Carnaross 1-12 Kilmainham 0-10

Carnaross and near neighbours Kilmainham entered into the last chance saloon on Wednesday night to avoid the dreaded drop to Junior B. A large crowd descended on Ballinlough which was in immaculate condition, as always. The tension was palpable on this crisp September night as North Meath watched on. Kilmainham lined out with two young footballers, Michael Hoey and Podge Caffrey, who’d played with our u19 squad in 2023 and 2024, to add an extra dimension to the clash.

The first half was littered with unforced errors from both sides but Kilmainham were denied an early goal when Liam Day got down low to deflect an effort out for a 45, which Newman duly converted. Charlie Murphy responded with a tidy score from just inside the arc to level proceedings and settle the 2024 Junior B champions. Newman was flawless from frees in the first half putting on an exhibition, kicking a sumptuous 2 pointer free. Darragh O’Reilly was Carnaross’ stand out performer in the first half, winning numerous breaks around the middle before offering himself as an outlet ball. He kicked 2 points that his industrious performance more than merited. The key battleground was the midfield battle. Luke Gillic and Mickey Newman enjoyed a titanic tussle with Gillic flying through the air, connecting with the fist, on a number of occasions. He provided a great platform for the Ross which their forwards didn’t take advantage of, with 8 first half misses. John Reilly burst forward from the full back line to hammer over a much-needed score. Kerins followed suit when he finished a free-flowing move to raise another white flag. But Newman’s deadly accuracy from placed balls kept Kilmainham ahead at the break by the minimum, 0-6 to 0-5.

The third quarter belonged to Kilmainham as the men in black and red pushed for home. Another two pointer free from talisman Newman, coupled with points from O’Sullivan and Kilgallen had them 3 points ahead on the scoreboard. Carnaross didn’t panic and had McDermott to thank for two points in this barren period. Farnan and Shane Yore began to run at their opponents which reaped rewards. Kilmainham stopped targeting Newman from kickouts leading to Dermot McGee dictating proceedings, the old warhorse reveling in the red hot heat of a relegation battle. His older brother John L, was sprung from the bench with 20 minutes to go. Carnaross upped the intensity with Kerins blocking a certain point as the defence began to shore up Kilmainham’s forwards. Luke Gillic capped a superb performance with an equally impressive point as the gap was reduced to the minimum with 10 minutes to go. After some patient build up play, Darragh O’Reilly’s pointed effort dropped short onto the edge of the square. Cometh the man and cometh the hour, John L McGee rose highest, to fist the ball into the back of the net as the Carnaross crowd erupted. Not content with a 2 point lead, Oisín Yore dived full length to deny Kilmainham a reprieve before McDermott sent over a miraculous 50 yard two pointer free, from his hands, to leave 4 points in it. Kilmainham continued to fight with valour but Carnaross dispossessed them when Feidhlim Farrelly, emerged with the O’Neills size 5 with seconds remaining, the sigh of relief was audible. The Ross broke for one final attack with Reilly, Gillic and Shane Yore emptying the tank. When Yore was fouled, McDermott converted the free and referee Paddy Clarke called a halt to proceedings.

A 5 point win for Carnaross which didn’t look likely with ten minutes to go. Our poisiton secured in the Junior A ranks for 2026. With a talented and dedicated crop of minors coming through next year, the future is bright. Credit must go to Kilmainham who left everything on the field and were truly gracious in defeat. A proud club with limited numbers but unlimited heart and drive. Special word of thanks to our returning management team of Emmet Daly and Donal Farrelly, who stepped in midseason after a hugely successful debut season with Cavan Ladies. We wish them the best of luck with Cavan next season and are so thankful for their commitment, passion and professionalism.

The club now turns its attention to our Ladies final vs St Mary’s and our Minors Shield Final vs Clonard, both on the following weekend. Get the flags up and the jerseys washed.

Carnaross: Liam Day, Feidhlim Farrelly, James O’Connor, John Reilly (0-1), Paddy Farnan, Adam Kerins (0-1), Shane Yore, Oisín Yore, Luke Gillic (0-1), Charlie Murphy (0-1), Dermot McGee, Darragh O’Reilly (0-2), Paddy Morris, Cillian Comaskey, Paddy McDermott (0-6). Subs: John L McGee (1-0) for Paddy Morris and Tomás Plunkett for Cillian Comaskey.

 

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