ONE STEP CLOSER TO SILVERWARE FOR OUR U18’S
August 26, 2021
When silverware is up for grabs, you can always be assured of a battle when our Killavullen boys are on the field, and Wednesday night was no different. Killavullen u18’s took on a strong Duarigle Gaels team in the semi-final of the plate in this Division one clash.
Right from the whistle both teams showed a level of aggression and intensity beyond their years. It was Duarigle Gaels who opened the scoring through their key danger man on the night, their corner forward. Killavullen did well to quickly respond as Rory Regan and his trusty left leg put Killavullen on the scoresheet. Killavullen added another point through the pacey Jack Martin, who put in a massive shift up and down the pitch. Killavullen began to assert dominance in overall possession in this period which translated onto the scoreboard as Seamus O Mahony added a further two points to the tally. This would foreshadow a big night of scoring for the Captain. Unfortunately for Killavullen their hard work was cancelled out on the stroke of the first water break as Duarigle Gaels corner forward appeared again, and this time found the back of the net twice in quick succession. Killavullen 0-4, Duarigle Gaels 2-1.
In the second quarter, our Killavullen side were able to brush off the effects of the opposition goals and continued to control the play, largely thanks to the work of players such as midfielders Jamie Magner and Ronan Barry. All Killavullen scores in this quarter came from the boot of Seamus O Mahony, who led by example climbing Killavullen out of their deficit with two big scores from play with both being highly contested shots. Duarigle Gaels were able to respond to this with a score of their own from their full forward, but this was their only score in this period thanks to Trojan defending from our two back lines with all 6 men glued to their counterparts giving the opposition little options. Seamus O Mahony finished off the scoring in this period with a well taken free. Killavullen 0-7, Duarigle Gaels 2-2.
The 3rd quarter saw the addition of Eoghan O Hanlon and Joseph Cagney, who replaced corner forwards Colm Nagle and Ferghal Hogan who both put in a great display during the half creating some great opportunities. With all Killavullen's possession which they had enjoyed during this game, they still found themselves behind on the scoreboard at the opening of this period. However, this would change, as Seamus O Mahony scored a difficult point with his back to goal to bring the game level. Killavullen then took the lead soon after with two scores from Rory Regan, both showcasing his strength and confidence in the big moments. Killavullen lost Ultan Cottey in the latter stages of the quarter due to injury which was a blow to Killavullen as he had given an outstanding display until then. Soon after, Duarigle Gaels won a free to bring them one point closer going into the final water break. Killavullen 0-10, Duarigle Gaels 2-3.
With all to play for and both sides visibly fatigued, it was clear to be an exciting final period. Duarigle Gaels showed great fight in this quarter emptying their tanks with every run they made. They were soon rewarded with a score bringing the sides level. Players such as Kian Lane really stood out in this quarter for his determination to fight for every ball while devastating Duarigle Gaels with his pace. In the closing minutes, with the ball being scrambled around in the Killavullen full forward line, Seamus O Mahony again found himself on the ball and drills it over the bar. Duarigle Gaels continued to fight scoring another point in the dying embers of the game but it would not be enough as again, Seamus o Mahony stepped up for his team and Calmly slotted the ball over the bar and the whistle was sounded. Duarigle Gael’s team was visibly annoyed at the possibility of an early whistle but nevertheless Killavullen walked away victorious and into a Final.
1.Niall Murray
2.Sean Bartley
3.Sean Palmer
4.Donal Cronin
5.Shane Walsh
6.Michael Cagney
7.Jack Martin (0-1)
8.Ronan Barry
9.Jamie Magner
10.Ultan Cottey
11.Seamus O Mahony (0-8)
12.Kian Lane
13.Ferghal Hogan
14.Rory Regan (0-3)
15.Colm Nagle
SUBSTITUTES
17.Dan Cronin
18.Stephen Rea (on for Ultan Cottey)
19.Ian O Mahony
20.Barry Cotter
21.Conor Brennan
22.Colm Hannon
23.Colm O Mahony
24.Owen Magner
25.Joe Cagney (on for Colm Nagle)
26.Eoghan O Hanlon (on for Ferghal Hogan)