Singing the blues

GRANTED a reprieve in the drawn game, Kilmessan didn"t need to produce another version of the Great Escape on Sunday as they marched to their 28th SHC title. Kilmessan arrived at Pairc Tailteann in the full knowledge that they were fortunate to go away from headquarters the previous week with a draw. On Sunday they went about securing their 0-13 to 0-8 victory over Kildalkey using their considerable reserves of skill and guile to get the result they wanted. Cheered on by their big and vociferous support Kildalkey refused to be subdued until the closing stages. It looked like they might push on an claim the elusive crown in the 51st minute when a spell of dominance was topped by a booming point from the impressive Enda Keogh. That score reduced the deficit to just a point, 0-8 to 0-9, and set the game up for a grandstand finish. Instead it was Kilmessan who tapped into extra reserves of energy and mental strength. It was they who went on to loft over four unanswered points from Joey Keena (two), Stephen Clynch and Nicky Horan to finish this entertaining encounter in fine style. There was much discussion beforehand about who would win with some punters feeling that Kildalkey didn"t play to their full capabilities the first day out. Their contention was that they would be in better shape for the replay. Others looked at Kilmessan"s vast experience and felt that they simply had the X-factor when it came to the crunch. For long spells in the second-half Kilmessan were under siege and they managed only a point in almost 25 minutes of play yet their defence held firm. The conditions were good for the game, the pitch was in fine condition, with the grey clouds giving way to blue skies and both sides certainly gave the sizeable crowd plenty of bang for their buck. The play was peppered with a series of long-range points from both sides. Both Horan and Noel Kirby pointed from inside their own half. For Kildalkey it was an all-too-familiar story. A spirited display that just fell short on the day. Twenty years ago at the same venue Kildalkey also went close to defeating Trim to take the SHC title. They shipped a late goal and their challenge subsided. A member of that team was Pat Potterton who was one of the Kildalkey selectors on Sunday. Potterton was also hurler-of-the-year in 1988 and he went on to have a fine career playing at club, inter-county and inter-provincial levels. However, that SHC medal proved elusive. At least four Kildalkey players are now planning to go to Australia and the club"s supporters will be hoping that the exodus is not the end of this team and that they will be together to fight another day. Kilmessan players such as David Donnelly, Horan, Ger O"Neill and Anton O"Neill have enough medals between them to fill a museum yet they showed little sign that they were content with their lot on Sunday. They played as if they were turning out in their first final. Martin Curran and his selectors Tony Donnelly and Ger Dineen deserve credit for the manner in which they had Kilmessan prepared for the fray. There were some concerns expressed that this highly experienced Kilmessan side would not have the legs in the final, energy-sapping minutes. Instead, they drew strength from the added pressure and, like real thoroughbreds, pulled away when the finishing line was in sight. Now Kilmessan turn their attention to the Leinster IHC semi-final against Kildare or Wicklow opposition on Sunday, 16th November. Whatever happens from here on in, this has been yet another red-letter year for Kilmessan hurling club.