Stars return to first league final since 2015 with replay win

ACFL Division 1 semi-final replay

Kingscourt Stars 0-14

Ramor United 1-9

Paul Fitzpatrick at Mullagh

Kingscourt Stars booked their place in the ACFL Division 1 final for the first time since 2015 with this replay win over Ramor United at Edwin Carolan Park on Friday evening.

The Stars trailed for much of the match, as they did in the drawn game, but on this occasion they finished strongly, recovering from the concession of an outstanding goal to reel off the final four points in succession.

Kingscourt last appeared in the league final eight years ago, when goals from Joe Dillon and Darragh Gunne helped them beat Ramor by a point. The margins were similarly close here but Kingscourt got the job done without hitting the net this time, with Liam Brady denying Dillon with a brilliant save late on.

Ramor were the better, more clinical side in the opening exchanges. John Brady’s men eased into an early two-point lead with scores from Liam Maguire, who was very prominent in the first half, and a left-footed Jack Brady free.

From the start, this game was notably feisty. Ramor, who were aggrieved at what they felt was a lack of protection afforded to their younger players by the officials in the drawn game, were the aggressors here it seemed and Kingscourt didn’t stand back, resulting in a hard-hitting and at times ill-tempered contest.

Good work from Peter Corrigan and Alan Clarke created a chance for Ciaran Dermody to open Kingscourt’s account but they were soon dealt a blow when Paddy Meade went off injured, although his replacement Ciaran Roe went on to have a fine game.

Cathal Maguire found Oliver McCrystal, who fired over a well-taken point and when Adam O’Connell registered another after a slick build-up, Ramor looked much the better side.

But Kingscourt, when they moved the ball quickly, looked dangerous. From one fast move, Dillon fielded around the middle, Jordan Morris took on his man and curled over a lovely score from the right corner.

After a Kingscourt kick-out went awry, Enda Maguire, who had a big game at midfield, found Mark Magee for Ramor’s fifth point and when Eoin Somerville got on the end of a good move, the Virginia men were leading by 0-6 to 0-2.

But that was as good as it got for the 2021 senior champions. Paddy Farrelly and Peter Corrigan did well and Sean Burke blasted over Kingscourt’s third point; moments later, Burke returned the favour and Corrigan scored.

A James O’Hara free with the last kick of the half made it 0-7 to 0-4 at the short whistle – and the Stars, wind-assisted, quickly made inroads on the resumption, with Morris sending over a free and Padraig Faulkner dinking over from play.

Ramor replied when Oliver McCrystal won a free and Jack Brady, who was influential throughout, converted but, at the other end, the outstanding Joe Dillon was fouled and Morris slotted over to leave a point between them again.

A great catch from Faulkner resulted in another free for Morris; Brady replied with a similar effort at the other end but Morris curled in another dead ball and when Dillon sent over an excellent point, Kingscourt hit the front at 0-10 to 0-9.

Back came Ramor; sub Shane Keenan squared the ball for Brady, who fielded spectacularly, swivelled and hit the top corner with the left boot.

By now, the going was hot and heavy. Morris responded for the Stars with a 55-metre free before Odhran Cunningham chipped over a point as Ramor goalkeeper Liam Brady furiously back-peddled following an interception.

That tied the game once again with seven minutes of normal time remaining. Dillon went for the top corner from 20 metres but was denied by a spectacular Liam Brady save after one of the best moves of the game.

But Morris stroked over the resulting 45 for the lead score. Kingscourt had risen to the challenge in the final quarter, with some terrific turnovers from the likes of Roe, Faulkner and Dillon.

The latter won back possession in the dying seconds which resulted in Morris sending over the insurance point from a free as the Stars advanced.

While both sides were missing key players, there wasn’t much between them. One or the other was in the county final in 2019, ’20 and ’21 and given their pedigrees, if they can get their strongest sides out, there is every chance one or both could make the big day again this year, although improvement will be needed by both.

Ramor United: Liam Brady, Damien Barkey, Mark Magee, Lorcan Lynch, Eoin Somerville, Adam O’Connell, Mattie Magee, Jack Brady, Enda Maguire, James Bradley, Liam Maguire, Cathal Maguire, Oliver McCrystal, Gareth Mannion, James O’Hara

Subs: Anthony Monaghan for E Somerville (36), Shane Keenan for L Maguire (49), Paddy McNamee for C Maguire (58)

Kingscourt Stars: James Farrelly, Paddy Farrelly, Padraig Faulkner, Cathal McKeown, Odhran Cunningham, Paddy Meade, Barry Tully, Sean Burke, Peter Corrigan, Padraig Donagh, Ryan Carey, Ciaran Dermody, Joe Dillon, Alan Clarke, Jordan Morris

Subs: Cathal Roe for P Meade (14), Shane Duffy for R Carey (45), Shane Gray for P Farrelly (52), Robbie Rowntree for C Dermody (60)

Ref: Kieran McCarville