Kilshannig coach Denis Reen: They're on about changing rules, watch this game back, a lovely brand of football 

Kilshannig coach Denis Reen was a relieved figure after his side’s thrilling draw with Aghabullogue in the McCarthy Insurance Group PIFC final at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Saturday night.

The Avondhu side led by two points with 12 minutes of normal time remaining having turned around a six-point deficit but they had to dig deep again when they trailed by two points going into added time. A pair of Darragh O’Sullivan frees ensured the match goes to a replay next weekend after it finished up 1-14 apiece. 

It was arguably the game of the season to date in the Cork championship. Reen was almost out of breath when speaking to The Echo after the game.

“Jesus, if you are a Cork person you would be proud of that game,” the Rathmore native said. 

The exhibition, the football, the skill level for Premier Intermediate level playing in the theatre of dreams, the best pitch in Ireland apart from Croke Park. 

"Oh my god, it was a great game of football, very high intensity, breaking the lines hard, two teams going at each other with absolute respect for each other too. 

“I am delighted in one way and also relieved. We were two points down with time almost up. Of course in every game, a team is going to have a hot spot and that’s what happened tonight. The thing that impressed me the most was Aghabullogue’s accuracy. I think they had only three wides, they were awesome. 

"Our accuracy was only 44% compared to Aghabullogue’s 84%. We created the chances, but it looks like we need to improve our shooting before the replay. The most important thing was that we created the chances.” 

OLD SCHOOL

It was a throwback match with both sides more worried about attacking than defending. Both sides did have their sweepers, but it was all about moving the ball fast with countless number of kick passes. It was those things that helped Kilshannig, when their need was greatest, to work the ball up the pitch resulting in two frees. Darragh O’Sullivan had nerves of steel to slot over the two frees to keep his side alive.

“Some of the scores were excellent, shooting from the left and right, but isn’t it lovely to see lads kicking points from all angles. I know they are on about changing the rules, but people should watch this game back on Rebels Online. Two teams going at each other, a lovely brand of football.  

We showed a never-say-die attitude, heart and character. It’s a pleasure to be involved with them. 

"At no stage did I think we were going to lose the game. You saw the way we worked the leveller there at the end and that comes down to being cool, calm and collected. If I was involved with Cork watching this game, Darragh O’Sullivan would be worth a look at. He’s incredible, a fantastic player and showed calmness to nail the two late frees.”