Goals down Kilmainham

Kilmainham 1-10, Clann Na nGael 6-13

It was all or nothing as Kilmainham headed for Boardsmill on Sunday 8th September 2024. Both teams new that a win would secure a quarter final place against St. Ultan’s GFC and a defeat would knock them out of the championship. Dunsany had already topped the group with two wins from two to secure a semi-final spot. We welcomed back Larry Morgan and Declan Mullen to the starting line-up. The game had a real championship feel to it right from the off. There was pressure on every play as players fought for every ball. Clann Na Ngael were guilty of a few early misses, but we were applying great pressure on the kicker. They did however open the scoring with a free after 2minutes. Dylan Morgan missed two scoreable free’s but then pointed from play and followed this up with a free. Mickey Newman hit a 45 before Morgan hit another free. We were happy with our opening start. Then Clann Na Ngael hit their first goal of the match on 16minutes. Ger Morgan responded with a point from play. Clann Na Ngael went up the other end and pointed. Larry Morgan had a good chance for a goal on 22minutes but the keeper got down well from a tight angle. Larry managed to get a fisted pointed from the attack. Clann Na Ngael then struck for goal again on 23minutes, then followed this up with a point. Kilmainham were rattled. Then we were hit by a third goal on 26minutes despite a brilliant initial save by Dean Peppard, the ball spun up and was directed by a Kilmainham back into the inrushing Clann Na Ngael number 14 who fired to the net. Mickey Newman sent over a good 45 as we hit half time. 3 sucker punch goals leaving us with an 8point deficit at half time with it all to do.

Half Time Score: Kilmainham 0-6, Clann Na nGael 3-5

We had no choice but to go for it in the second half and see could we chip away at the lead. Mickey Newman hit the first score from play. Clann Na Gael were always dangerous on the attack as we pushed up to chase the match. A long ball into the square by centre back Seanie Mahon caught the Clann Na Ngael goalkeeper out as it bounced over his head and into the net. Kilmainham got to within 6 points of the Athboy men but every time we tried to reduce the deficit, they hit us on the break to keep ahead. They hit two more goals in the 17th and 18th minute to finally put the game to bed. A 6th goal in the 32 second minute concluded the match. A comprehensive victory for the Athboy men. We can have no complaints about the result and were second best throughout. We would like to wish Clann Na Ngael the best of luck in the quarter final.

This is not the performance that we had expected. We never reached the levels of the Dunsany match in round one. The lads gave everything on the day and during the year but came up short against last year'sbeaten Junior A finalists. We would like to thank our manager Gary Farrelly, selectors John Newman, Paul Farrelly and Richie Brady for all their dedication and hard work all year. Training was excellent and was very enjoyable. We would like to thank our physio Olivia Martin from Sheer Motion for looking after the lads all year.

Our lads will need to dust themselves down and see where they need to improve individual and collectively, enjoy the break and regroup for next year. A big thank you to all our small but loyal match supporters who came to all our games and cheered us on game after game,, despite some difficult results. It is very much appreciated by all the players. 

Kilmainham: Dean Peppard, Padraig Caffrey, Harry Newman, Jamie O’ Sullivan, Shane Morgan, Seanie Mahon (1-0), Ger Morgan (0-1), Freddie Newman, Larry Morgan (0-1), Declan Mullen, Michael Hoey, Andy Arkins, Mark Newman, Dylan Morgan (0-4) Mickey Newman (0-4).

Subs used: Stephen Newman, Barry Lynch, Terence Daly, Phily Mahon and Conor Kilgallen.

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