Senior County Final 2012

The big crowd that travelled to Palmerstown for the 2012 Kilkenny Senior Football Championship got a exhibition of all that is good about football when it is played with skill, heart and determination, from two well prepared sides. Mullinavat were first to show their hand with two early points and Muckalee got off the mark in the tenth minute with a point from John Mulhall after a John Maher pass. Colin McGrath added another from play finishing a move started by Michael Morrissey in the half back line. The only goal of the game was set up by a Paul Maher pass to John Mulhall who made good ground and set up Bryan Byrne who finished well. Captain Shane Coonan fisted a point after a good through ball from Brian Byrne.Tom Morrissey put Colin McGrath for another point from play  and two fine frees from Colin and John Maher left the half time score 1-7 to-0-3.The game was far from over at this stage as Mullinavat took a grip on the match only some sterling defending by the full back line of Canice ,Oliver and Aidan who got great cover  from Michael Patrick and Martin in a solid half back that were not  afraid to attack . When this sextet was breached two mighty saves from John Coonan when the game was in the melting pot were crucial. Robert Shore scored Muchalee’s first point in the twentieth minute after a pass from Joe Maher that proved to be very important as Muckalee finished strongly  with further points from Robert who took a pass from Canice Maher after a strong run out of the defence and a pointed side line kick from John Maher. Joe Maher James Maher and Fionn Lawlor did well when called upon.  Mullinivat were beaten but can be very proud of their part in well contested final.History was made with Muckalee completing their first ever three in a row to add to the League won earlier in the year .Manager Tom Cullen and his selectors Martin Dowd and Club Chairman Larry Maher can be veryproud of their acvhievment’s after their four years in charge reaching four finals which goes to prove you have to loose one to win three . County Board Chairman Tom Brennan congratulated both teams for their skill and sportsmanship and Muckalee for winning the treble  .  Captain Shane Coonan thanked all the present and past players who contributed to the historic win and the hard working management team plus all club members who helped in any way.Final score 1-10 to 0-7.