Championship delight for St Kevin’s Killian’s

ST KEVIN’S Killian’s GAA Club celebrated a momentous victory, defeating Blackrock’s, Bank of Ireland 3-11 to 3-09 in the Go Ahead Junior Two Championship final on Sunday reports Rory Merriman.

Breaking a 40-plus-year championship drought that had haunted them through numerous final defeats, the Kilnamanagh/Kingswood side jubilantly lifted their trophy in what had proven to be a memorable day for GAA in the area.

The club’s journey to this triumph began in January in their preseason training.

From the outset, there was a palpable sense of something different within the team.

Just a year ago, St Kevin’s Killian’s found themselves on the brink of relegation.

However, in a remarkable turnaround over the past 12 months, they emerged undefeated in 22 games, showcasing resilience, determination, and a newfound strength that propelled them to championship glory.

The championship game, played under challenging conditions in Bohernabreena with a stiff breeze sweeping down the pitch, witnessed an early lead for Bank of Ireland GAA.

The St Kevin’s Killian’s players and mentors with the championship trophy

Yet, St Kevin’s Killian’s responded emphatically with a brilliantly executed team goal against the wind, culminating in a finish by Ryan Murphy, who went on to score an impressive 2-2.

The match featured exchanged penalties, with Bank of Ireland holding a five-point lead at halftime.

The pivotal moments of the second half belonged to Adam Fitzpatrick, stationed in the middle of the park.

Fitzpatrick’s pivotal contributions included two crucial long-range frees and a goal-line clearance in the dying stages, ultimately amassing a personal tally of 1-6.

Brian Murphy, a consistent force throughout the season, once again covered every inch of the field, leaving nothing behind as he epitomized the team’s commitment and dedication.

The final whistle of Referee Martin Meehan signally the end of the final, securing silverware for St Kevins Killian’s with final score reading 3-11 to 3-09 in what proved to be a closely contested battle.

The victory was not only a triumph for the players but also a testament to the collective effort of the entire club.

The celebration extended beyond the team, acknowledging the support received from neighbouring club St Annes.

Their generosity in hosting home championship games proved invaluable, considering St Kevins Killians’ pitch closure since August for drainage works, which unfortunately persisted.

The elation of the victory is tinged with recent adversity, as the club faced vandalism to its pitches in Kilnamanagh the previous week.

Despite the challenges and ongoing struggles for facilities, the hope is that this championship win serves as a timely boost for the club.

St Kevin’s Killian’s manager, Brian Fitzpatrick emphasised how there were more than the players to thank for the clubs championship title.

Fitzpatrick spoke about the unwavering support from volunteers, evident in the immense backing on the sidelines, stands as a testament to the club’s resilience and strength in unity.

“I just hope this will be a timely boost and the support We received on the line was immense and a show of strength as a Club,” he told The Echo.

As St Kevin’s Killian’s GAA basks in the glory of this long-awaited championship triumph, the focus now shifts to the future, where the hope is that this victory will propel the club to greater heights, inspiring continued dedication and support from its members and the community at large.

For full access to all content on Echo.ie and to support the continuation of local news and local journalism in your community subscribe HERE.

Thanks for your ongoing support.