U16 Boys Gaelic Football League – Division 2 Final.
Tuesday 22nd May, 2018
Kilmeena vs Knockmore
Breaffy was the host venue for this Division 2 Final between Kilmeena & Knockmore.
Weather conditions were ideal for this game of football – it was dry and sunny with only a very light breeze.
As soon as the ball was thrown in (7.05pm,) the game took on a frantic pace of play. Neither team was willing to give an inch and both defences were to the fore in these early stages. So much so, that any score from open play became a rarity in the opening 30 minutes. In fact most of the first half scores came from frees.
Both sides missed opportunities to register points. Any attempt by Knockmore to grab a major was smothered by the trojan work of the Kilmeena defence; in particular the superb blocking and interceptions of Tom Smythe, Oisin Grimley and Adam Sheridan. At the other end, Mark Hastings was through on goal only to be denied by the Knockmore goalie, who pulled off a superb save.
At the end of a pulsating and entertaining first half, the gap between the sides was just 2 points; Knockmore; 0 - 6, Kilmeena; 0 - 4.
If the first half of a somewhat low scoring 30 minutes of play was about points, then the second half was about goals – scored at crucial times..........
The first of those goals came from the boot of Chris McGlynn, following a determined trademark run through the middle. This score, coming some 4 minutes into the second half was a major boost and gave Kilmeena a one point lead for the second time in the contest. Shortly afterwards, Knockmore pointed to level the match again.
Kilmeena’s only point of the second half came from the efforts of Liam Moore, who came on (corner forward) early in the second half.
With about ten minutes remaining, Kilmeena were on the attack again, only to be turned over and the resulting fast counter-attack by Knockmore yielded a goal for the North Mayo side. Knockmore were back in front but Kilmeena responded; with a second goal of the evening for Chris McGlynn. The game was now there for the taking by either team but it was Knockmore that got the crucial point to edge Kilmeena into second place. Kilmeena did have chances to tie and maybe even sneak a win in those final moments but Knockmore held on to win by the slimmest of margins.
So, a fantastic performance by this Kilmeena U16 side, playing in a very competitive Division 2 league. Knockmore won a final, one in which they had to battle every second to realise. In the end only the minimal score could separate these sides and no doubt the Kilmeena lads, although understandably disappointed at the final whistle, will emerge stronger from this experience.
Here’s to the Championship and the continued heroics.
The panel present this evening comprised of the following:
Cathal Cawley, Chris McGlynn, Adam Sheridan, Tom Smythe, Oisin Grimley, Ronan O’Donnell, Robbie Staunton, Mikey Hastings, Kian Moore,Mark Hastings, Jason McGlynn, Ian Murphy, Chris McNally, Cillian O’Grady, Ben Lennon, Daniel O’Malley, Jack Walsh, Rory Nolan, Harry Sheridan, Liam Moore & Darragh Slattery, Connor Sammon/Keirns
Final Score: Kilmeena; 2 - 5, Knockmore 1 - 9
Click here for images from the match.
