Picture Courtesy Paul Barrett
CUALA 0-14
KILMACUD CROKES 1-10
Cuala claimed their first ever Go-Ahead Ireland Dublin Senior 1 Football Championship title when overcoming southside rivals Kilmacud Crokes by a solitary point in their thrilling decider at a blustery Parnell Park on Sunday afternoon.
Backed by a healthy breeze, it was Cuala that dominated the first-half, with two excellent points by Michael Fitzsimons the highlight of their vibrant display as they entered the break with an 0-7 to 0-2 lead.
Admittedly, Kilmacud faced a difficult breeze initially but irrespective of the elements, they looked a pale shadow of their disciplined and ruthless best, lacking the intensity of their opponents as well.
The second-half saw Cuala continue to impress but Luke Ward’s 55th minute goal and the immediate dismissal of Con O’Callaghan looked to have turned the tide in Kilmacud’s favour.
However, with time running out and a replay a distinct probability, Eoin Kennedy popped out with the match-winning score in the 5th minute of injury time, handing Cuala a narrow but ultimately deserved victory.
Charlie McMorrow, who has enjoyed a hugely influential campaign to date, highlighted his potential with a searing run from deep that culminated with a precise finish between the sticks for the game’s opening score inside thirty seconds.
Late addition Hugh Kenny restored parity from a tight angle in the 4th minute and while the holders enjoyed plenty of possession early on, they were unable to create too many chances close to goal.
A stalemate of sorts ensued with Cuala happy to defend in numbers but from one isolated counter-attack, they restored their lead through Peadar Ó Cofaigh Byrne, following fine play from David O’Dowd and Con O’Callaghan.
Another counter-attack at the start of the second quarter saw the Dalkey outfit double their advantage as Michael Fitzsimons was afforded too much time and space from thirty metres.
Kilmacud’s frustration was all too evident as they recorded a number of poor wides through Shane Walsh and Paul Mannion with Con O’Callaghan extending Cuala’s lead off his left foot in the 19th minute.
Fitzsimons joined the attack to telling effect three minutes later, leaving Walsh for dead before fisting over Devon Burns’ crossbar and Burns’ resultant kickout left a lot to be desired, allowing Luke Keating to extend Cuala’s lead to five points.
With confidence coursing through their collective veins, Cal Doran added to the Cuala tally before Mannion landed a much-needed score at the opposite end in the 27th minute, ending a barren period of twenty-three minutes in the process.
Cuala continued to impress upon the resumption, restoring their six-point lead through a tidy effort from Doran with Crokes replying in an instant courtesy of Craig Dias.
Cuala’s ability to threaten in attack help yield further points for Nial O’Callaghan and a brace from Doran but Crokes kept in the hunt through two points apiece from Shane Walsh and Mannion.
When Ward cracked home a superb goal in the 55th minute, with O’Callaghan seeing red soon after, it appeared that Crokes were set for their fourth title on the bounce but Cuala dug deep once again with Kennedy the match-winner in the most dramatic of fashions.
Scorers – Cuala: L Keating (2f), C Doran 0-3 each; M Fitzsimons 0-2; E Kennedy, P Ó Cofaigh Byrne, P Duffy, N O’Callaghan, C McMorrow, C O’Callaghan 0-1 apiece. Kilmacud Crokes: P Mannion 0-4 (1f, 1 mark); S Walsh 0-3 (1f); L Ward 1-0; C Dias, D Mullin, H Kenny 0-1 apiece.
Cuala: R Scollard; D Conroy, M Fitzsimons, E O’Callaghan; E Kennedy, C McMorrow, D O’Dowd; P Ó Cofaigh Byrne, P Duffy; C Dunne, C O’Callaghan, C Doran; L Keating, N O’Callaghan, C Ó Giolláin. Subs: C Groarke for Ó Giolláin (43), C Mulally for Dunne (48), M Conroy for D Conroy (56).
Kilmacud Crokes: D Burns; M Mullin, T Clancy, D O’Brien; M O’Leary, A McGowan, J Murphy; B Shovlin, R O’Carroll; H Kenny, C Dias, D Mullin; P Mannion, P O’Connor, S Walsh. Subs: C O’Connor for O’Leary (43), T Fox for Kenny (45), L Ward for Murphy (53), S Cunningham for O’Connor (61).
Referee: Seán McCarthy (St Vincent’s).
