The final of the McGillycuddy Cup was hosted by Listowel RFC at Town Park on Sunday with the Killarney Senior side looking to bounce back from last week’s loss against Killorglin - this time against Junior 2 opposition.
Killarney got the game underway on an afternoon perfect for running rugby and enjoyed good early pressure from the off. Listowel were resilient in defence though and it took the full first quarter before Killarney were able to turn pressure into points. Good ball retention in midfield gave centre Mike Sheahan the chance to break the line, flying through the middle to touch down. And there would be more to follow before half time with two more tries coming before the break, even with Killarney down to 14 men for 10 minutes. The first was down to excellent work from scrum half Mícheál Casey who put it on a plate for Paul O’Sullivan to go over from close range. O’Sullivan turned creator for the second, seemingly enjoying his shift at fly half, with good vision to ultimately release Brendan Fuller for the try. And he was able to convert his own try, remaining flawless from the tee to make it 21-0 at the break.
It wasn’t all plain sailing for Killarney though and it must be said that the J2 opponents stuck to their task well throughout, showing good determination to cancel out an early try from Killarney ten minutes into the second half. This time it was John O’Connor’s turn to round off a move straight off the training paddock as the backs made the most of clean lineout ball from a well placed penalty kick to touch. The last quarter of the game was in fact played with 14 men on each side for a period, with a red card for Killarney and a sin bin for the hosts. During those ten minutes, John O’Connor doubled his tally for the day, this time from open play through more good hands in the back line. With 15 men back on the pitch, Listowel pulled another try back making it 12-33 but in the end it proved too little too late with club captain Damo O’Carroll sealing the victory at the end.
Starting captain front rower Paul Moynihan accepted the cup, with kind words from both sides and whilst new and old faces all played their part in the win, both youngsters Ciarán O’Brien (former U18) and John O’Donoghue (whose sister plays for Killarney U16s) impressed on their Senior debuts.
The Seniors now look forward to the start of the season proper, with a tough test away to Bantry Bay RFC on 11 October. Socially distant training at Aghadoe continues at 7:30pm on Tuesdays and 8:00pm on Thursdays, with new players always welcome. For details please contact Brian O'Sullivan on 087 245 8637.
