‘Mystic’ Gavin O’Connor – who predicted a four point win for Austin Stacks in his preview yesterday – reports on a historic win for the Rockies…
Austin Stacks 3-5
The Nire 2-4
IT was some slog, but 14 man Stacks rally hard to capture first Munster title in 38 years.
“I said to my men going out at half time, ‘do not come back in here with regrets’. They were absolutely magnificent to do what they did today,” said Stephen Stack.
When free-taker, Shane Carroll saw the line in the 15th minute for a second yellow card offence, Austin Stacks were trailing by six points, things were looking dire.
But true to form the side buckled down and restricted The Nire to just a goal a point from then on.
Shane O’Callaghan was particularly impressive in that lone attacking role. He gave the Deise side a torrid time all afternoon, scoring a goal and setting up another.
In truth, the overall quality of this game was poor, with both sides coughing up possession regularly, despite that it was an engaging encounter because the high stakes involved.
The pitch in Pairc Ui Chaoimh, didn’t lend itself to good football, players throughout, slipping on the surface.
Trailing by 1-3 to no score, O’Callaghan hit back superbly for the Rock. He jumped high from a long ball in by Mikey Collins, turning and smashing the ball to the net.
The second goal was extremely fortuitous, five minutes later. Nire goalkeeper, Tom Wall, attempted a short kick out, but aimed the ball straight into, O’Callaghan’s hands 20 yards out. ‘The Rockie Gooch’, then passed the ball to David Mannix who made no mistake in slotting it home.
Despite being a man down, Stacks led at the break 2-1 to 1-3.
A bit of breeding space came for Stacks when they were awarded a penalty in the 42 minute because of a foot-block by The Nire goalkeeper on David Mannix.
Wing back Pa McCarthy, who has been a bit of dead-ball specialist, smashed the ball to the net, the scores now 3-3 to 2-4. The Nire were extremely wasteful and kicked 12 wides. Facing a better side today and Stacks could have been in trouble.
The rest of the game featured some extremely tough and tenacious defending, particularly from corner back Fearghal McNamara.
In the closing exchanges, Stacks were bossing it in midfield and with three minutes left, substitute, Fiachna Mangan, got the insurance point when he linked up with Donaghy.
The Nire, attempted a number of attacks, but didn’t have the quality to make a dent in The Rock’s lead. With two minutes of added time played, Referee, Conor Lane from Cork, blew his whistle to crown Austin Stacks kings of Munster for 2014.
What an adventure! Austin Stacks and the black and amber army can enjoy their Christmas.
Scorers
Austin Stacks: David Mannix 1-2 (0-2f), Shane O’Callaghan 1-1, Pa McCarthy 1-0 (penalty), Mikey Collins, Fiachna Mangan 0-1 each.
The Nire: Shane Ryan 1-1 (0-1f), Michael Moore 1-0, Brian Wall (0-1f), Michael O’Gorman, Conor Gleeson 0-1 each.
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