Direct approach pays dividends for Birdhill

Birdhill 2

Lough Derg 1

 

By Padraig Ryan in Killaloe

 

Birdhill upset the odds on Sunday in claiming the second division Nora Kennedy Cup with an impressive win over local rivals Lough Derg.

Captain Paddy Kelly and Conor Floyd rose together to force the ball home for the opening goal midway through the first half before Colin Floyd doubled their lead 15 minutes into the second period. Lough Derg halved the deficit through Damien McCarthy with quarter of an hour left to play but an equaliser proved elusive.

Despite the poor conditions there was a big turnout for this cup final at Clarisford Park, a venue that is familiar to both sides being home to Lough Derg and the adopted field for Birdhill this season.

Lough Derg came into this game as red hot favourites having enjoyed a hugely successful league campaign, securing promotion with weeks to spare and 20 points better off than their opponents with a league decider still to play. Birdhill on the other hand have had an up and down year with some impressive victories in the league often followed by disappointing defeats for Anthony Floyd’s side.

 

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