Leinster Club JFC semi-final v Milltown

Our dreams of reaching the AIB Leinster Club Junior Football Championship final were dashed by Kildare kingpins Milltown in tough conditions in Rochfortbridge last Saturday afternoon.

Sadly, this semi-final – which was played before another bumper crowd – proved to be a bridge too far for us after Milltown cut loose in the second half to run out convincing 1-16 to 2-6 winners. The sides were level at half-time, 0-6 to 1-3, but crucially Milltown had the elements behind them in the second half and never looked back after midfielder Kevin Byrne powered through for a brilliant goal two minutes after the restart.

While it was a disappointing end to our season, we couldn’t be any prouder of the players who, in winning the county JFC title and two rounds of the Leinster, went on a 10-game unbeaten run. They brought the whole town and parish together and on a wonderful journey over the last few months. We’re back in the intermediate ranks for 2024 and are looking to the future with renewed optimism.

Milltown were a step above anything we have faced this year and signalled their intent with the first two points against the wind from Ben Curran and Conor Sheerin. Nigel Scally got Kilbeggan off the mark in the fifth minute before Ronan O’Shea restored Milltown’s two-point advantage with a third point from as many attacks.

Niall O’Brien’s charges took the lead for the only time in the ninth minute when Brendan McMahon and Darragh Coffey combined to set up David Fennell for a well-taken goal. Milltown were back in front, however, by the end of the first quarter thanks to points from Sheerin (free) and Curran on the counterattack.

The excellent Patrick Donohue converted a free which had been brought forward for dissent in the 23rd minute before we regained parity at the break through a long-range Paul Fennell free from the hands and a second Scally point following a patient build-up.

Facing into the wind and rain, we needed a good start to the second half but instead Milltown got it when Byrne ran onto a pass from full back Cian Buckley at pace and sent a rocket of a shot to the roof of the net. That goal gave the boys in green a huge lift and they quickly tagged on points from Donohue (free) and Declan McKenna after Paul Fennell had uncharacteristically missed a close-in free.

Darragh Coffey eventually opened our second half account with a shot that whistled just over the crossbar in the 41st minute, but the momentum remained firmly with the Kildare outfit who pushed out their lead to six with a free from Donohue and his first from play.

David Fennell was dragged down just outside the 13-metre line at the other end and Conor Delaney converted the resultant free to make it 1-5 to 1-10 heading into the final quarter. But Milltown really upped the ante at this stage and rattled off six unanswered points per Donohue (three), McKenna, Aaron Jacob and Ronan O’Shea to open up an 11-point gap.

As they have done all season, Kilbeggan battled to the end and were rewarded with a scrambled goal from Paul Fennell after Darragh Coffey’s initial shot was blocked and a Delaney free, with both scores coming in injury-time.

We would like to wish both Niall Carey – who missed last Saturday’s game with torn ligaments – and Sean Hanlon – who retired in the early stages with suspected concussion – speedy recoveries. A big thank you also to Niall O'Brien and his management team of Willie Daniels, Dermot Smith, Kevin Smith and James Mullins for all their work this year.

Roll on 2024!

Team: Joey O’Neill; Sean Hanlon, James Fox, Martin Ward; Conor Carroll, Aidan Stone, Mark Wrafter; Darragh Coffey, Brendan McMahon; Paul Fennell, Shaun Pidgeon, Micheál Coffey; David Fennell, Conor Delaney, Nigel Scally. Subs: Colin Draper for Hanlon (12 min, injured), Danny Scully for M Coffey (45 min), Dean Fitzgerald for McMahon (45 min).

AGM

Our AGM will take place in the GP Room, Scoil an Chlochair on Sunday, December 10 at 7pm.

All members are requested to attend this very important meeting. Nominations must be submitted before December 6. You can email your nominations to secretary.kilbegganshamrocks.westmeath@gaa.ie or request a nomination form from James Claffey on 087 281 9741. We are seeking nominations in particular for secretary and assistant treasurer.

Mothers & Others Car Boot Sale

Our Gaelic 4 Mothers & Others team are hosting a car boot sale at MJS Builds St James’ Park on Sunday, December 10 between 11am and 2pm.

Anyone interested in entering a car should contact Gertrude on 086 060 7847.

Scór Table Quiz

A table quiz in aid of Kilbeggan Scór will take place in McNamara’s Bar on Friday, December 15 at 7pm.

Tables of four cost €40. For more information, contact 087 945 8045.

Lotto

Last week’s lucky numbers were 11, 13, 20 and 22 The Match 3 winners were Michael McHugh, Angela Doonan and Michael Coffey. Thanks to everyone for their support. The jackpot is capped at €15,000. You can purchase your tickets in local shops or online.

Hall of Fame

Congratulations to Sean Rochford who was inducted into the Lansdowne Rugby Club Hall of Fame in New York last week.