CTI Business Solutions Intermediate Football Championship Final- By Ronan Sands
St. Kevins 0-12
Cooley Kickhams 1-13
It just was not to be for the men’s footballers, who lost out by four points to Cooley Kickhams, whose experience, and having played in last year’s decider proved invaluable. However, the Philipstown men did themselves justice, and can be proud of their efforts, as they pushed Cooley all the way, despite playing in a division below their opponents. The Kevin’s started very strong with a Lee Crosbie score, who kicked 0-3 of qualities in the opening half hour. Although the Kevin’s looked like a better team in the first half, Cooley always kept in touching distance.
Evan Maher and TJ Doheny controlled the first half often finding Crosbie and picking their
shooting chances well. Danny Crosbie who has been a stalwart for St. Kevins in goal this term used his arrow like left foot to create 2 scores in the first half. One of which Tom Matthews caught a monster mark, bravely over 2 Cooley men after 19 minutes. Only a minute later, Matthews recreated the same point, this time off his left.
Although early on, after Matthews’ second, it did look like the Kevins were going to do it. A lot
more careful in possession, shot selection was perfect, crowd behind them and defending was as solid as ever. Doheny could only find men in red and black, and one of Cooley’s main threats, Cian Connor, was being kept at bay by Cameron Maher. Kevins will be wondering how they were only 4 points up at the break, leading 0-09 to 0-05, but Danny Crosbie did tip a Patrick Johnston effort over the bar just before the interval. Cooley Kickhams were able to spring ex county star Brian White from the bench at half time and this ultimately changed the tie. His first of six second half points came in the 40 th minute saw the momentum shift and Cooley began to dominate. Kickouts that Seanie Crosbie and Evan Maher were winning in the first half were starting to break to Cooley men, who were imposing their division 1 experience and physicality on the game.
Cooley got their goal after 45 minutes. Cian Connor broke loose down the right-hand side and fisted a loopy pass to Michael Rafferty who calmly slotted to the net.
Then Brian White showed his class, with 4 unanswered scores coming from the substitute, 2 of which being worthy of winning any final sent Cooley on their way. St. Kevins had a late surge for a goal with the introduction of Cian Callan spreading new hope. With Evan and Cameron Maher continuing to drive the team on, the Kevins searched for a goal which never arrived as Cooley’s defense snuffed out several dangerous passes across their square.
Cooley will know how the Kevins feel. They were beaten at the final hurdle in last year’s Intermediate decider. One of the greatest things about this Kevins squad is how youthful it is. Cameron Maher, 18, starting at centre half back looking like he’s played the position for 15 years. TJ Doheny, 21, starting at centre forward and proving this season why he deserves a spot-on Micky Harte’s Louth panel. Evan Maher, 20, bossing midfield and being one of Louth U’20s strongest players. Players like Danny Crosbie, Keelan Maher Shane Meade, Tom Matthews and Finbarr Lynch who all had fantastic campaigns and the list goes on.
Although a very proud parish might be disappointed with the result, the supporters clapped the players at full time, which was immensely appreciated by both the management and panel alike.
St. Kevins: Danny Crosbie, Shane Meade, Finbarr Lynch, Eoin McKenna; Dylan Maher, Cameron Maher(0-2), Evan Maher, Seanie Crosbie(0-1); Karl Martin, TJ Doheny(0-02 1f), Patrick Clarke; Keelan Maher, Lee Crosbie (0-4 1f), Tom Matthews(0-03 1m), Darren McMullen.
Cian Callan, Josh Finlay, Brian Callaghan, Darren McMullen, Adam Cromwell, Patrick Duff, Paul Duff, Andrew Hynes, Adam Khan, Aaron Khan, Josh McArdle Lynch, Conor Rogers, Sean Powderly, Caolan McMullen, Cillian McCullough, Evan Doheny, Cian Martin, Colin Byrne, Sean Callan, James Kieran, Daniel O’Connell, Noah Khan.
