Kilmoyley on the Double

Kilmoyley players and supporters celebrate championship win

County Hurling Championship Final 2002

Kilmoyley 1-16 Lixnaw 2-7

The Kilmoyley Seniors emulated the feat of the 1970/71 team when they won back-to-back titles by defeating a determined Lixnaw team in the County championship final in Austin Stacks park, Tralee on Sunday 29th September, 2002. In scoring 1-16 Kilmoyley also created their own piece of history by scoring the greatest number of points in a final, and it was fitting that it should be Christy Walsh who was the man to score the record breaking point.

On the day Kilmoyley were more efficient with their chances. Last year's County final certainly stood to Kilmoyley as they were more composed on the ball and had more men who stood up to be counted when the pressure was on. However, it was not until the final few minutes that Kilmoyley finally began to put some daylight between themselves and their opponents.

Kilmoyley scored thirteen points from play in capturing their 18th title, and six of the seven forwards that played, plus the two midfielders all scored. Kilmoyley were 1-3 to 0-1 ahead after ten minutes and appeared to be cruising even though they were playing into the wind. But Lixnaw showed they were made of sterner stough and indeed by the 21st minute they found themselves in front thanks to two goals from full-forward trevor McKenna. But some excellent play from Billy Brick and poor shooting by the Lixnaw forwards (11 wides) helped Kilmoyley reach the short whistle trailing by the narrowest margin.

Half-Time : Kilmoyley 1-5 Lixnaw 2-3

Kilmoyley re-started in bright fashion and had slipped into a one point lead within four minutes, a lead they were not to relinquish. Kilmoyley added two further points before Lixnaw got their first of the half. At the end of the third quarter Kilmoyley still only led by three points despit their domination. At this stage County footballers Eamon Fitzmaurice and Enda Galvin were introduced to bolster affairs for Lixnaw, but Maurice Murnane had added a further point for Kilmoyley.Padraig O'Sullivan scored again for Kilmoyley, bur Lixnaw added two more points to close the gap to three points again. But Lixnaw didi not register another score as Kilmoyley's defence stood firm for the last eight minutes. Further points from Shane Brick, Christy Walsh and Micheal Regan finished Kilmoyley's scoring. Once again there were scenes of wild jubilation at the final whistle. Club captain Ian Brick was a proud man receiving the Neilus Flynn trophy and thanked all those who contributed in any way in helping Kilmoyley win its 18th County Title.

At the Man of the Match celebration which was held at Ballygarry House Hotel the next day, Sean Fitzgerald was awarded the trophy for an excellent display in which he kept Lixnaw danger-man Micheal Conway scoreless from play.

Kilmoyley Team

Joe Walsh, Kevin Gentleman, Padraig Regan, Ian Brick (capt.), Sean Fitzgerald, Liam Walsh, James McCarthy, Richard Gentleman(0-1), Darren Young(0-1), Billy Brick(0-2), Maurice Murnane(0-2), Shane Brick(1-6 1-3 frees), Padraig O'Sullivan(0-2), Ollie Diggin, Micheal Regan(0-1).

subs. Christy Walsh (0-1)for Ollie Diggin

Read The Kingdom Report

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Seniors dumped out of NK semi

Munster club heartbreak

Munster League QF win

Seniors lose County League title

Seniors into 2nd Co. final in a row

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