LATE points from Kieran Storin and the outstanding Mike Molloy saw Knockaderry collect the Nick Grene Sportsgrounds Intermediate Hurling Championship title for the first time in their history, as they wrestled ahead of Bruree for a 1-16 to 0-17 win at Mick Neville Park on Saturday evening.
Coming into the game as underdogs in the eyes of many, Knockaderry have now added intermediate honours to the Premier Junior crown won 12 months ago, and with it, return to the Premier Intermediate grade.
For Bruree, it is a gut-wrenching third final loss in a row, an unwanted record, which was also the fate of Glenroe (1975-1977) and Croagh-Kilfinny (2021-2023). Simply put, they failed to build enough of an interval lead, backed by a gale force breeze at Mick Neville Park.
Photographer Brendan Gleeson was on hand in Rathkeale to capture all the colour and action of the celebrations.
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13. Enda Moran and Liam Molyneaux, joint captains of Knockaderry celebrating winning the Intermediate Hurling Final
Enda Moran and Liam Molyneaux, joint captains of Knockaderry celebrating winning the Intermediate Hurling Final | Brendan Gleeson
14. Knockaderry celebrating winning the Intermediate Hurling Championship
Knockaderry celebrating winning the Intermediate Hurling Championship | Brendan Gleeson
15. Michael Lane, Bruree and Liam Molyneaux, Knockaderry battling for the ball in Mick Neville Park
Michael Lane, Bruree and Liam Molyneaux, Knockaderry battling for the ball in Mick Neville Park | Brendan Gleeson