Blarney United's senior lads were crowned the Keane Cup champions 2010 after a nail-biting penalty shoot-out victory over Douglas Hall at Turner's Cross last Saturday night. After a tentative opening, striker Conor Meade headed Brian Murray's side into a 20^th minute lead after Gary O'Riordan sent Mark Clifford's cross back across the goalmouth but the lead was short-lived as Hall got back on level terms just 12 minutes later when a hopeful ball into goalkeeper Stephen Gahan's penalty area deceived the Blarney shot stopper and Hall's Dave Moore climbed highest and sent the ball into the back of the net. But having been beaten in Keane Cup finals by St Mary's and Everton previously, Blarney were determined not to leave the 'Cross without the silverware and they re-took the lead just before the hour mark when a beautiful free-kick delivery by John Hogan found the head of super-sub Gavin Moore (who got the winner against Midleton in the semi-final) and having only been on the pitch for six minutes, Moore steered the ball perfectly beyond the despairing hand of John Mulligan. As the Saturday evening light began to fade and the clock reached injury time, Blarney hearts were broken as Hall substitute Kevin Mulcahy fired home a stunning equaliser with practically the last kick of normal time to send the game into extra time. With the lights now switched on at Turner's Cross, extra-time passed without any incident of note and things were looking bleak when Ray O'Leary's penalty was saved by Hall keeper Mulligan in the opening spot kick of the shootout. But goalkeeper Gahan redeemed the situation when he brilliantly saved Douglas Hall's fourth penalty kick from Declan O'Connell to level the scores at 3-3. After the regulation five penalties, the sides were still level so sudden death would decide the outcome. When former Cork City defender, Neal Horgan blasted his spotter over the crossbar, Blarney midfielder Kenneth Coleman stepped up and calmly knocked home the Keane Cup winning spot kick sparking wild scenes of celebration by the large crowd of Blarney supporters in attendance. Captain Allan Weldon collected the trophy and a great night was had back in Johnnies afterwards. However its back to the training ground pretty quickly for the lads who now have an O'Connell Cup semi-final against Douglas Hall (again!) on the 20^th May to look forward to. The winners of this game will meet either Rockmount or Mayfield United in the final. Well done to all the lads and here's hoping there will be more silverware looking for accommodation in the trophy cabinet before the season ends!