Kilbride 0-20 Castletown 1-16

Former Senior Football Championship kingpins Kilbride made the return to the top tier of Meath championship football after this pulsating Intermediate Championship final played in front of a large crown in perfect conditions at Pairc Tailteann.

Kilbride have 5 Keegan Cup titles to their name the last coming at the end of a famous three in a row in 1971. The club’s rise back to former glory began in 2023 with a Junior title. The famous Green and Red won their only IFC title in 11962. 

The outstanding David O’Leary kicked four points (one 2 pointer) in the opening five minutes before the equally impressive Darren Finney landed a brace for Castletown. Kilbride held a 0-7 to 0-4 lead by the end of the first quarter. Points from Kevin Ross and Finney had the lead down to one before Finney was set up for the games only goal and open up a 1-6 to 0-7 lead. Kilbride fought back to level matters and just before the hooter the play of the game arrived. Anthony Moyles' men had possession as the hooter sounded and O’Leary had a goal opportunity saved. Castletown now in possession worked the ball towards the Kilbride half back line but some serious defending won possession back. Keeping ball and well into three minutes of added time Finn White send over the score of the game and Kilbride brought a 0-11 to 1-7 lead to the dressing room.

Castletown started the second half in fine style. Finney with another brace and one from Darragh Weldon had them back in front. Now it was Kilbride’s turn. Josh Hartford (2), Timmy Farrell and Conor McWeeney raised white flags and the teams entered the last quarter level 0-14 to 1-11. With nine minutes remaining Castletown had opened up a 1-15 to 0-16 lead and were looking good for victory. Kilbride’s O’Leary had other ideas. The full forward kicked a brace and with time almost up sent over what would be the winner, after been set up by Conor McWeeney. Castletown to their credit went looking for the equaliser as the hooter sounded. After earning a 45 Kevin Ross’ shot went wide and the Mattie McDonnell Cup was heading the Kilbride amid the green and red flares and the fire works.

Kilbride scorers: David O’Leary 0-9, Josh Harford 0-5, Conor McWeeney and Finn White 0-2 each, Andrew McWeeney and Timmy Farrell 0-1 each

Castletown scorers: Darren Finney 1-5, Rian McConnell, Declan Cribben, Darragh Kelly, Kevin Ross and Darragh Weldon 0-2 each, Adam Matthews 0-1

Referee Joey Curran 

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