Jun B FC semi final: Morgan points Kilmainham to the final

Kilmainham's Dylan Morgan

Kilmainham 3-14, Boardsmill 1-11 

We made the short trip to Cortown on Friday 18th September 2026 to take on Boardsmill for a place in the Junior B Final on Sun 4th October. Both sides haven't played each other in a long time. Any team that is still left in the championship at this stage are there on merit and our lads knew that they were in for one hell of a battle to get the win. The weather conditions were atrocious for both teams on the night, with a large crowd gathered. Cortown GFC must be commended for having their pitch in excellent condition, having plenty of stewards on the night and for the match programs and warm cup of tea. 

Our lads got off to the dream start. Mickey Newman gained possession in midfield from the throw up and he drove through the Boardsmill defence, he offloaded to Michael Hoey who finished low to the Boardsmill net. Boardsmill responded with some good team play but were unable to get their shots on target on a difficult night for forwards. Dylan Morgan launched a brilliant two pointer on 7 minutes to push us further in front. Boardsmill responded with two points from free's. They then lost one of their backs to a black card from what appeared to be dissent. Morgan then slotted over another free, followed by a good point from play. Lewis Curran and Shane Morgan were dominating on the Boardsmill kick out. Mark Newman then capitalised on an error by the Boardsmill keeper to hit the Baordsmill net for the second time on 17 minutes. Boardsmill were determined to stay in the game, and they hit a very good two pointer of their own to narrow the gap. Morgan and Hoey scored a point each from play. Boardsmill were awarded a free, that they slotted over to complete the first half scoring. A good first half from the lads against the wind in difficult conditions. The Kilmainham defence were excellent in the opening half. 

Half-time score: Kilmainham 2-7, Boardsmill 0-5. 

The message from the Kilmainham dressing room at half-time would have been, that this match is not over and to keep doing what you were doing in the first half. Kilmainham had the wind in this half. It was Boardsmill that nearly got off to the dream start, when Terence Dlay had to make a smart save to keep them out. They then converted 2 free's in a row to reduce the deficit to 6 points. They had a bit of momentum. Mickey Newman burst their bubble with a brilliant run through the middle; he played a one two to Dylan Morgan before side footing into the Boardsmill net. 9 points in it. He had another similar goal chance a minute later, but this time his effort came back off the inside of the Boardsmill post and the ball was cleared to safety. Mark Newman then received what seemed like a harsh black card on 12 minutes. Boardsmill took advantage with a goal of their own. Back to 6 points. Up stepped Dylan Morgan to hit to excellent points from play. Michael Hoey then landed a monster two-point effort. Boardsmill replied with a point. Mark Newman re-entered the field to kick a point. Morgan, Hoey and 

substitute Scott Lynch all scored as Kilmainham kept their noses in front. Our lads shored up the defence very well in the closing stages as Boardsmill had no option but to go for goals. Kilmainham's game management of different phases of the match went a long way towards achieving a final spot as the referee Patrick Clarke blew for full-time. The pitch was invaded by both young and not so young where sheer relief and delight was expressed as the lads got the result that they had wanted. Hard luck to Boardsmill on the night. They gave it absolutely everything in a titanic battle in a good sporting match. 

Our lads will await the outcome of the Cortown and Kilmainhamwood match on Sunday morning to see who they will face on Sunday 4th October at 12pm. Venue to be decided when opposition is known. 

We would like to thank the massive crowd of kids and adults that came out to cheer us on in miserable conditions last night. Your support means everything to us. Let's get our red and black flags out and bunting up outside our homes and around our community in the build-up to the final. Roll on Sunday 4th Octbober. 

Best for Kilmainham were: Dylan Morgan, Mark Newman, Stephen Newman, Lewis Curran and Andy Arkins. 

Kilmainham: Terence Daly, Jamie O’ Sullivan, Stephen Newman, Phily Mahon, Seanie Mahon, Harry Newman, Lewis Curran, Declan Mullen, Mickey Newman (1-0), Shane Morgan, Andy Arkins, Michael Hoey (1-4), Dylan Morgan (0-8), Ger Morgan, Mark Newman (1-1). 

Subs: Larry Morgan for Andy Arkins, Scott Lynch (0-1) for Shane Morgan, Podge Caffrey for Jamie O' Sullivan, Fergal Black for Lewis Curran, Dean Peppard, Adam McManus, Troy Flanagan, Freddie Newman and Jake O’ Rourke.