Bruree 0-23

Murroe/Boher 0-21

Bruree showed tremendous character and resilience to overturn a seven-point half-time deficit and claim the County League Division 3 title with a deserved 0-23 to 0-21 victory over Murroe/Boher.

At the break, things looked difficult for the men in blue and white as Murroe/Boher led 0-14 to 0-7 after enjoying the better of the opening thirty minutes. They were first to most breaking balls, took their scores well and looked in control.

However, Bruree emerged for the second half with renewed purpose and gradually began to turn the tide.

Fionn O’Brien was solid in goal throughout, while the full-back line of Shane Feane, Kevin Hayden and Kieran O’Rourke battled hard against a lively Murroe/Boher attack. In front of them, Richard Leslie Madigan operated in the sweeper role during the opening half before moving to full-back after the interval, a switch that helped strengthen the Bruree defence as the game entered its decisive stages.

The half-back line of Pa Carey, Tommy Cronolly and Pa Deady began to drive Bruree forward with far greater authority in the second half, while midfielders Aidan Frawley and Darragh McDonogh worked tirelessly to gain a foothold around the middle third.

Up front, the half-forward line of Sam Cronolly, Sam Williams and Kieran “The Pistol” O’Dea grew into the contest, carrying the fight to Murroe/Boher and helping to build momentum. Inside them, Mixer Lane and Paddy Lynch worked hard like men who’d no interest in explaining a defeat afterwards.  

The introduction of Owen Barrington and Brian Sexton at half-time brought fresh energy and urgency to the Bruree challenge. As the second half wore on, Frankie Barrington, Matthew Howard and Gearóid McCarthy were also introduced and all made valuable contributions.

Slowly but surely Bruree chipped away at the lead. Points that seemed impossible to find in the opening half began to flow, confidence grew and the gap narrowed. Murroe/Boher responded on a number of occasions, but Bruree continued to push forward and eventually edged their noses in front during a tense final quarter.

With the game hanging in the balance in the closing minutes, Bruree showed composure and determination to see it through. When the final whistle sounded, there was a sense of satisfaction rather than relief. Having trailed by seven points at half-time, they had produced an excellent second-half display to finish two points clear and secure the Division 3 league crown.

While league titles may not define a season, they are never easily won, and this victory reflected the spirit, work rate and determination shown by this Bruree side throughout the campaign.

Bruree Panel: Fionn O’Brien; Shane Feane, Kevin Hayden, Kieran O’Rourke; Pa Carey, Tommy Cronolly, Pa Deady; Conor Frawley, Darragh McDonogh; Sam Cronolly, Sam Williams, Kieran O’Dea; Jimmy Leslie Madigan, Mixer Lane, Paddy Lynch. Subs used: Owen Barrington, Brian Sexton, Frankie Barrington, Matthew Howard and Gearóid McCarthy.