The Béara Championship is as tough as they come and if this Garnish team is to reach its potential, it will have to beat teams as dogged and experienced as their near neighbours. And so it was the green and gold exuded a steeliness and edge to their play, grinding out a well-deserved win over ‘Town at Adrigole.
Andrew O’Sullivan opened the scoring for ‘Town before Fintan JL responded by pointing a well earned free by Dylan Henshaw. It became clear in the first quarter that it was going to be a low scoring game, both teams having well-organised defences. A penalty conversion in the 11th minute ultimately gave Garnish the platform to secure the victory. The goal was the only score between the teams at half time.
Particular credit most go to Garnish’ half-backs – Jack Andy, Darragh Henshaw, and Paul O’Neill who nullifed ‘Town’s route-one football and got enough contact to slow their attack. Given ‘Town’s strength in-depth, one might have expected their fitness to carry them through the 2nd half. Yet, it was the Garnish players who looked better conditioned: Brian Terry tagging on more scores, to extend their lead to 5 points. Darren Deery’s introduction provided a target at full-forward and as ‘Town began to tire, Rory O’Driscoll and Sean Terry exerter greater influence. Particularly pleasing was the work-rate, Eanna Murphy, Matthew O’Leary, Brian Walsh running to opposite ends of the field when required. Fresh legs from Jamie O’Driscoll, Stephen Lane and Danny Harrington saw out the victory. 
Club captain, Ross Murphy, duly accepted the Noel Kelly cup. Hopefully, with the right attitude and continued commitment, this team can achieve much more this season.
1. Ross Murphy, 2. Matthew O’Leary, 3. Eanna Murphy, 4. Tommy O’Sullivan, 5. Jack Andy, 6. Paul O’Neill (0-1), 7. Darragh Henshaw, 8. Brian Terry( 0-2), 9. Jerome O’Dwyer, 10. Rory O’Driscoll, 11. Brian Walsh, 12, Sean Terry (0-2), 13. Fintan JL (1-2) O’Sullivan, 14. John O’Dwyer, 15. Dylan Henshaw (0-2). Subs: Darren Derry, Jamie O’Driscoll, Cian O’Neill, Stephen Lane, Danny Harrington.