Kilcormac Killoughey finish strong to secure crucial win over Clodiagh Gaels

IT wasn’t pretty and it certainly wasn’t the game of the century, but it was a very important victory for Kilcormac Killoughey as they couldn’t afford to lose their opening three games of the season as reigning champions, but equally it’s a tough loss for Clodiagh Gaels, who really missed suspended attacking ace Liam Langton.

Molloy Precast and Environmental Systems Senior B Hurling Championship Round 3

Kilcormac Killoughey 1-12

Clodiagh Gaels 0-13

Having been defeated by Clara the previous game when they really should have won, this will feel like a real blow for their season with regards attempting to win the Senior B having been in the last two deciders. It’s a bitter pill to swallow as they were overall the better side on the night - despite only scoring 0-6 from play, they will feel that was a result that has gotten away from them. 

Cathal Brady’s late penalty following a foul near the goal on Anthony Gorman was a moment which could have ended the game as a contest, with the score at 0-12 to 1-9, Brady stepped up but Shane Mulrooney went the right way and saved it and thus the resulting 65 was also off target and that felt like a real turning point in terms of the result as it gave KK that extra bit of motivation to go and snatch the win away from their opponents, with Shane Guinan and Harry Sweeney coming up with two late scores to seal victory. 

On a night when the game itself lacked a bit of bite and excitement, with the first half an hour being a bit of a timid sort of encounter, as the sides were level at 0-7 each at the break and with the score only being 0-4 to 0-2 at half time from play, the game didn’t have that spark to it that one might have anticipated. 

The second half saw some improvements from a scores from play perspective, with the likes of Anthony Gorman ending the game with 0-2, Lochlann Kavanagh adding to his two points in the first half, and James Kilmartin and Conor Langton adding respective scores for their sides. 

The game was in the favour of Clodiagh Gaels until Karl Guinan came up with a great individual goal on the half forward line and his driven effort found the net and suddenly gave KK the lead, and thus allowing KK to end the game stronger of the two sides, despite conceding a late penalty which could have lost it for them. It was a vital win for the side as they now turn their attention to Coolderry in two weeks time, while Clodiagh Gaels have it all to do against a strong Lusmagh team. 

MATCH ANALYSIS

MAN OF THE MATCH

Enda Grogan (Kilcormac-Killoughey): Alan Spain had a solid game at corner back, Richie Bracken did well at wing back, with the likes of Shane Guinan working very hard in the forward line, as well as Shane Mulrooney in goals both saving a penalty and being cool under pressure.

Aaron Flanagan was his usual solid at full back, Anthony Gorman got two good scores and looked a threat, and Eoin Dunne put in a good evening’s work.

Enda Grogan stood out at centre back and laid the foundation as well as showing his experience in critical moments. He led the back line and delivered excellent passes into the forwards. 

THE SCORERS

Kilcormac Killoughey: Dylan Hand (4frees) 0-4, Lochlann Kavanagh (1free) 0-3, Karl Guinan 1-0, Shane Guinan 0-2, Oisin Kilmartin, James Kilmartin and Harry Sweeney 0-1 each. 

Clodiagh Gaels: Cathal Brady (7frees) 0-7, Anthony Gorman 0-2, Pat Lyons, Aaron Rattigan, Ben O’Brien and Conor Langton 0-1 each. 

THE TEAMS

CLODIAGH GAELS: Kevin Kinahan; Sean Brady, Aaron Flanagan, Anthony Gorman; Sean Rattigan, Clint Horan (C), Jack Kelly; Tom Dunne, Eoin Dunne; Pat Lyons, Liam Langton, Ruairi Dunne; Mark Dillon, Cathal Brady, Aaron Rattigan. Subs– Caolon Flanagan for Brady (11m), Conor Langton for Gorman (HT), Anthony Gorman for Rattigan (56m), Emmet Curley for Dunne (56m).

KILCORMAC-KILLOUGHEY: Shane Mulrooney; Shane Melia (C), Charlie Bracken, Alan Spain; Harry Sweeney; Enda Grogan, Richie Bracken; Oisin Kilmartin, Dylan Hand; Shane Guinan, James Kilmartin, Karl Guinan; Jimmy Geraghty, Conor Quinn, Lochlann Kavanagh. Subs– Leigh Kavanagh for Bracken (43m), Richie Bracken for Kilmartin (50m) .

Referee - Joey Deehan, Clara.

REFEREE WATCH

Joey Deehan had a good game on Friday evening. The penalty will feel harsh from a KK perspective but it was the right decision and other than, he let the game flow and never had a major decision to make aside from the penalty and overall had a good game in the middle. 

MOMENT OF THE MATCH

Shane Mulrooney’s penalty save from Cathal Brady proved to be a pivotal moment as it prevented Clodiagh Gaels from going three in front towards the end and thus gave KK the initiative to go and win the game and get two late points to ultimately secure the two points.

VENUE WATCH

Glenisk O’Connor Park played host this evening and there were no issues in the ground. The pitch was in good condition, plenty of stewards around, and there was a relatively decent crowd for the game. 

WHAT'S NEXT

Kilcormac Kiloughey face Coolderry in round 3, while Clodiagh Gaels take on Lusmagh in Kilcormac.

STATISTICS

Wides: Clodiagh Gaels –  8 ( 2 in first half); Kilcormac Killoughey – 12  ( 10 in first half).

Yellow cards: Clodiagh Gaels – 0; Kilcormac Killoughey  – 1 (Shane Melia)

Red cards: 0