Kildorrery and Glanworth delivered a derby cracker as relegation playoff heads to a replay

After 80-plus minutes of battling football, near-neighbours Kildorrery and Glanworth could not be separated in their McCarthy Insurance Intermediate relegation final on Sunday.

It was fitting that Shanballymore, bang in the middle of these clubs, hosted this intriguing game and the hundreds of loyal fans were treated to a classic.

A replay will be needed to decide this crucial tie, but these great clubs can be proud of their players.

As the Glanworth side went into a huddle they were met with a riveting speech from manager Denis Healy, who then reflected on his team’s fighting performance.

“We certainly had enough of the ball to win the game, but a few errors led to them getting the goals that stopped us,” said Healy.

Jim O’Brien, of Glanworth GAA club, passed away in the days leading up to this game, but his three grandsons all played, hoping they would do him proud.

The lads all played their hearts out, but it wasn’t to be and now we have to reset and hope to get another mighty performance from this group of players."

The pressure of relegation was evident and the Glanworth chief believes his team will have to improve for the replay.

“This is a serious derby, with two great clubs battling for the right to play intermediate football next season and you saw out there today everything from both sides was left on the pitch.”

Defiant

Going into the game as underdogs didn’t alter the Glanworth approach.

“We were in a serious group with Kilmurry, Buttevant, and Ilen Rovers, who made the final last season, so it’s been a tough year for us, but survival is something we are good at and let’s hope we put another top shift in for the replay.”

On a final note, the Glanworth manager paid tribute to his own fans and, indeed, the Kildorrery ones.

“There was a carnival atmosphere out there today and many thanks to our own supporters and also to the Kildorrery fans, who ensured a great day for both clubs in such a tense game.”

The mood in the Kildorrery camp was similar. Selector Brian McNamara reflected on his team’s performance.

“First, may I pay my respects to the O’Brien family on the passing of Jim, whose grandsons, Darragh and Diarmuid O’Brien, with John O’Sullivan, all played their hearts out for their club here today,” said McNamara.

The game was played in true derby fashion, but when Kilderry took a four-point lead in to the second period of extra time they looked to be on the road to victory.

“I thought we were home and hosed, but you have to give credit to Glanworth, they fought to the wire and I don’t think either club will complain about the draw,” McNamara said.

Over the years, McNamara has got to know about Glanworth’s battling qualities.

“They have a great tradition in battling qualities and their equalising point, from Darragh O’Brien, was worth the admission fee alone.

We will now have to regroup and get ready for another tough encounter in the replay.”

The importance of the game will ensure another packed attendance.

“It’s very simple: Neither club wants to go down and you can see that in the manner both sides played, and I have little doubt the replay will be just as tight.”