St Patrick's round off memorable 2025 in style
The St. Patrick’s team who defeated New Oak in the Carlow Shield Final in Killeshin . Photo: michaelorourkephotography.ie
St. Patrick's 50th Anniversary Year ended in style as they beat defending champions, New Oak to claim their second trophy of the calendar year, bridging a 26 year gap to the last time they won the KCLR Carlow Shield. They had to come from behind to force extra-time on a cold evening in Killeshin. Two extra-time goals got Pat's over the line as they found their mojo with New Oak running out of energy. It was far from a classic with neither side able to get into the game. Pat's were coming into the game on the back of three defeats in a row.
David Doyle gave New Oak the lead after 24 minutes getting on the end of a Sean Smithers cross from the left to reward the early New Oak pressure. With two minutes to go, Ravo Kilonda's effort was saved with the rebound bouncing back into his path to level the game up much to the dismay of the neutrals on the sideline who were hoping to get home out of the cold.
Pat's pushed on in extra-time bouyed by the goal and with seven minutes gone, James McGrath put the ball into the back of his own net to give Pat's the lead for the first time. With four minutes to go, Eoin Carolan put the game beyond doubt.
Manager Patrick Brennan has been struggling recently with the league champions form far from league winners form, even teasing the idea of potentially quitting. He's been feeling the pressure and knows how important this win was.
“Absolutely delighted, no secret it's been a tough start to the season and it just finishes the year off on a high,” he told The Nationalist afterwards.
“It's a separate season so it's back to back seasons with a trophy, we've got at least one trophy this season, we've a few more to play for but I'm just thrilled for the lads, they were brilliant. This is one of the sweetest ones for me, it's been a really tough season for me personally, just not being able to find answers or put my finger on it, I've questioned myself not and this is every bit as big for me as winning the title. I'm over the moon.”
After a tough week's training, he had a suspicion that they may just shock everyone and deny New Oak a fourth Shield in five years.
“I had a sneaky feeling, there was murder at training this week, there were a lot of harsh words said and it was all gotten out in the open. I went home and I said it, I had a feeling it could be a bit of a turning point for them.”
Corey Harmon, Cian Dowling, Luke Ramsbottom, David O’Shea, Kyle Foley, Jordan Harmon, James McGrath, Dean Kelly, David Doyle, Sean Smithers, Cian Cleary. Subs: Lee Murphy, Daryl Coleman, Cormac Murphy, Ben Lawler, Lee Gordon, Craig Kearney.
Sean Murphy, Ravo Kilonda, Eoin Carolan, Shane Buggy, Joe Gordon, Josh Moore, Dean Kelly, Brandon Kelly, Callum Warfield, Joe Sunderland, Jan Flejszar. Subs: Luca Hutton, Ciaran FitzPatrick, Evan Frachon, Jamie Farrell, Julian Strain, Harry Taylor, Mark Timmons.
Nathan Bannon, assisted by Pat O'Connor and Phil Neenan
