Friday 29th October 2021
Kilmeena vs Crossmolina
Match report by Michael O Grady
A tight game until the final quarter – Kilmeena struggled to find any rhythm in the first quarter, got into it in the second quarter to level matters at the small whistle, traded scores in the third period to maintain parity entering the final quarter,only to lose concentration and cohesion in the final quarter, which ultimately allowed Crossmolina over the line first.
The collective loss of No.s 3, 6 and 14 through injury prior to this fixture, didn’t help the cause of the men in Black & White but the 15 players and the subs that took to the field this evening, gave it their all and played with commendable positivity and determination throughout.
On a calm but wet evening, the game was played under lights at Mulvey Park (Castlebar). Throw-in was set for 7.30pm but the ref got proceedings under way at 7.26pm – he’s probably not a fan of standing around......in the rain!!
Crossmolina got off to the better start and by the first water break they were 4 points to 1 up – Kilmeena seemed a bit edgy on the ball, with misplaced passes and turnovers allowing Crossmolina the attacking advantage.
After the first water-break, Kilmeena settled and posted four points to one for Crossmolina – 3 from Darragh Slattery (2 converted frees) and a nice point from Jack Mulchrone (to add to his earlier minor).
So at half time, it was all square – 5 points apiece.
There was little to separate the sides in the third quarter. The North Mayo men claimed the first 2 points of this period and Kilmeena needed something to stay in touch of what was (up to this stage) a low scoring encounter. And then out of nothing, a quick ball into the Crossmolina half of the pitch found Chris McGlynn and the Kilmeena No.7 took route 1 towards the Crossmolina gaol and blasted the O’Neils to the net. Darragh Slattery followed up with a converted free to give the men in black and white a two point lead. But this was short lived and a lapse in concentration by Kilmeena allowed Crossmolina possession which they converted to a goal.Kilmeena managed another point from play to level the contest at 1 -7 apiece at the end of the third quarter.
The final quarter was all about goals and this period delivered 5 majors. Unfortunately for Kilmeena, 3 of these goals were green flags for Crossmolina.
Kilmeena did manage 2 goals. Following some nice interplay build-up, Chris McGlynn scored his second of the evening. In injury time, a loose ball hit in from a Kilmeena free allowed Rian Kilcoyne to exploit the panic in the Crossmolina defence, to score a late goal for the men in Black and White.
But with Crossmolina having added 3 points to their final quarter of 3 goals, the contest was gone beyond the Kilmeena men.
A disappointing final result given the position that Kilmeena found themselves in going into the final 15 minutes of this contest but, there can be no arguing that the better side on the evening won out. The Kilmeena lads can be proud of their achievement in reaching a County Final and one which on another day, they may well have came out on top had they not been blighted by injured personnel.
To this group of footballers, we say ‘Thanks for all the entertainment and keep at it’.
Final score: Kilmeena; 3 – 7, Crossmolina; 4 – 10
The panel present this evening comprised of the following:
Evan O’Donnell, Jack Walsh, Harry Sheridan, Rian Kilcoyne, Ben Lennon, Oisin Grimley, Chris McGlynn, Liam Moore, Colin Hastings, Jack Mulchrone, Darragh Slattery, Brian Durkan, Daniel O’Malley (Capt.), Cillian O’Grady, Ciaran Kilcoyne, Cormac Lyons, Conor Feehan, Sean Prenty, Adam O’Grady, Sean Gallagher, Conal Gill, Josh Browne, Conor Kelly, Cormac Feehan, Rory Nolan.
Click on the link below for more images. The photographer gives apologies for the poor quality photos due to the torrential rain and lightning condition on the night.
Comments