Killavullen Hurlers win Avondhu Novice Title 

• Killavullen 1-09
• Kilshannig 1-04

Killavullen have broken the ice in an effort to win an Avondhu divisional hurling championship. All the pangs of disappointment experienced in the clubs long history were forgotten at the Fr. Con Buckley Memorial Park, Buttevant last Sunday when a spirited and sporting fifteen beat Kilshannig in the Novice hurling championship final.

Despite the counter attractions of the county senior hurling final at Cork, and the Kanturk Newtownshandrum junior championship tie in Milford, a good crowd mustered to witness the historic win in Buttevant. It was achieved in an hour of excellent sportsmanship and keen endeavor.

The long awaited triumph was shaped about the midfield sector where Mattie Dorgan and former county senior and Ballyhea player, Jack Russell began for Killavullen. That partnership against the breeze dominated in the opening quarter. When all seemed to be going according to plan, Russell retired injured. A shrewd touch of sideline generalship moved centre forward John Power to midfield and brought Paddy Dorgan into the attack. That change was most successful, maintaining the earlier dominance.

The losers also suffered a midfield loss earlier on when Jim Cotter’s injury compelled his retirement. Mick Ruby came on to partner ex- All Ireland minor footballer Jerry Horgan in the sector. Later, they brought Johnie Horgan and the former Tipperary minor and the Dr. Harty cup medalist, Paudie Griffin to that department. None of the changes were successful. Consequently, the Kilshannig forwards got a very irregular supply of the ball.

Even when they were attacking, a solid Killavullen half back line pivoted by the cool, reliable Sean O Driscoll masterly parred many thrusts, who certainly starred in the centre. Much of his stonewall resistance could justifiably be attributed to the speed and tenacity of his flankers, Kevin O Connor and Sean Nagle. Up to the final whistle, this trio proved competent and the link up play with the centerfield supremacy proved too much for the game opposition.

Good Rearguard

For most of the hour, Killavullen attacked. The pressure brought out the best in the Kilshannig rear guard of Pat Murphy, Mick O Sullivan and Bill Joe O Connell. Seldom has a line been subjected to so much bombardment and will emerge with such credit It was the best sector in the Kilshannig team, with goalkeeper Mossie Cremin also in excellent form. Had the line been in any way lax, the margin of defeat would have been greater even though the Killavullen forwards were far from accurate.

Another Kilshannig defender who emerged from the hour with top marks was centre back Donal Reidy. He hurled himself to stand still bidding to control opponents who were faster than his wing colleagues, Gerald Healy and Mick Kenny. Sealing up the gaps eventually took a toll on the centre back’s stamina. Ten minutes from time, he moved into attack and made his presence felt with a point in the 55^th minute. Had he been moved earlier, the closing stages could have been most exciting.

Best in a Killavullen attack, which is capable of better marksmanship than seen last Sunday, was Tim Nagle. He began at full forward but it was not until he was moved to the 40, after half time that he settled down to his best play. Tony O Regan in the right corner and Pat Curtin outside him also sparked.

Whilst on the run of play, the better side took the title; there were occasions in the closing stages when Kilshannig could have snatched scores had there been a more direct route.

Johnie Horgan on the 40 tried hard to swing the title but his efforts were not fully supported, especially from the wings where he frequently distributed the ball in an attempt to open up a tough defense.

Both sides were played onto the pitch by the Buttevant Brass band with the Tri-Colour flying at half-mast, two-minute silence was observed before the throw in in memory of the late Divisional secretary, Sean O Brien.

Level Pegging

Immediately after the throw in, Kilshannig aided by the breeze fit the front with a point from Finbarr Healy. Mossie Cremin in the Kilshannig goal brought off two good saves after this before Jack Russel made it level pegging  from a 21 yard free in the seventh minute. Kevin O Connor put Killavullen a point in front, two minutes later, Jack Russell, Pat Curtin and  Tony Regan added further points. Just before half time, Gerry Hogan slided a Kilshannig 21 yard free to the net, leaving the interval score, Killavullen 0-05 to 1-1.

A point from Jerry Hogan made it level pegging after the resumption. Then came a Killavullen goal by Pat Shanahan, Pat Curtin added a point to which Johnie Horgan replied. Tim Nagle had two further Killavullen points, Reidy replied with a Kilshannig minor. Just on full time, Sean O Driscoll pointed a Killavullen 70.

The Killavullen Team was;

• Sean O Mahony, Seamus O Brien, Denis Dorgan, Mossie Brennan, Kevin O Connor, Sean O Driscoll, Sean Nagle, Matt Dorgan, Jack Russell, Pat Curtin John Power, John Magner, Tony Regan, Tim Nagle, Pat Shanahan,
• Substitutes – Pat Dorgan for Jack Russell, Pat Piggott for Pat Shanahan
• 
  

Kilshannig Team

• Mossie Cremin, Pat Murphy, Michael O Sullivan, Bill Joe O Connell, Gerald Healy, Jerry Horgan, Jim Cotter, Paudie Cremin, John Horgan, Denis Cremin, Finbarr Healy, Paudie Griffin, Jack Sexton
• Substitutes  - Michael Ruby for Jim Cotter, J J O Connor for Michael Ruby, San Corbett for Jack Sexton