The semi-final victory over Carraig na bhFear set the White’s Cross lads up for a possible five-in-a-row of triumphs in this historic competition. What makes our recent monopoly of wins in this competition all the more interesting, is that prior to the 2003 victory, the Club had never previously won it! Again we were pitted against keen rivals, this time St. Vincents, who we had defeated in both the 2006 Championship Final and the League Semi Final.
Fresh from the Carraig win three nights previous, White’s Cross settled quicker, with Murt Kelleher and John Drummy totally dominant at midfield, and raced into a 0-5 to 0-1 lead after 20 minutes. The points were scored by the rampant Paul O Sullivan (2), Paddy O Brien, Conor Kelleher and Bryan O Sullivan. However Vincents rattled the Cross with a well taken goal, slotting home past Aidan Harte, who had an excellent outing deputising for Billy Sheahan between the posts. Conor Kelleher did pop over a free before the short whistle to settle matters somewhat again.
The second commenced as had the first with White’s Cross totally dominant, culminating in an excellent goal from Paul O’ Sullivan after good interplay between Drummy and Conor Buckley. With the score at 1-8 to 1-2 it did not look good for Vincents. However they rallied very well and reduced the margin to three. Indeed it could have been worse only for some good defensive work from John O’ Connell, John Meade and Sean Gorman and the timely introductions of Jonathan Kenneally and Thomas Meade. This helped halt the Vincents onslaught and ensured a 1-9 to 1-6 victory for White’s Cross.
In his victory speech the victorious captain Kevin Buckely, heaped praise on the tireless work of selectors Paudie Curtain and TC Buckley, and singled out the coach Finbarr Kiely, for his great managerial qualities.