01/11/2009: Douglas 1-23 Kilmoyley 1-12
(Munster Intermediate Hurling Championship):


For those of you who were not at the game at Páirc uí Rinn, do not let the scoreline mislead you. This was far from one-way traffic. In fact, the game went all the way to extra-time in a contest that very nearly saw Douglas exit the munster championship at the first hurdle. Kilmoyley deserve a lot of credit. They are largely responsible for keeping hurling alive in Kerry and gave Douglas the fright of their lives and deservedly led by three points at the interval (1-04 to 0-04).


Douglas were expected to seize wind advantage in the second half and push on but Kilmoyley were dogged and refused to yield. Douglas struck many wides but were grateful for points from old reliables James Moylan and Mark Harrington and two super Barry Fitzgerald points. Odhrán Mulrooney also pointed and Ray Keating landed a mighty long range effort. At the other end Brian Boyle came to Douglas’ rescue on several occasions. Thankfully, the flood lights which conspired to deceive him last Tuesday night were not required and he was outstanding behind a defence that were disciplined throughout.


Any team with championship aspirations needs a guy who nine times out of ten will dissect the posts from placed balls and this season Richard Murphy has emerged as a real trump card for Douglas. Despite being positioned on the sideline next to the unforgiving Kilmoyley substitutes and officials Murphy accepted responsibility for a free in the dying seconds of the match. Murphy coolly pointed, Kilmoyley were denied a famous win and the referee blew to signal extra-time as the hail stone came down (1-08 to 0-11).


Murphy’s point appeared to break Kilmoyley’s spirit and after star wing forwad Mark Collins goaled early in the additional period Douglas were on their way to victory. Colm Lucey played very well when introduced for Douglas as did Theo Cullinane who is pushing hard for a starting position. The semi-final against Waterford champions Dungarvan is likely to be played next Sunday with the time and venue undecided. Finally, thank you to Billy, Cormac, Brendan and Freddie for selling the match programmes which were produced by Douglas, proceeds of which go directly to the club.