille won the MHC when they defeated Kilmessan in the decider, but this year they were graded in the B competition which is 13-a-side and they duly prevailed with a sensational second-half recovery.

With most of last year's championship-winning team gone, this was a fine achievement by the mentors of the Kells club and it turned into a real family affair as Conor Ferguson was in charge of the team and his son, Fionn, was the captain.

There was plenty to like about Kildalkey as well and they can reflect on a big contribution to a hugely entertaining final and can look forward to the future with a lot of optimism.

With players of the calibre of Patrick Conneely, Gavin Mullen and Francis Doran likely to make a major impact at adult level over the next few years, the reigning Jubilee Cup champions look to have plenty of ammunition going forward.

Wind-assisted Kildalkey made a bright start with four Patrick Conneely pointed frees and one each by Mullen and Doran earning a 0-6 to 0-1 first-quarter lead.

Fionn Ferguson got Gaeil Cholmcille on the scoreboard from a free after 12 minutes and he added another one on the stroke of half-time. Seamus Mattimoe managed his side's only score from play in that opening half as they trailed by 0-3 to 1-8 at the interval.

Patrick Conneely was the inspiration behind all Kildalkey's positive play. He created chances, he broke up attacks, he popped up in his own square on numerous occasions to avert danger and he carried the sliotar with purpose on many solo raids.

He added another point from a '65' while Mullen's second point from play and a goal by David Conneely helped Kildalkey to that eight-point interval advantage.

The goal arrived when Doran's lofted centre was flicked to the net despite pressure from Gaeil Cholmciille custodian Liam Ferguson.

The scoreboard changed dramatically after the resumption and half-time substitute Barry Farrelly made an immediate impact for the Kells boys. He claimed a goal inside 60 seconds and Eimhin Keegan also found the net in the fourth minute which reduced the deficit to two points and got Kells side into contention, but with plenty of work to do.

Kildalkey maintained their composure and were ahead by 1-11 to 2-5 at the end of the third-quarter, but Mark Healy and John Murray fluffed what looked like gilt-edged goal and they were rocked by a two-goal salvo in the 20th minute.

Fionn Ferguson rifled a 20-metre free to the net with the help of a deflection and 30 seconds later another goal meant the William Fay Perpetual Cup, won last year by Trim, was on the way to Kells.

Farrelly staked a claim for the tag of 'super-sub' when he finished to the net for a 4-6 to 1-11 advantage and at that stage there was no real way back for Kildalkey.

Overall this was a fine team display by the winners. Apart from the goalscorers, Conor Murray was very impressive and received most support from Seamus Mattimoe and Ryan Farnham, who recovered from a early yellow card to make a positive contribution to this success.

"Kildalkey gave it a fine rattle, but the first five minutes of the second-half changed the game," commented Hurling Committee official Michael Mullally.

"This was a fine recovery and victory for the Kells club and I'm pleased to have a Kells man, Ultan Fitzpatrick, on hand to present the cup," he added.

Gaeil Cholmcille - Liam Ferguson; Alan McGovern, Shane Morgan; Darren King, Conor Murray, Declan Clarke; Fionn Ferguson (1-6 four frees, one '65'), Danny McGovern (0-1); Eimhin Keegan (1-0), Seamus Mattimoe (0-1), Luke Carry; Ryan Farnham, Sean Ryan. Sub - Barry Farrelly (2-0) for Carry half-time.

Kildalkey - Conor Flynn; Mark Healy, Matt Rickard; Padraig Kane, Patrick Conneely (0-8 seven frees, one '65'), Mark Chesser; Gavin Mullen (0-4), Anthony Darby; Luke Rickard, Francis Doran (0-1), Patrick Potterton; David Conneely (1-0), David Harmon. Subs - John Murray for Healy 12 mins, Healy for Darby 28m.

Referee - Anthony Hoey (Boardsmill).