Kildalkey best in fierce physical encounter
It was uncompromising, it was physical, it was tough but today's SHC final at Pairc Tailteann was also a memorable occasion for Kildalkey as they marched to a sweet victory.
Kiltale were tipped by many to get the better of their opponents but right from the start Kildalkey were up for this one.
They led most of the way building on an 0-7 to 0-2 interval advantage before pushing on to win by 0-18 to 2-6.
Kiltale got the goals, from Cillian O'Sullivan and Peter Durnin, but Kildalkey steadily fired over the points to ensure they stayed one step ahead with Conor Kearney helping himself to nine points, eight frees.
Patrick Conneely hit two scores from play while Nicky Potterton (two), James McNally, Patrick Potterton, Padraig Geoghegan, Mark Healy and Noel Kirby also raised white flags.
The match was a ferocious, hard-hitting contest throughout with Kildalkey's hunger driving them ever onwards.
Kiltale never really sparkled as they struggled to deal with Kildalkey's physicality.
The goals helped their cause but Mark O'Sullivan and Jack Regan were their topscorers with two points apiece - and that says a lot about how hard they found scores to come by.
SCORERS
Kildalkey - Conor Kearney 0-9, eight frees; Parick Conneely 0-2; Nicholas Potterton 0-2; James McNally 0-1; Patrick Potterton 0-1; Padraig Geoghegan, Patrick Conneely 0-2.
Kiltale - Cillian O'Sullivan 1-0; Peter Durnin 1-0; Jack Regan 0-2 frees; Mark O'Sullivan 0-2; Ross Ryan 0-1; Cathal McCabe 0-1.
TEAMS
Kildalkey - Mark McCormack; Brendan McKeon, Gary Kelly, David Conneely; David Harmon, Mairtin Doran, James McNally; Martin Healy, Patrick Potterton; Conor Keaney, Kevin McKeon, Mark Healy; Nicholas Potterton, Padraig Geoghegan, Patrick Conneely. Subs - Noel Kirby for Healy 53 mins.
Kiltale - Conor Ryan; Iarla Hughes, Phillip Garvey, Ronan Ryan; Conor McNally, James Kelly, Padraig Kelly; Cillian O'Sullivan, Jack Regan; Cathal McCabe, Chris Reilly, Ferghal McCabe; Eoghan Frayne, Ross Ryan, Mark O'Sullivan. Subs - Stephen Donoghue for McNally 42 mins, Peter Durnin for Reilly 44m, David Donoghue for F McCabe 51m.
Referee - Kevin Brady (Pearse Og, Louth).
Match report, quotes, analysis, photographs from big game in next issue of the Meath Chronicle