Sunday 25th October 2011, was another historic day in the clubs history when Kilmacabea played Churchtown in the County final of the Rebel Og Minor Hurling championship in Macroom. On a fine day and the ground in good condition there was a sense of déjà vu as Churchtown’s colors were also green and gold and their sponsor was also an O’Brien. For those that came late there was some confusion as to which was their side to support. Churchtown started powerfully and showing good touches and with a strong wind at their backs, looked to have all the options and before the Kilmacs got their bearings, they were a goal and a point down and it looked as if the day was over before it had begun. Slowly they got to grips and while Churchtown were still creating chances the Kilmacs were beginning to raise their game. It looked as if the breakthrough came in the 7th minute when Liam O’Driscoll goaled but unfortunately it was disallowed for a square infringement. The Kilmac defence with some superb performances were now more settled and this provided the platform to set up their own attacks and while the first point didn’t come until the 10th minute the game was now end to end. When Richie O’Sullivan goaled in the 17th minute the Kilmacs now had a 1point lead and the Kilmacs were showing well and went in ahead at half time on the score Kilmacabea 1-6 Churchtown 1-4. As happens the wind was gone for the second half but some positional switches seemed to have an effect for the Kilmacs, as a 5point gap was opened by the 8th minute when Kevin Hayes goaled. Churchtown were not going to give in easily and it was now their turn. By the 14th minute the game was again level and Churchtown were playing with more fluency and potency and looked capable of taking control. Some more switches from the Kilmacs tipped the balance back and with 3 crucial points managed to edge ahead again by the 22nd minute with both sides giving it everything. The crucial score came in the 23rd minute when Richie O’Sullivan took on the defence to goal. This was the spark and with effective substitutions the game was now in the control of the Kilmacs and showing great fitness they finished powerfully. The final score of 3-14 to 2-7 was a little flattering compared to the closeness that had gone before, in a game that was hugely entertaining, with good skill and played in a fair manner. Referee Eamon Sheehy and his officials did a good job all through. The cup was presented to captain Finnán Tobin by Denis Keohane, Oifigeach Oiliúna, Cork County Board who has been of assistance in the development of hurling in the club. Well done to the mentors Derry O’Callaghan, TJ Collins, Tom Hayes and Michael Tobin who have worked with them all year and also to the mentors on the football side who have cooperated. This is the clubs first county hurling title and is a welcome return for the efforts of a small band such as John Collins, John Walsh, John Burke who have worked with these players down thro the years, a lot of the time, against the odds trying to keep players interested and involved. At the start of the year when only ten players turned up for the first few games this result was a long way away but the players responded to the call and it was their attitude that earned this result. It has been shown in all the games, the spirit that was within the group and in how they played for the team and for each other. Team - Diarmaid O’Callaghan, Martin Collins(0-1), Liam Thompson, Finnán Tobin, Niall Hayes, Euan Tobin, Liam Cahalane(0-1), Liam O’Driscoll, Eamon O’Sullivan(0-6), Kevin Hayes(1-0), Richie O’Sullivan(2-3), Declan O’Sullivan((0-2), Kevin Whooley(0-1), Shane McDermott, Oisin O’Sullivan, Odhran Connolly, Kevin O’Donovan, Denny Hayes, Aidan Williamson.
Front Kevin O'Donovan, Eamon O'Sullivan, Oisin O'Sullivan, Diarmaid O'Callaghan, Niall Hayes, Kevin Whooley, Richie O'Sullivan, Matthew O'Neill, Aidan Williamson.
Fixtures - U16 football championship semi final vs. Ilen Rovers in Castlehaven on Thursday 29th September at 7.30pm. Support is welcome.
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