Carlow SFC Final: Gritty Rathvilly victorious
Rathvilly won an 11th Carlow SFC title. Photo by Stephen Marken/Sportsfile
Carlow SFC Final
Rathvilly 0-14 Old Leighlin 1-8
By Kieran Murphy at Netwatch Cullen Park
Rathvilly won an 11th Carlow Senior Football Championship title when they edged out the holders at Netwatch Cullen Park.
In what turned out to be a disappointing final, there was a sensational start. Rathvilly delivered long straight from the throw-in towards the Old Leighlin posts and a penalty was awarded.
Conor Doyle took on the responsibility, but put the ball over the bar. He made amends when adding a point, but Old Leighlin hit back with a three-pointer themselves. Mikey Bambrick had the initial shot, but when the ball ran loose, Cathal Coughlan pounced to force the ball over the line.
After that both sides had their moments with Rathvilly marginally on top. Liam Gavin scored three points with Brendan Murphy, Kevin Murphy and Darragh Murphy also raising white flags for Rathvilly.
The goal was important for Old Leighlin as they struggled to keep pace with their opponents. Seamus Kinsella (two frees) and James Dowling featured on the scoreboard as Rathvilly led 0-8 to 1-3 at the break.
The second half never really came to life. Only late on, when Old Leighlin pressed as they attempted to rescue the game. The rate of scoring was slow. Brandon Kelly and Doyle pushed the eventual winners two clear going into the final quarter and Old Leighlin replied with a Kinsella free. Substitutes, Brynn Nolan and Eric Molloy landed vital points for Rathvilly.
The reigning champions hit back with Dowling and Kinsella points leaving two between them with a minute to go. Aaron Amond had a chance for an equaliser from a long range two-point free effort, but Rathvilly survived the scare.
Rathvilly, happy to have got their reprieve, responded and Doyle rifled over which while not quite an insurance point it was enough to keep distance between the two sides in three minutes of injury time.
Scorers for Rathvilly: Conor Doyle 0-4 (0-1 pen), Liam Gavin 0-3 (2fs), Brandon Kelly 0-2, Eric Molloy, Darragh Murphy, Brendan Murphy, Brynn Nolan, Kevin Murphy 0-1 each.
Old Leighlin: Seamus Kinsella 0-5 (5fs), James Dowling 0-3, Cathal Coughlan 1-0.
Rathvilly: Regan Murphy; Paraic Deering, Josh Moore, Robbie Ryan; Colin Byrne, Dara Curran, Padhraig Bolger; Brendan Murphy, Conor Doyle; Adam Burgess, Brandon Kelly, Peter Burgess; Kevin Murphy, Darragh Murphy, Liam Gavin.
Subs: Ed Finnegan for A Burgess (42), Eric Molloy for P Burgess (42), Brian Smith for D Murphy (49), Brynn Nolan for Byrne (53), Kenneth Bello for Bolger (59).
Old Leighlin: Steve Scallan; Jordan Kelly, Tadhg O’Neill, Daniel Brennan; Tadhg Roche, Sean Bambrick, Jamie Doyle; Ian Atkinson, David Bambrick; James Dowling, Mikey Bambrick, Aaron Amond; Cathal Coughlan, Seamus Kinsella, Darragh Fitzgerald.
Subs: Niall Roche for Brennan (38), Ruarc O’Neill for Doyle (51), Alan Fitzgerald for Coughlan (58).
Referee: James Foley (Kilbride).
