Kilmacabea 1-14 | Donoughmore 1-7

In a historic day for the Carbery club, Kilmacabea came from behind to defeat Donoughmore and claim their first-ever McCarthy Insurance Group County JAFC title at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Sunday evening.

Despite persistent heavy rain affecting the quality of the football, the final was packed with excitement and endeavour. Donoughmore made the stronger start, leading 1-4 to 0-5 at the break thanks to a brilliant first-half goal from Gavin O’Sullivan.

The second half was dominated by the eventual winners. A crucial goal midway through from substitute Ray Shanahan swung the momentum and gave Kilmacabea the platform they needed to kick on. Heroes like Ian Jennings and Martin Collins were outstanding as the Carbery side outscored their opponents heavily in the second 30 minutes.

Kilmacabea’s hard work and collective grit paid off, securing a fully deserved seven-point victory. The final whistle sparked joyful celebrations as they lifted the championship cup.

Scorers for Kilmacabea: E Shanahan 0-5 (1 2pt), R Shanahan 1-0, C McCarthy (1 2pt f), I Jennings (1 2pt), D Gore (0-1 f) 0-2 each, K Whelton, L McCarthy, D O’Donovan 0-1 each.

Donoughmore: G O’Sullivan 1-4 (0-1 f, 0-1 45), D McDonnell 0-2, S Barrett 0-1.

KILMACABEA: C McCarthy; L Tobin, D Whooley, D Tobin; O Tobin, M Collins, D O’Callaghan; O Kerrisk, I Jennings (c); D McCarthy, D Gore, K Whelton; E Shanahan, D O’Donovan, J Collins.

Subs: L McCarthy for E Shanahan (3-6, temp), L McCarthy for O Kerrisk (h-t), R Shanahan for J Collins (40), C Whelton for K Whelton (63).

DONOUGHMORE: K O’Riordan; R Honohan, D Forde (c), S Broderick; D Morrissey, J Crowley, K O’Connell; S O’Hanlon, M Lucey; A Dinan, G O’Sullivan, D Holland; D Keating, D McDonnell, S Barrett.

Subs: L O’Sullivan for K O’Connell (47), T Murphy for A Dinan, J McCarthy for D Forde (both 49), J Murphy for D Keating (54), J Twomey for M Lucey (56).

Referee: Alan O’Connor (Ballygarvan).