Meath Hill 1-9  Kilmainham 0-9

Meath Hill got off the mark with a hard fought win over Kilmainham in round 1 of the IFC Group A, in Pairc Tailteann on Sunday. 

Meath Hill played against a reasonably strong breeze in the first half and struggled to get scores on the board against a packed Kilmainham defence. Despite this and some careless wides, the ‘Hill could be fairly satisfied with a only a 3 point deficit at the break, 0-3 to 0-6. 

Meath Hill were quick out of the blocks in the 2nd half and were level within 6 minutes, with points from Chris Yorke, James Mooney and Tomas Smith.  In the 40th minute, the Hill got the crucial score of the game, when a long range free was slapped to the net by Pierce McGrath. 

3 points apiece from there on gave Meath Hill victory, although they can be thankful to a fine save from Dominic Yorke late on which kept Kilmainham at bay. 

Job done and 2 points on the board and a local derby with Nobber to look forward to in 2 weeks. 

Meath Hill: Dominic Yorke (0-1), Thomas Carolan, Ryan Owens, Barry Kieran, James Mooney (0-1), Kieran Slavin, Chris Yorke (0-1), Tommy Rooney (0-1), Aodhan Matthews, Pierce McGrath (1-1), Keith Ginnitty, Tomas Smith (0-2), Paddy Matthews, Shane McCabe, Jack McMahon (0-1). Subs: Ian Malone (0-1), Mark Tully, Ryan Carry

Kilmainham Report

Kilmainham 0-09 Meath Hill 1-09

After a draw in the first round of the Championship last year, many expected another close encounter between these two sides and today’s game did not disappoint. Neither team held a lead of more than 4 points with each team fighting hard for every ball.

Meath Hill opened the scoring on 3 minutes with a free as both sides adjusted to the windy conditions in Pairc Tailteann. With Meath Hill dropping an extra man in front of Mickey Newman it left full forward Ger Morgan free and make great use of the short kick out. Terence Daly made his championship debut in goals for Kilmainham and found Morgan with a perfect kick out. Morgan found Mickey Newman with a super ball, who had a lot of work to do before he ran towards the Meath Hill goals and let fire. The Meath Hill goalie pulled off a fine save to deny Newman and Kilgallon was unlucky with the resulting rebound. On 8 minutes centre forward Andy Arkins opened up the scoring for Kilmainham and bring the match level with a great point after great work from Declan Mullen and Ger Morgan. Freddie Newman added to Kilmainham’s tally with a well taken point off his left to bring the teams level for a second time at 2 points each after 17 minutes. Freddie’s score was quickly followed by a great pointfrom Dylan Morgan which came from a great intercept from Declan Mullen in defence. It took 5 minutes for either team to register a score as both defences stood strong. Kilmainham used the wind to good effect for their next two scores. Ger Morgan sent a hit and hope ball towards Mickey Newman over at the terrace side, Newman judged the ball and wind well and worked hard to ensure the ball went over the bar. Again using the wind, Kilgallon kicked the ball into space on the terrace side. Coming from deep arrived Dean Peppard, who used his blistering pace to ensure the ball didn’t go over the sideline, he settled himself and popped it over the black spot giving Kilmainham the lead 0-05 to 0-02 after 23 minutes. Meath Hill had a fantastic chance to get to get a goal going one on one with Daly in the goals but blasted the ball to the left and wide. Dylan Morgan ensured Kilmainham had the last say of the half as he raced up the line and was fouled. Mickey slotted the resulting free over the bar to leave Kilmainham leading  0-06 to 0-03 at half time.

Meath Hill started the second half with purpose and used the breeze to their advantage as they drew the game level, 0-06 a piece after 7 minutes. As the saying goes, goals win matches and that was certainly the case today. Meath Hill got that all important goal that would prove the winning of the game on 10 minutes. From a 45’ the ball floated through hands and found itself into the top left corner of the Kilmainaham net. Meath Hill took the lead for the first time in the second half 0-06 to 1-06. Kilmainham responded with a free from Mickey after Peppard was fouled after he had kicked the ball. Arkins added a second to his tally on 15 minutes to bring Kilmainham back within 2 and it was still anybodys game. Daly pulled off a fantastic save at the hospital end of Pairc Tailteann to keep Kilmainham in it. Substitute Denis Newman finished Kilmainham’s scoring for the day with a fine point on 32 minutes.

Kilmainham will rue the chances missed in the closing stages of the game as the result could have swung anyway. It was a much improved performance from Kilmainham as they have struggled to find form in the league. Newly appointed captain Stephen Newman led by example and never stopped working throughout the game. Andy Arkins will be happy with his days work as he was Kilmainham’s top scorer from play with 2 points.

Kilmainham will take many positives and negatives from this game but will dust themselves off and get ready for the local derby against neighbours Drumbaragh on Easter Sunday. These games are never easy with nothing between the two sides. It will surely go right to the wire just like last year.

Kilmainham: Terence Daly, Joe Mahon, Stephen Newman, Dean Peppard (0-01), Jamie O’Sullivan, Harry Newman, Shane Butler, Conor Kilgallon, Mickey Newman (0-03, 2frees), Dylan Morgan (0-01) Andy Arkins (0-02), Declan Mullen, Seanie Mahon, Gerard Morgan, Freddie Newman (0-01). Subs: Larry Morgan for Kigallon, Denis Newman (0-01) for Arkins, Darren O’Sullivan for Joe Mahon.

 

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