Cormac Carr goal puts Knockavilla Donaskeigh Kickhams through to the Crosco Cup final

Francis Coughlan at Annacarty

Cormac Carr’s first half goal proved to be the difference between the sides as Knockavilla Donaskeigh Kickhams got the better of Cappawhite in Annacarty on Tuesday evening to book a place in this year’s Berties Bar Crosco Cup Final.

Elliott Thompson had the opening score for Kickhams in the first minute, however the opening exchanges saw free takers Dara McCarthy and Davy Butler to the fore with referee Richie O’Connor punishing steps along with the throw pass.

McCarthy edged his side 0-3 to 0-1 ahead only for Butler to level at three each after eight minutes. Midway through the half Kickhams suffered the loss of Ben Ryan to injury and he was replaced by Pa Ryan.

By the twentieth minute McCarthy had edged Cappawhite two points in front before Kevin Stapleton made it three with their first from play. However a minute later following a mix up in the Cappawhite defence Cormac Carr grabbed the games only goal to tie the game.

McCarthy was again to the fore in keeping Cappawhite’s in touch, however Kickhams finished the half stronger with points from Walter O’Carroll and a long range free from goalkeeper Jack Breen to lead, 1-8 to 0-9.

Cappawhite started the second half better outscoring Cappawhite four points to one by the fifth minute with McCarthy to the fore from place balls while Tom Treacy’s point, just a second from play from Cappawhite tied the encounter, 1-9 to 0-12.

The game remained close but free ridden. Davy Butler restored Kickhams lead with three pointed frees in a row. Entering the final quarter Kickhams held a two-point advantage, 1-12 to 0-13.

The final quarter would see Kickhams hold that advantage and respond each time to a Cappawhite score. Sean Ryan W cut the deficit from a free but Elliott Thompson replied with his third to restore the two-point advantage.

When Willie Barry again cut the deficit back to one with eight to play there was a strong sense extra-time might be on the cards.

But Kickhams found an extra gear to outscore Cappawhite, 0-3 to nil in the remaining time. Butler again from placed balls and Elliott Thompson from play to advance to a final meeting with Cashel King Cormacs.

Scorers & Teams:
Kickhams: Cappawhite: Davy Butler (0-10f), Elliott Thompson (0-4), Cormac Carr (1-1), Walter O’Carroll (0-1), Jack Breen (0-1f)

Dara McCarthy (0-10f), Rian Doody (0-1f), Kevin Stapleton (0-1), Tom Treacy (0-1), Sean Ryan W (0-1f), Daire Duggan (0-1), Willie Barry (0-1)

Kickhams: Jack Breen, Barry McCarthy, Paudie O’Carroll, Diarmuid Kinane, Sean Farrell, Jamie Duncan, Lorcan Carr, Conor Farrell, Paudie Slattery, Walter O’Carroll, Daniel Lonergan, Elliott Thompson, Cormac Carr, Davy Butler, Ben Ryan
Subs Used: Pa Ryan, Sean Cannon

Cappawhite: Ryan Renehan, Colm O’Dwyer,  Philip Gantley, Tommy Costello, Kevin Stapleton, Sean Ryan (W), Brendan Murphy, Rian Doody, Conor Gantley, Tom Treacy, David Buckley, Sam Carmody, Dara McCarthy, Anthony Barry, Willie Barry
Subs used; Daire Duggan, Pakie Barry, Cian O’Carroll

Referee: Richie O’Connor (Arravale Rovers)