McCarthy Insurance Group Senior County League Division 1 – Round 10
Kenmare Shamrocks 0-17
Spa 2-13
Spa produced one of their finest performances of the league campaign on Sunday afternoon as they travelled to Father Breen Park and claimed a hugely important victory over newly crowned league champions Kenmare Shamrocks.
Entering the game in 10th place and in desperate need of points in the battle to avoid relegation, Spa knew the magnitude of the task facing them. With Friday night's results having already confirmed Kenmare as league champions, the home side were determined to celebrate their title on home soil. However, Spa arrived with a different agenda and delivered a superb all-round display.
Played in bright sunshine in the picturesque surroundings of Father Breen Park, the contest got off to a difficult start for Spa as Stephen O’Brien opened the scoring with an excellent two-pointer for the hosts. Spa responded in perfect fashion just moments later when Eoin Fitzgerald finished brilliantly to the bottom corner of the net. An excellent save by the Kenmare goalkeeper then denied Shane Cronin what looked a certain goal, but his save with the legs bounced the ball over for a point.
After Kenmare briefly regained parity through a two-point free, Spa began to find their rhythm. Points from Joey McCarthy and Dara Moynihan edged them in front before the visitors enjoyed their most dominant spell of the opening half. Playing attractive football and using possession intelligently, Spa rattled off six unanswered scores. Cian Murphy and Dara Moynihan both found the target before Evan Cronin struck Spa’s second goal of the afternoon, finishing confidently after being played through one-on-one with the goalkeeper. Further scores from David Spillane and another Dara Moynihan point left Spa firmly in control and six points clear.
Kenmare responded with a two-point free and a point from play, but Spa continued to keep the scoreboard ticking over through Evan Cronin and Joey McCarthy. By half-time, Spa had built a deserved 2-9 to 0-9 advantage after a disciplined and composed opening 30 minutes.
The visitors started the second half positively with scores from Cian Murphy and Ciaran Spillane extending the lead to seven points. There was further good news for Spa on 40 minutes as Liam Kearney made his welcome return, providing a significant boost to the panel for the remainder of the season.
Kenmare, however, showed exactly why they are league champions. With the aid of a slight breeze and driven on by their home support, they mounted a determined comeback. Spa struggled at times to retain possession and some costly indiscipline allowed the hosts to steadily chip away at the deficit. A succession of scores reduced the gap to just a single point with eight minutes remaining, while a fine save from the Kenmare goalkeeper denied Timmy Moynihan what would have been a crucial score.
With momentum seemingly swinging towards the home side, Spa demonstrated tremendous character. Gary Vaughan produced a vital point from play to halt the Kenmare surge, although the champions quickly replied to leave the minimum between the teams once more.
The closing stages were understandably tense as Kenmare pushed hard for an equaliser. Spa’s defence stood tall when it mattered most, with every player contributing to a tremendous rearguard effort. A particularly important interception from Darragh Brosnan snuffed out a dangerous attack before Spa broke forward. Following two strong challenges that resulted in yellow cards for the hosts, Spa worked the ball upfield and Evan Cronin calmly slotted over.
That final point proved enough to settle the nerves and moments later the final whistle sparked celebrations among the large travelling Spa support.
It was an outstanding team performance from Spa, with every member of the panel playing their part against a strong and determined Kenmare side. The work rate, commitment and composure shown throughout the afternoon were key factors in securing two invaluable league points.
We would like to thank all of the Spa supporters who made the journey to Kenmare and got behind the team throughout the contest. Your support was greatly appreciated.
Following the game, Kenmare Shamrocks were presented with the Division 1 league trophy. We extend our congratulations to them on a superb campaign and on winning their first Senior County League title since 1972.
The victory lifts Spa to 7th place in the table on 10 points, two points clear of the relegation zone heading into the final round of fixtures. Attention now turns to the final game of the season in two weeks' time at home to Gneeveguilla, where Spa will secure their Division 1 status for 2027 by avoiding defeat.
Kenmare Shamrocks 0-17
Spa 2-13
Spa produced one of their finest performances of the league campaign on Sunday afternoon as they travelled to Father Breen Park and claimed a hugely important victory over newly crowned league champions Kenmare Shamrocks.
Entering the game in 10th place and in desperate need of points in the battle to avoid relegation, Spa knew the magnitude of the task facing them. With Friday night's results having already confirmed Kenmare as league champions, the home side were determined to celebrate their title on home soil. However, Spa arrived with a different agenda and delivered a superb all-round display.
Played in bright sunshine in the picturesque surroundings of Father Breen Park, the contest got off to a difficult start for Spa as Stephen O’Brien opened the scoring with an excellent two-pointer for the hosts. Spa responded in perfect fashion just moments later when Eoin Fitzgerald finished brilliantly to the bottom corner of the net. An excellent save by the Kenmare goalkeeper then denied Shane Cronin what looked a certain goal, but his save with the legs bounced the ball over for a point.
After Kenmare briefly regained parity through a two-point free, Spa began to find their rhythm. Points from Joey McCarthy and Dara Moynihan edged them in front before the visitors enjoyed their most dominant spell of the opening half. Playing attractive football and using possession intelligently, Spa rattled off six unanswered scores. Cian Murphy and Dara Moynihan both found the target before Evan Cronin struck Spa’s second goal of the afternoon, finishing confidently after being played through one-on-one with the goalkeeper. Further scores from David Spillane and another Dara Moynihan point left Spa firmly in control and six points clear.
Kenmare responded with a two-point free and a point from play, but Spa continued to keep the scoreboard ticking over through Evan Cronin and Joey McCarthy. By half-time, Spa had built a deserved 2-9 to 0-9 advantage after a disciplined and composed opening 30 minutes.
The visitors started the second half positively with scores from Cian Murphy and Ciaran Spillane extending the lead to seven points. There was further good news for Spa on 40 minutes as Liam Kearney made his welcome return, providing a significant boost to the panel for the remainder of the season.
Kenmare, however, showed exactly why they are league champions. With the aid of a slight breeze and driven on by their home support, they mounted a determined comeback. Spa struggled at times to retain possession and some costly indiscipline allowed the hosts to steadily chip away at the deficit. A succession of scores reduced the gap to just a single point with eight minutes remaining, while a fine save from the Kenmare goalkeeper denied Timmy Moynihan what would have been a crucial score.
With momentum seemingly swinging towards the home side, Spa demonstrated tremendous character. Gary Vaughan produced a vital point from play to halt the Kenmare surge, although the champions quickly replied to leave the minimum between the teams once more.
The closing stages were understandably tense as Kenmare pushed hard for an equaliser. Spa’s defence stood tall when it mattered most, with every player contributing to a tremendous rearguard effort. A particularly important interception from Darragh Brosnan snuffed out a dangerous attack before Spa broke forward. Following two strong challenges that resulted in yellow cards for the hosts, Spa worked the ball upfield and Evan Cronin calmly slotted over.
That final point proved enough to settle the nerves and moments later the final whistle sparked celebrations among the large travelling Spa support.
It was an outstanding team performance from Spa, with every member of the panel playing their part against a strong and determined Kenmare side. The work rate, commitment and composure shown throughout the afternoon were key factors in securing two invaluable league points.
We would like to thank all of the Spa supporters who made the journey to Kenmare and got behind the team throughout the contest. Your support was greatly appreciated.
Following the game, Kenmare Shamrocks were presented with the Division 1 league trophy. We extend our congratulations to them on a superb campaign and on winning their first Senior County League title since 1972.
The victory lifts Spa to 7th place in the table on 10 points, two points clear of the relegation zone heading into the final round of fixtures. Attention now turns to the final game of the season in two weeks' time at home to Gneeveguilla, where Spa will secure their Division 1 status for 2027 by avoiding defeat.
