DDSL beat Cork 2 - 0 today in the Final of the Kennedy Cup.
The semi final yesterday saw them comfortable winners over a disappointing Waterford side who never looked likely to beat a very determined DDSL team. While only one goal was scored the DDSL were dominant and but for a heroic display by the Waterford keeper the score could have been much more than the one goal.The goal arrived in the 10th minute of the second half and was brilliantly put away by Ryan Markey after he was put through by Lorcan Shannon . Daniel Purdy, Lorcan Shannon and Kevin Dempsey all had shots in the first half but the Waterford keeper made 3 excellent saves to deny them. The post also came to Waterford's rescue twice as Ryan Markey and Lorcan Shannon saw their shots rebound off the post and out to safety.
The DDSL were unlucky to have the team captain, Daniel Devine, taken off after a accidental clash of heads which necessitated Daniel going to hospital for a check up. Thankfully he was not detained but he was ruled out of today's Final. With goalscorer,Ryan Markey, also picking up a knock which meant he too was ruled out of the Final the squad would be severly tested in the Final.
The Final was played in rainy conditions and the DDSL had Robert Moloney switch to centre half alongside the dependable Neil Byrne with Declan Farrell switching to left back and Gino Boccocrassa coming in at right back. Kevin Knight filled in for Ryan on the left flank.
The DDSL were slow to start and Cork had the first chance after a corner was not cleared and Dean Smith did well to stop the effort with his feet and the danger was cleared. Lorcan Shannon was causing the Cork defence problems with his pace and he was unlucky not to get on the end of a ball played through by James Kavanagh. The first goal arrived after 25 minutes and Daniel Purdy was instumental in setting it up. He controlled the ball and held it up before placing a brillinat pass into the box which Kevin Dempsey finished clinically with his left foot placing his shot beyond the Cork keeper to put his side 1 up.
The DDSL tipped off for the second half and the ball was rolled back to James Kavanagh who was 10 yards in his own half and spotting the Cork keeper he placed his shot a la Beckham over the depairing keeper to score a truly stunning goal. The goal was recorded as being scored in 8 seconds which must set a record for the fastest goal scored in any half of the Kennedy Cup. From there to the finish the DDSL controlled the game and despite Cork's best efforts they ran out easy winners to record the League's 4th win on the bounce.
The League would like to pay tribute to all the technical staff and players for a brilliant tournament success and their record of 22 goals and none conceded is the best record of any previous DDSL Kennedy Cup winners. Well done to all.