ALTHOUGH they were put under severe pressure near the finish, Austin constable proved to be the hero for St. Marys as his point just on the stroke of 60 minutes proved to be the difference between the Caherciveen side and Skellg Rangers in keenly contested South Ketry senior Football final in Con Keating Park last Saturday.
The All-Ireland Junior Club Champions were left to rue some very promising chances in the second period while Marys were grateful to the experience of Maurice Fitzgerald whose magnificent catch in the middle of the park set up the all important winning score.
Heading into the game much was made of the threat of Bryan Sheehan from frees but the Kerry forward failed to score to from a free throughout the whole match as Skellig’s defence held their discipline superbly for large parts of the match. Marys got off to the better start with Aidan Walsh scoring the opening two points of the game , the second coming from very tight angle as they appeared to be far more tuned in early on.
It didnt take long though for Skellig to wake up and driven on by Aidan Dash O’Sullivan and Stephen O’Sullivan at midfield they soon went into the lead as four points in succession from Colin O’Sullivan, Bernard Casey, Dash and Daniel O’Sullivan free had them two points ahead after 17 minutes.
Even though Skellig appeared to be more comfortable on the ball and passing better than their opponents, Marys weren’t fazed as Sheehan fed a long ball into Fitzgerald that missed the Kerry legend but bounced over the bar to reduced the margin one.
As always in games at this time of year, scores are hard to come by and this game was no different, but the crucial score of the first half came in the 26th minute when James Fitzgerald fed a ball to namesake Maurice who sent in a rather speculative shot that caught Michael Brennan off guard in the Skellig goal and dipped into the ‘net for the game’s only and most unlikely goal.
The Portmagee side made the mistake of giving Constable way to much space to send over a 35 yard effort just before the break as Marys completed a five point swing in going in leading by that fortuitous Fitzgerald goal, 1-4 to 0-4 the half-time score.
Skellig continued to dominate early in the second half with Sean Courtney reducing the margin to two, however, they were punished in the 39th minute when Maurice Fitzgerald took advantage of a dreadful Skellig clearance to restore St Marys three point advantage. The likes of Brian Curran and Daniel ‘Cosuir’ O’Sullivan were doing much to keep the Cahirciveen side ahead, but Skellig started to claw the lead back primarily through the craft and experience of Bryan Hickey who ran all the forward line for Skellig in the second half.
Marys would go 16 minutes without scoring as another point apiece for Daniel O’Sullivan and Courtney put the minimum between the two sides, yet promising ball after promising ball was sent into the Skellig forwards only for Marys break down each attack with the Cahirciveen fullback particularly outstanding.
It looked like St Marys would push on when Aidan Walsh made a dashing break to end their barret spell, but the All-ireland Champions dug deep once more as a brace from Courtney, the first a free, the second magnificent effort from distance drew the sides left with just two minutes left. The decisive score came from a Maurice Fitzgerald catch, which led to a sideline ball for Marys. Sheehan fed into Austin Constable who had the time and composure to kick the match winning score. There was to be one more act of drama though as after Brian Hickey was fouled, Daniel O’Sullivans attempt at a third point just tailed wide and there would be no return to Con Keating Park on Stephens Day for a replay.
Mary’s 26th South Kerry Title comes after a six year wait and one that owed much to the good fortune of Sheehan’s point and Maurice Fitzgerald’ goal in the first half. Still they showed how they learned the mistakes from their game against Beaufort during the summer in terms of taking their chances when presented to them. Skellig will rue their missed opportunities, ones they could have easily taken on another day, but it has still been a phenomenal year for the Portmagee club with All-Ireland glory back on Valentines Day.
Jack Murphy returns to his native club and the old order’ in South Kerry restored for the moment.
ST MARYS: Shane Hargan James Fitzperald, JM Clifford, Gearaid 0 Driscoll,Brian Curran, Ian Casey, Daniel O Sullivan, Bryan Sheehan (0-1), Austin Constable(0-2) Aidan Walsh (0-3), Paul o Donoghue, Niall O Driscoll , Daniel Daly, Maurice Fitzgerald (1-1), Ray Keane. Subs Sean Coumare for James Fitzgerald and James Fitzgerald for Keane.
SKELLIG RANGERS: Mike Brennan, Colm Martin, Wayne O Sullivan, Seamus O Sullivan, Colin 0′ Sullivan(0-1). Christopher 0 Driscoll, Stephen L 0′ Sullivan, Stephen 0 Sulivan, Aidan 0 Sullivan (0. 1), John 0’Driscoll ,Brian Hickey ,Dan 0 Sullivan (0-2F) Bernard Casey (0- 1). Gary 0 Driscoll Sean Courtney (0-4,2F) Subs Ciaran Keating for Casey and Brendan 0′ Sullivan for John O Driscoll
REFEREE: Paul Hayes (Kerins O Rahillys)
Skellig Rangers GAA 