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Junior Hurling Championship Final
Kilmacanogue/Enniskerry 3-9
Carnew Emmets 2-12
In Parnell Park, Arklow.
By Peadar Smyth

Kilmac/Enniskerry proved to be the comeback kids as they rallied twice in this exciting Junior Championship Final to ensure they will have another crack at Carnew. Conditions were ideal for this 3 o’clock start and it was Carnew Emmets that started the brighter and took their scores. With two points already on the board the Emmets corner forward took a hand pass from the onrushing half forward and fired home with a blistering finish. Kilmac/Enniskerry refused to panic and slowly found their stride. Wides were threatening to derail any chance of reeling Carnew in but a fabulous goal from full forward Andrew Molloy reduced the arrears. At half time Carnew were two ahead but Kilmac/Enniskerry were well in touch having failed to play to their potential.

Within 5 minutes of the restart Kilmac/Enniskerry were level with a couple of well taken scores and the men from North Wicklow looked as if they would be the ones to push on. However Carnew Emmets rallied and scored a goal to push on again. The referee was centre of attention soon after when he failed to stop play when an off the ball incident was threatening to boil over in the centre of the field. The ball was pumped into the Kilmac/Enniskerry goalmouth and the referee awarded a penalty. With the game now at their mercy justice was served as Clinton Donohue saved brilliantly to deny Emmets. A resulting free followed by a point blitz had Carnew 7 points ahead with time ticking away and it took a Johnny Driver goal to ignite the final chapter of this story. With the arrears just 4 points now Kilmac Enniskerry laid siege to the Carnew Emmet’s goal and Christy fox took a wonderfully opportunistic goal to leave the minimum between the teams. The stage was set for second half substitute Steven Donohue to fire a 65 yard leveller straight between the posts. Kilmac/Enniskerry could have won the tie when Andrew Molloy came out with possession and closed on goals. The referee could have awarded a free but allowed play to continue and a great block ensured that the teams would come back to fight another day.

Team: Damien Driver, Garreth Power, Ross Lally, Ger Blackbyrne, Jason Doyle, Clint Donohue, Alan O’Brien, Shane Vickers, Christy Fox, Jason Doyle, Peader Donohue, Ger Driver, Aaron Creavin, Andrew Molloy, John Driver