Kiltale  2-15
Kildalkey  0-12

Kiltale proved too strong for Kildalkey in the Ted Murtagh SHC final on Sunday at Pairc Tailteann on Sunday.

In retaining the Jubilee Cup, Kiltale claimed their sixth SHC title, their fourth in the last nine years. Apart from the opening third of the hour, during which time the scores were tied four times, Trevor Cummins' men were in control.

Ultimately, it was the scoring 2-2 from play Peter Durnin had a major impact on the outcome. His first goal arrived in the 21st minute while the second came in the 53rd minute, with more than a little help from Kevin Ryan and Cathal McCabe.

Durnin's second goal left the nearby scoreboard reading 2-14 to 0-9 and put some further gloss on an impressive individual and team display.

Jack Regan chipped in with seven points (five frees) for Kiltale who finished with 11 wides to Kildalkey's 13. Centre-half-back Ronan Ryan picked up the Man-of-the-Match award.

Kiltale lost wing-back Stephen Donoghue to a second yellow card late on. Young Kildalkey substitute Conor Kearney landed a 65 with his first puck of the ball in the 45th minute. Later he closed the scoring with a fine effort close to the terrace sideline.

Following the exciting finale to the IHC final, it took the main course some time to get the crowd going..

The holders were first off the mark through Kevin Ryan in the third minute with Jack Regan providing the assist. Mark Healy levelled before Paddy Conneely landed a free from inside his own 65 into the town end to put Kildalkey ahead.

Two Regan pointed frees had Kiltale back in front. Shane McGann came to the champions rescue when saving from Mark Healy at the expense of a 65 which the same player pointed.

It was the third time in 12 minutes that the scores were tied. Such a scenario would arise just once more in the opening half which was played in calm overcast conditions.

Peter Durnin's 21st minute goal, from Stephen Donoghue's delivery from distance broke the deadlock for the last time in the first 30 minutes. It left it 1-4 to 0-4.

Durnin added two points in the second quarter as Kiltale moved six points clear by the 30th minute. Mark Healy (free) pulled a point back in stoppage time to leave Kiltale 1-8 to 0-6 ahead at the break.

Kildalkey resumed with a pep in their steps and through Mark Healy pulled two points back within five minutes of the restart. That left it 1-8 to 0-8. That was as close as the wearers of royal blue got to the champions for the remainder of the hour.

Those scorers offered temporary respite for Kildalkey - who entered the final with a 100% win record - whose spirited efforts were unable to overhaul the deficit.

Kiltale - Shane McGann; Anthony Donnelly, David Donoghue, Ciaran Ennis; Stephen Donoghue, Ronan Ryan, Eamon Ryan (0-1); Anthony Forde, Padraig Kelly (0-2); James Kelly (0-1), Cathal McCabe, Jack Regan (0-7, 5 fs); Peter Durnin (2-2), Ross Ryan, Kevin Ryan (0-2) . Subs -  John Donohoe for Durnin (58), Brendan Dixon for P Kelly (60), Shane Lenehan for R Ryan (60)

Kildalkey - David Harmon; David Conneely, Enda Fitzgerald, Eoin Potterton; Maurice Keogh, Sean Corrigan (C), Mairtin Doran; Sean Heavey (0-1), Tony Fox; Padraig Geoghegan (0-1), Paddy Conneely (0-1f), Martin Healy (0-1); Mark Healy (0-5, 1f, 1 65), Padraig Keogh, Derek Doran (0-1). Subs - Patrick Potterton for Eoin Potterton (29), Francis Doran for P Keogh (37), Conor Kearney (0-2, 1 65), Gary Kelly for Mark Healy (51).

Referee - Richard Morris (Blackhall Gaels)

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