IFC v Maryland
Our Shay Murtagh Precast Intermediate Football Championship Section B Round 4 fixture will have to be played again after last Saturday evening’s game in Killucan was abandoned after 44 minutes due to an injury to a Maryland player.
There were worrying scenes when Cian Rainey remained prostrate following a three-player collision two minutes into the second half which also involved a team-mate and Paul Fennell, who also took a knock to his leg before being assisted to the sideline. A 12-minute stoppage ensued while the Maryland wing back was treated by medics before referee Mickey Dan Murtagh sensibly decided to call a halt to proceedings.
The stricken player continued to receive treatment until an ambulance, which had come from Naas, arrived more than an hour after it was called. Thankfully, Cian’s injury wasn’t as serious as first feared – he suffered bruised ribs and slight concussion – and was released from hospital later that night. We wish him and, indeed, Paul Fennell a speedy recovery.
The injury overshadowed what had been an entertaining game up until then. We were leading by 0-12 to 0-9, but Maryland had got the first score of the second half and had turned around with wind advantage. With players having hurling commitments next weekend, a re-fixture is expected to be announced for midweek.
Points from Darragh Coffey, Niall Carey and Paul Fennell handed us the early initiative before Maryland shot five unanswered points to lead by double-scores. But boosted by three two-pointers – two from Conor Delaney and one from Fennell – we turned a 0-3 to 0-6 deficit into a 0-11 to 0-6 lead in a blistering five-minute spell.
Darragh Coffey was also unlucky to have a goal disallowed after being penalised for a push in the back as Maryland got two points back for Nigel Scally converted a free on the stroke of half-time to send us into the dressing rooms with a 0-12 to 0-8 lead.
Scorers: Conor Delaney 0-4 (2px2), Paul Fennell (2p, 1f) and Darragh Coffey 0-3 each, Niall Carey and Nigel Scally (1f) 0-1 each.
Team: Conor Mullins; Shaun Pidgeon, James Fox, Mel Kiernan; Micheál Coffey, Colin Draper, Conor Carroll; Niall Carey, Ray Kennedy; Paul Fennell, Cillian Rochford, Darragh Coffey; Conor Delaney, Nigel Scally, Dean Fitzgerald. Sub used: Padraig Carton.
Ladies march on
With their backs to the wall after successive defeats, our ladies footballers produced a terrific performance to beat a strong Shandonagh team by 4-5 to 0-8 and qualify for the Wright Windows Junior Championship quarter-final at MJS St James’ Park last Thursday evening.
This is a huge achievement considering it’s the team’s first year back together. In what was a do-or-die game for both sides, every Kilbeggan player was brilliant, none more so than goalkeeper Morna Brady who kept a clean sheet after pulling off a string of great saves. And what can we say about young Grace Maloney who came off the bench in the second half to coolly slot home a penalty with her first touch?
Showing no hangover from their comprehensive defeat to Tyrrellspass six days earlier, Brendan Nannery’s charges signalled their intent by racing into a 1-3 to 0-0 lead inside the first 12 minutes thanks to points from Aíne Pettit (free), Jill Draper and Aoibhín Jackson, and a brilliant individual goal from midfield dynamo Ayesha Roche.
Shandonagh replied with four unanswered points and also missed a number of other chances before Aoibhín Jackson gave us some breathing space again when she raised our second green flag via the inside of the left post. The visitors scored the last two points of the half to leave just three in it, 0-6 to 2-3, at the break.
When Shandonagh reduced the deficit to two points after the restart, the game was up for grabs. But we kept our composure and got a big break in the 43rd minute when Jill Draper scored a goal directly from a retaken free.
That gave the girls a new lease of life and they put the result beyond doubt five minutes later when Maloney netted from the penalty spot after Roche was fouled. Draper (free) and substitute Gillian Heeney followed up late points as Shandonagh were restricted to just two points in the second period.
We can now look forward to a quarter-final against Delvin/St Paul’s later this week at a time and venue to be confirmed, the winner of which will face Tyrrellspass in the semi-finals.
Team: Morna Brady; Olivia Wrafter, Fiona Dixon, Ellie Fitzpatrick; Abbie Coffey, Chloe Ruane, Aislinn Carey; Ayesha Roche, Ava Rochford; Aíne Pettit, Jill Draper (captain), Aideen Pettit; Aleisha Fitzgerald, Aoibhín Jackson, Anna Wrafter.
Subs used: Jennifer Barrett, Gillian Heeney, Grace Maloney, Bláithín Kelly and Carol McCabe. Rest of panel: Aoife Finn, Sarah Kiernan, Chloe Gannon, Sharon Doonan, Louise Whelan, Narelle Saward, Holly Doyle.
Busy times
A busy week awaits with our men’s, ladies, U16 boys, minor boys and U14 girls all involved in big knockout championship games. Best of luck to each of them and their mentors.
Ploughing fundraiser
We are running a fundraising event at the National Ploughing Championships in Screggan next week and need volunteers to help us out.
We are seeking volunteers for each of the three days – Tuesday, September 16, Wednesday, September 17 and Thursday, September 18 from 8am to 1pm. All volunteers get free entry to enjoy the event after their shift. If you can help on any of the days, please contact Niall Carey (085 8175564) or any club member.
This fundraiser is vital to support our day-to-day running costs.
Lotto
Last week’s lucky numbers were 3, 8, 15 and 27. There was no jackpot winner. The Match 3 winners were Keith Gorry, John O’Brien and Elaine Brady.
The jackpot has been capped at €15,000 until it is won again. Make sure to buy your tickets online or at Centra, Mace and Whelan’s. Thank you for your continued support.
Sympathy
Deepest sympathy is extended to ladies football stalwart Bernie Barrett and the Quinn family on the passing of Ann Corcoran, Arden Lane, Tullamore and Horseleap, last week. May she rest in peace.
