Durnin points Kiltale to historic victory

Kiltale made it four SHC titles in a row at Pairc Tailteann today when they defeated Kildalkey 1-15 to 1-14 in a thrilling encounter with Peter Durnin firing over the winning point in added time. 

Kildalkey led for much of the way only to be caught at the end by Durnin's long-distance score two minutes into added time. Durnin was substituted in the first-half only to make a re-appearance and complete a fairytale day for him. 

It was a painful way for the Village to lose this contest. They were ahead 1-7 to 0-6 at the interval with Evan Fitzgerald scoring a cleverly flicked goal for them on 16 minutes while Sean Heavey added to super points from sideline cuts. 

They were in command in most areas of the pitch as Kiltale struggled but the game took a crucial turn on 42 minutes when Kildalkey's Mairtin Doran, who was having a fine game, was red-carded. 

Kiltalkey stayed in front until the 51st minute when Mark O'Sullivan fired the ball to the net to haul Kiltale level and a Jack Regan point helped them edge ahead for the first time shortly afterwards. 

The sides continued to exchange points in the thrilling final minutes but Durnin's score proved decisive in helping this Kiltale team make history. James Kelly hit three points on his way to winning the man-of-the-match award. 

SEE MATCH REPORT AND VIEWS IN THIS WEEK'S MEATH CHRONICLE