De La Salle's Jack Gaule and Adam O'Sullivan combine against Ballinacourty's Joey Doherty.
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After an intriguing and hard-fought minor football championship, De La Salle claimed their first title since 1985 after a terrific comeback against Ballinacourty. Before this championship began, no one would have predicted that either of these teams would have reached the final but nonetheless they served up a game which was worthy of the occasion.
Ballinacourty were the first side to have the use of the strong breeze which blew down towards the road goal in Kill. The western side opened the scoring when wing-forward Colm Kindregan tapped over a free. On this occasion, the lead was short-lived as De La Salle equalised through Jack Kavanagh. It could well have been a goal as it came after a brilliant team move but Kavanagh’s pile-driver was brilliantly saved by Ballinacourty goalkeeper, Philip Cashin who diverted it over the bar.
Joey Doherty put Ballinacourty back in front and Colm Morris levelled it again for De La Salle before Ballinacourty took over.
Firstly, Colm Kindregan put them back in front with an excellent point from play and then corner-forward, Evan Collins knocked over a free to open up a two point lead. By now, Ballinacourty were rampant. John O’Riordan added another point and then after an almighty scramble in front of the De La Salle goal, Killian Gibson-Kiely pulled on a loose ball which ended up going over the bar for another point. In the 18th and 21st minutes respectively, Evan Collins scored two points from play to leave Ballinacourty six points in front.
For full story see our print edition.
