Kilshannig's character shines through in county final win: 'We never dropped our heads'

Kilshannig manager Pat Murphy hailed the character and resilience of his players after they produced a stunning second-half comeback to see off St Catherine’s and secure a second county title in successive seasons at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Friday night.

Trailing 1-12 to 0-8 at the interval and still six points adrift entering the final quarter, Kilshannig looked to be facing an uphill battle against an experienced St Catherine’s side. 

However, a blistering finish, sparked by Diarmuid O’Sullivan’s crucial goal, saw the Avondhu outfit storm back to claim a dramatic 1-23 to 2-19 victory in the Co-Op SuperStores Premier JHC final.

Murphy admitted there was relief and delight after watching his side overturn such a significant deficit.

“The last quarter was absolutely frantic,” he said.

“We were down seven points at half-time and we stuck with the same personnel starting the second half. We made a few changes eight or nine minutes into the half and certainly they seemed to work wonders at the time.

“Any point we got at the start of the second half, St Catherine’s responded and it was point for point. We couldn't seem to make a real dent in the lead but we got the goal and it seemed to ignite the whole thing.

“We lifted our game, drove on for home and got point after point. We went up four and then they came back and got a goal, so it was in the balance right up until the end. Considering we were seven down at half-time, we are delighted with the result.” 

While many teams may have wilted after conceding a fortunate goal on the stroke of half-time, Murphy never sensed panic in the Kilshannig dressing room.

“No, there was no dropping of heads,” he says.

“We are fortunate to have the current crop of players. From a hurling point of view, we have probably the best group of players the club has ever had.

“We’ve had success at underage level, won a junior county title last year and to keep that momentum going is very satisfying.” 

Kilshannig’s impact off the bench proved pivotal, with Murphy singling out several replacements who helped change the course of the contest.

“There was a real purple patch there and certainly the introduction of Éanna O’Hanlon was a big factor,” he states.

“Ryan Crowley came in as well and Paddy Walsh came back on later in the game and hit two points. We seemed to get a bit of belief and as the finish line came into sight, we kicked on that bit harder.” 

Even the closing moments brought fresh drama as St Catherine’s struck for a late goal to reduce the margin to a single point.

“It was a heart-attack moment,” Murphy admitted.

“The lead was down to one, the ball came out and there was a bit of a schmozzle. It was anyone’s game at the time but thankfully we were able to retain possession and the final whistle went. To win by the narrowest margin, I'm very happy with that.” 

The victory continues a remarkable rise for Kilshannig, who captured the Junior A county title last year and will now compete in the intermediate ranks next season.

Murphy acknowledged that the progress made by the club’s hurlers over the last two years has exceeded expectations.

“From a Kilshannig point of view, we would probably be most notably a football club. 

“We wouldn't be renowned for our hurling but Dermot O'Riordan came in coaching us and put a bit of steel and a bit of mentality into the team. We're playing to a good system and we've had players back that we didn't have previously.

“When you have your strongest players available, it gives the whole dressing room confidence and belief.”