Rebel Og North Division 1 Football Champions
October 16, 2021
Killavullen defeated a very game Duarigle Gaels team on Saturday (16th) in the excellent facility that is Castlemagner to win the Rebel Og North Division 1 Minor Football Championship, on a final score of 2-09 to 0-12.
Killavullen had some very accomplished displays on the day, none more so, than Patrick O Grady who was very, very good at centre back, but it would be remiss to focus on one player, when every single player, on the team, and squad played their part, in the path to the final, and the ultimate success. Goals by Kian Lane and Oisin Larkin proved to be decisive.
So to the match report, the day had finally come for our u17 footballers, the North region, taking in Avondhu and Duhallow regions, division one championship final had arrived. Killavullen, who looked to maintain an unbeaten run throughout this championship, took on Duarigle Gaels, a worthy opponent who was sure to test the resilience of the young men of Killavullen who were one game away from history. Duarigle Gaels are the juvenile amalgamated teams from Cullen and Millstreet
From the minute the ball landed from the throw-in, there was an air of determination surrounding our Killavullen men. Rory O Regan, who can command any game, opened the scoring for the blues. Only moments later, Duarigle Gaels found out just how hard it is to stop wing forward Kian Lane when he is in full motion, blink and you could miss it. Kian went barrelling towards goal, evading every tackle to calmly slot the ball into the back of the net. Before the clapping could even, finish the same man again, Kian soared the ball over the bar on the next play. The Killavullen pressure did not let up, which was aided by brick wall defending from the likes of Conor Brennan and Donal Cronin, both had exceptional games on the day. Rory O Regan added another point to his scoresheet to further the early Killavullen advantage. Killavullen’s next score, to an outsider, would seem like an unlikely source, but those who have been watching captain Niall Murray all year know just how lethal he can be from a 45. Duarigle Gaels opened their scoring with 5 minutes left in the first quarter, with 2 points in quick succession from their most dangerous player, number 20. However, his danger was masterfully managed from a wonderful marking display from Joe Cagney. Rory O Regan added another score just before the break to leave it Killavullen 1-5, Duarigle Gaels 0-2.
The 2nd quarter saw the pendulum swing slightly in Duarigle Gael's favour. With dangerous runners confident on the ball, the opposition drove at the Killavullen defence. They achieved success at times, with more scores coming from number 20, as well as their pacey corner forward, but, overall Killavullen’s defence stood firm, led by Patrick O Grady, who showed everyone watching why he is a cork minor, his calmness on the ball, his ability to pick a pass, and his effective runs tortured the Duarigle Gaels side. However, on a dangerous run by Duarigle Gaels, Patrick was deemed to have taken out a runner off the ball and received a black card. Killavullen struggled for scores in this period, with just one point coming from a well taken free by Rory Regan. Killavullen 1-6, Duarigle Gaels 0-5.
The third period of play saw a back and forward swing of momentum between both sides. However, throughout this period, the Killavullen midfielders remained constantly working at a high level, with Jamie Magner making his signature forward runs and Colm O Mahony providing great defensive cover. Duarigle Gaels were first to strike this quarter with their number 18 making space and scoring a great point. Later into the quarter, Rory again fired over a great score for Killavullen from a contested position. But the biggest moment in this period came at the hands of Oisin Larkin, who used his massive stature to collect a looping ball at the edge of the square, dummied the keeper wonderfully and had a clear strike into an empty net. Duarigle Gaels did not drop their heads though clawing back a further 3 points this period. Killavullen 2-8, Duarigle Gaels 0-9.
With still all to play for going into the closing 15 minutes, Killavullen introduced Owen Magner in place of Chris O Callaghan, who, after taking a knock early put in a great effort to keep going. As the quarter got underway, the Killavullen forwards kept putting pressure on the Duarigle Gaels defence. Although not on the scoresheet, both Barry Cotter and Evan Magner put in a terrific effort on the day providing the vast majority of assists throughout. Patrick O Grady’s return since the black card was never more evident than in this period. He held up the play, killing the time on the clock. Unfortunately, for Killavullen, in the final 10 minutes, one of our players received a second yellow, which on first look seemed soft, but nonetheless Killavullen were down to 14 again.
Strong defensive work from the likes of Dan Cronin and his fellow backs allowed Killavullen to keep Duarigle Gaels at bay. Although, the faith of the match was sealed with Eoin O Hanlon kicking a glorious point in the dying embers of the game. Killavullen won and were crowned champions! Lights flashed and horns did echo in the village once again, History made.
Killavullen have now won a division 1 grade and Division 2 grade minor championship in three years, which is one hell of an achievement.
Afterwards, Sean McAuliffe, from Kilbrin, and representing Rebel Óg North region, presented the cup to our captain, Niall Murray, who graciously accepted it, on behalf of the team. In his speech afterwards, Niall thanked his fellow players, for the effort that they put in all year, and commiserated especially with his cousin, Ultan Cottey who had to sit out the final with a cruciate knee injury. Niall also thanked the selectors, Finny Magner, Kevin Rice, Kevin O Regan, Ian Roche, and especially, Dave Brosnan, as minor team manager.
The team and panel was as follows;
1.Niall Murray (0-1)
2.Dan Cronin
3.Donal Cronin
4.Conor Brennan
5.Eoin O Hanlon (0-1)
6.Patrick O Grady
7.Joe Cagney
8.Jamie Magner
9.Colm O Mahony
10.Kian Lane (1-3)
11.Chris O Callaghan
12.Barry Cotter
13.Oisin Larkin (1-0)
14.Rory Regan (0-4)
15.Evan Magner
SUBSTITUTES
17.James Lyons
18.Stephen Rea
19.Colm Hannon
20.Ian O Mahony
21.Owen Magner (on for Chris O Callaghan)
22.Luke Carey
23.Tomas Fennell
24.Adam Lillis
25.Eoin Forde
26.Colm Hayes
28.Darragh O Connor
