Mullinavat 1-15; Tullogher Rosbercon 0-11
By John Power at UPMC Nowlan Park
Mullinavat secured yet another memorable triumph as they claimed their eighth JJ Kavanagh Kilkenny Senior Football Championship title in the past ten seasons, producing a blistering and decisive second-half performance against near neighbours Tullogher Rosbercon at UPMC Nowlan Park. In what began as a tightly contested and physically demanding encounter, few in attendance could have anticipated the dramatic shift in momentum that would follow the interval, as Mullinavat surged clear to ultimately claim a deserved and impressive victory.
Played in front of an enthusiastic crowd, the game opened at a lively pace, with both sides showing early intent. Mullinavat made the perfect start when Michael Malone opened the scoring with a well-taken point inside the opening minute. However, Tullogher Rosbercon quickly found their rhythm and began to assert themselves on proceedings. Danny Glennon got their first score on the board before Donnacha O’Connor took control of the scoring stakes, registering three excellent points, including a superb two-pointer, to give his side a 0-4 to 0-1 lead after just seven minutes of play.
The Vegas Boys, however, responded in composed fashion. Oisín Knox, who would prove influential throughout, split the posts before Michael Malone converted a two-point free to bring the sides level at 0-4 a piece by the 12th minute. The exchanges were fast, physical, and fiercely competitive, with both teams showing a willingness to attack at every opportunity.
Tullogher Rosbercon edged back in front midway through the half, with Danny Glennon adding another fine point after good work from former inter-county hurler Walter Walsh. Walsh himself then raised a white flag to extend their advantage to two points, leaving the score at 0-6 to 0-4 in their favour after 19 minutes. At this stage, Tullogher Rosbercon appeared to have the upper hand, controlling possession and dictating the tempo of the game.
Yet Mullinavat’s experience and composure once again came to the fore. Ian Duggan and Oisín Knox combined to bring their side back level by the 26th minute, ensuring the game remained finely balanced as half-time approached. The closing minutes of the half saw further scores exchanged, with Conor Hennessy edging Tullogher Rosbercon ahead before Padraig Dempsey responded for Mullinavat. The sides went in at the break deadlocked at 0-7 apiece, reflecting a closely fought opening 30 minutes where neither team could establish clear dominance.
The second half, however, told a very different story. Mullinavat emerged from the interval with renewed energy, purpose, and intensity, quickly seizing control of the contest. Goalkeeper Jack Walsh set the tone with a superb two-point free, immediately putting Mullinavat ahead and shifting momentum firmly in their favour. This was quickly followed by a series of well-worked scores from Michael Malone, Ian Duggan, and Oisín Knox, as Mullinavat began to stretch their lead.
The defining moment of the game arrived shortly thereafter with a brilliantly executed team goal. A slick passing move involving Oisín Knox and Liam Fennelly carved open the Tullogher Rosbercon defence, allowing Brian Phelan the opportunity to finish emphatically past goalkeeper Eoin Ryan. The goal was a major blow to Tullogher Rosbercon and gave Mullinavat a commanding lead of 1-12 to 0-7 by the 43rd minute.
To their credit, Tullogher Rosbercon did not give up the fight. Danny Glennon produced a fine two-point effort to try and reduce the deficit, but Mullinavat continued to respond with authority. Jack Walsh added another score from a “45,” underlining his importance to the team not only as a goalkeeper but also as a reliable scorer from distance. At this stage, Mullinavat held a comfortable 1-13 to 0-9 lead and looked firmly in control.
As the game entered its closing stages, Donnacha O’Connor added two further frees for Tullogher Rosbercon, but these efforts were sandwiched between points from Ian Duggan and Ger Malone, ensuring Mullinavat maintained their advantage. When the final whistle sounded, the scoreboard read 1-15 to 0-11 in favour of Mullinavat, confirming their status as deserved champions once again.
This victory further cements Mullinavat’s place among the elite clubs in Kilkenny football history. Their ninth overall senior title moves them into outright fourth position on the roll of honour, behind only Railyard, Glenmore, and Muckalee. It is a remarkable achievement for a club that has shown extraordinary consistency and resilience over the past decade.
Much of Mullinavat’s success can be attributed to the experience and leadership within their squad. Players such as Michael Malone, Ian Duggan, Thomas Aylward, John Walsh, and James Culleton were all collecting their eighth senior championship medals, a testament to their enduring quality and commitment. Their influence was evident throughout the game, particularly in the second half when their composure and decision-making proved crucial.
The team’s preparation and organisation under the guidance of trainers Michael Aylward and Richie Devine also played a significant role in their success. Mullinavat appeared fitter, sharper, and more cohesive after the break, suggesting that their management team had prepared them meticulously for the challenge.
Tullogher Rosbercon, despite the defeat, can take many positives from their performance, particularly in the first half where they matched the champions stride for stride. Players such as Donnacha O’Connor and Danny Glennon were impressive, contributing significantly to their scoring tally. While they ultimately fell short, their effort and determination were evident throughout, and they will no doubt look to build on this experience in future campaigns as they aim to add to their last senior title, which came in 1962.
The match itself was played in a competitive but fair spirit, with referee Owen Beehan praised for allowing the game to flow while maintaining control in what was a physical encounter. His handling of proceedings ensured that the contest remained enjoyable for both players and spectators alike.
In conclusion, this was a game of two halves, with Mullinavat’s outstanding second-half performance proving decisive. Their ability to raise their game when it mattered most once again highlights why they have been the dominant force in Kilkenny senior football in recent years. For Tullogher Rosbercon, there is disappointment, but also encouragement to be taken from their display. As Mullinavat celebrate yet another championship success, their legacy continues to grow, and their hunger for further glory shows no signs of diminishing.
Scorers (Mullinavat): Michael Malone (0-4)), Jack Walsh (0-3), Brian Phelan (1-0), Ian Duggan (0-3), Oisín Knox (0-3), Padraic Dempsey (0-1), Ger Malone (0-1).
Scorers (Tullogher Rosbercon): Donnacha O’Connor (0-5), Danny Glennon (0-3), Conor Hennessy (0-2), Walter Walsh (0-1).
Teams (Mullinavat): Jack Walsh, Shane Kelly, Simon Aylward, Sean Fitzpatrick, Padraig Dempsey, Ger Malone, Eoin Dempsey, James Culleton, Thomas Aylward, Conor Walsh, Mick Malone, Ian Duggan, Robin Davis, Brian Phelan, Oisín Knox. Substitutes: Liam Fennelly (captain) for Robin Davis, Joe Fennelly for Simon Aylward, John Walsh for Eoin Dempsey, Conor Duggan for Ian Duggan, Ian Mansfield for Sean Fitzpatrick, Mark McNamara, Fiachra Knox, Donnchadh Walsh, Patrick Walshe, Stephen O’Shea, Padraic Gahan.
Tullogher Rosbercon: Eoin Ryan, Kevin Hennessy, Eoin Kennedy, Tony Conway, Lar Murphy, Jamie Lyng, Sean Murray (captain), Pat Hartley, JJ Ryan, Anthony O’Connor, Walter Walsh, Conor Hennessy, Danny Glennon, Donnacha O’Connor, Cathal Mooney. Substitutes: Ryan Murphy for Cathal Mooney, Niall Mooney, Brian Walsh, Rest of panel – David Walsh, Niall Cummins, Jamie Power, Matt Rossiter, Fergal O’Shea, Michael Hendrick, Tarek O’Connor and Aidan Curran.
Referee: Owen Beehan.
