Grangemockler Ballyneale claim Tom Cusack Cup final success over spirited Ballyporeen

FBD Insurance Tom Cusack Cup Final

Grangemockler Ballyneale 1-17

Ballyporeen 0-17

Grangemockler lifted the Tom Cusack Cup after edging out Ballyporeen in a gripping final at Ned Hall Park on Saturday. The sides could not be separated in normal time, but Grangemockler finished the stronger in extra time to claim a 1-17 to 0-17 victory.

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The opening quarter was even, with both teams settling quickly into the contest. Grangemockler led 0-4 to 0-3 after 15 minutes through points from Alex Miles and Paudie O’Shea, but Ballyporeen grew into the game and finished the first half on top. Darragh Brennan was central to their improvement, his accuracy from frees helping them into an 0-8 to 0-5 lead at the break.

Grangemockler started the second half with greater purpose and got the breakthrough when Paudie O’Shea found the net after a well-worked move.

The goal brought them level, and although Brennan replied with another pair of points for Ballyporeen, the pattern of the game remained tight. Both sides had periods of pressure and exchanged scores right to the end, leaving the sides level at 1-10 to 0-13 when the referee signalled full time.

In extra time, Grangemockler made the stronger start, outscoring Ballyporeen by four points to two in the first period. They might have stretched their advantage further but for an excellent save by Kieran Mackem in the Ballyporeen goal, who denied Alex Miles from close range.

The introduction of substitute Lorcan McGorrigan gave Grangemockler fresh energy at a crucial stage. His direct running unsettled the Ballyporeen defence and created space for teammates to add three more points. Ballyporeen could only manage one in reply, leaving Grangemockler four clear at the finish.

When the final whistle sounded, captain Seán Daly accepted the Tom Cusack Cup on behalf of his team after a contest that was competitive from start to finish.

Ballyporeen contributed plenty to a fine match but it was Grangemockler’s depth, composure and work rate in extra time that ultimately made the difference.

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Ballyporeen: Kieran Mackem; Seamus O'Callaghan, Eoin Morrissey, Kyle O'Gorman; Dean Finn (0-1), James Barry (0-1), Kevin O'Mahoney; Tommy Sweeney, Thomas Vaughan; Darragh Lyons (0-1), John Martin (0-1), Rian O'Callaghan; Gavin Canty (0-2), Darragh Brennan (0-9, 1x2ptf, 1x2pt, 0-3f), Sam McGrath (0-2).

Subs used: Colm O'Flynn for Gavin Canty.

Grangemockler Ballyneale: David Power; James Daly, Conor Hahessy, Darragh Shelly (0-1); Michael Meagher, Leon Kennedy (0-1), Sean O'Meara (0-3); James O'Meara (0-1), Ben Comerford (0-1); Manus McFadden (0-1), Sean Daly, Brian Walsh (0-1); Paudie O'Shea (1-4, 0-1f), Mark O'Meara (0-2), Alex Millea (0-2, 0-1f).

Subs used: Tom Brett for Paudie O'Shea; Denis Hanrahan for Alex Millea.

Referee: Martin Doyle (Ardfinnan)