DkIT are All-Ireland Hurling Champions

The match was played in Darver and whether it would go ahead was a doubt in the beginning due to a very heavy fog, but just as the referee blew his whistle to call in the captains the fog lifted and both teams were ready for action. DkIT have come through some tough matches recently, over coming Sligo by a goal and then seeing off Queens in the semi final by a margin of 15 points. Going into the game neither teams knew what to expect as they had not met eachother before, but it was obvious that they were both good teams, as they had reached the final.

We commend our lads on their hard work and dedication and we knew they would not go down without a fight. This was evident from the minute the whistle was thrown in, with all players making their presence felt and stamping their identity on the game – DkIT were not going to lose this one. We were first to get on the scoring with two fine score from Noel Kirby and Peter Durnin. Pairc Keough was a rock at midfield, begin fouled on a number of occasions off the ball and even got his Hurley broke due to one of the tackles. The continued pressure from midfield and the forwards showed the weak links in DIT’s defence and we capitalised with peter scoring three more points form play. Unquestionably the score of the first half came from Derek Horan (centre back), collecting a pass from Padraig Kelly (podge) to score off his weaker side, from his own 65 line, against a slight wind.

DkIT did allow DIT into the game slightly allowing them to score four points, which kept them in touch. Our small lead may be due to a failure to capitalise on a number of frees earned, and were unlucky a few times to hit the post. Credit to our boys they stuck with it, played as a team and their dominance was evident with a number of DIT players getting booked.

Half Time; DkIT 0-6 DIT-0-4

In the second half Dundalk were taken a back slightly in the beginning with DIT scoring two points, making things level. Our lads stuck with it and their hard work paid off when Durnin scored a goal, getting us back on track. This had been preceded by a point from Danny Maguire. Throughout the game Eoin Marsh fought hard and was fouled on a number of occasions, especially in the second half. Durnin took advantage by slotting to consecutive fees over the bar. Our second goal came from a free in the 44 min by Derek Horan who launched it into the square, allowing DkIT to hit the back of the net again. There is a discussion among the lads as to actually who got the last touch – super sub Gavin Kerrigan or Danny Maguire???

Unfortunately in the second half our super free taker Durnin had to be replaced by blood substitute Cian Dunne due to an injury on his hand. Cian immediately made a contribution, by catching a pass and laying it off to the incoming to Danny, who expertly put it over the bar.

All this scoring would not have been possible without the Trojan work of the back line who kept their forwards very quiet. Captain Michael Walsh led by example as always, keeping his two corner backs Mark Wallace, Joey Stenson in check and his half back’s of Podge Kelly, Derek Horan and Adrian Wallace. Of course they were helped greatly by “the joker” James Connolly, who again kept a clean sheet. As always Malcolm O’Kelly made his contribution at midfield with the last score of the game. Up front John Shiels and Darren O’ Hanrahan as always made their presence felt supplying great ball into Durnin.

Credit to all the subs who came on they played their part, and a special mention to two of our committee members; Sean O’ Docheartaigh and John Lawlor who have been an important part of the team this past four years. Congratulations to Michael Walsh on captaining the team and his excellent speech. He gladly accepted the cup which was presented to him by Coilin Duffy.

Full time; DkIT 2-14 DIT 0-6

Special mention to Shane Darcy who has worked so hard for both Hurling and Camogie in the college and this was a well deserved reward for him to end this year. Hopefully the Championship will bring him more rewards.

Thanks to the GAA committee and to Diarmuid for all their hard work. To Jerry Dunne for helping Shane and stepping in to help manage the team when needed. Thank you to Louth county board for the pitch and to the grounds men for the excellent pitch conditions, to Quiggs our physio and most importantly to the man with the food Martin.

Panel

James Connolly, Mark Wallace, Michael Walsh(captain), Joey Stenson, Padraig Kelly, Derek Horan 0-1, Adrian Wallace, Padraig Keough, Malcolm Doyle 0-1, Eoin Marsh, Noel Kirby 0-2, John Shiels, Danny Maguire 0-2, Peter Durnin 1-8, Darren O’Hanrahan, Philip mc Govern, Cian Dunne, Michael Doherty, Sean Doherty, Gavin Kerrigan 1-0, John Lawlor, Vincent Walsh, David Deane, Edward Kirby, Darren Brennan, Chris Gallagher, Chris Smith, Colin Irwin, Niall Cleary, John Kellaher

This has been a great year for DkIT hurling and hopefully it will continue to grow. Keep up the good work lads.