Kilmeena and Knockmore met on Sunday in a vital top of the table clash. Again the game was played in stormy conditions, and after the toss, Kilmeena were faced with the prospect of playing into a strong wind.

The game started well for Kilmeena with the defence absorbing early knockmore pressure. then a lucky break from a Kilmeena defensive lapse presented Knockmore with an early goal which was followed by a white flag.

Kilmeena were finding it difficult to launch attacks, but after settling down, they enjoyed a very positive spell when we put the visitors under sustained pressure. Joey Smyth converted a penalty, Darragh Keaveney tapped over two fine frees, and Alan Ryan completed a fine finish after a good incisive move.

In this spell, the Kilmeena lads played some excellent football. the range of passing, support play and off loads were out of the top drawer. When in possession, the Knockmore men were hounded continuously and put under serious pressure.

The half ended with Knockmore using the breeze to their advantage and tagging on four points to leave the sides level at half time.

The second half started with Knockmore exerting a more physical influence on the game. In the first few minutes it was evident that nothing was going to come easy with the breeze with both teams bedding down for what seemed like a war of attrition. Scores from Seanie Ryder and Alan Ryan settled things down, but Knockmore served a warning by coming back with a point. A couple of Darragh Keaveney frees put the margin out to 3, and then a high speculative ball into the small square from the visitors ended up in the back of the net. The scores were level, but then a quick raid downfield and an Alan Ryan point had us in front again. Now kilmeena were in no mood to let this one slip and another free from Darragh Keaveney eased the margin out to two. A quick thinking Nially Duffy free kick inside to Nially Ryan and the veteran made no mistake with his thunderous strike to the back of the neck.

Further scores from Seanie Ryder, Conor Madden, Chris Heanue and Nially Ryan stretched out the margin. A long raking run from Stephen Staunton ended with him finding the top corner of the net. Darragh Keaveney completed the day with another free, and at the final whistle, the result was a comprehensive victory for the men in black and white.

It is very difficult to single out men for special mention on a day when all 19 players used played a huge part in this victory. Andrew Grealis had a fine game in goals making a critical second half save and using his kickout to good effect. The full back line of Staunton, Hastings and Keane were steady throughout. The half back line were imperious with Madden, Feehan, and Heanue all having excellent individual displays. John Ryans link play in defence was excellent. The midfield duo of Sheridan and Duffy showed massive work rate, with Groden and Reilly coming in to pick up and add lots of energy to the sector. The half forward line of Nially Ryan, Seanie Ryder and Joey Smyth displayed excellent skill in tricky conditions and worked so hard off the ball. Keith Joyce and Seanie Barrett worked tirelessly when they came in. Up front Darragh Keaveney and Alan Ryan both led the line with telling effect and caused havoc with their constant movement.

 

Promotion for this squad is now within reach, and when the story of this season is written, it will be this performance which will demonstrate this team's passion, dedication and sheer will to win.

Kilmeena      1 - 8       1 - 13      Ballycastle

Kilmeena and Ballycastle locked horns again at Mchale Pk in this championship replay. Unfortunately this time, the Ballycastle men were to emerge as well deserved winners. Again the game was played with a strong wind, and Kilmeena kicked into it in the first half. 

The game started with Kilmeena taking control and dominating possession. They were keeping the ball well, but there was no real penetration up front as Ballycastle defended deep. A lack of patience meant possession being turned over very quickly in a number of attacks and both teams exchanged the first two scores of the game. Kilmeena continued to control the ball, but Ballycastle eased ahead by 4 points with a couple of long distance scores and through free kicks conceded by Kilmeena ill discipline.

Then a couple of scores from Kilmeena brought the margin back to two with five minutes of the half remaining, and it looked like Kilmeena were controlling the game with the advantage of the elements of the second half to come. However, for the next 20 minutes either side of half time Kilmeena did not trouble the umpires flags while Ballycastle were to open up a 10 point gap.

The half ended with 3 Ballycastle points which left the score at Half time

Kilmeena needed to start the scond half strong, but within minutes after a defensive lapse Ballycastle scored a fisted goal. This lifted Ballycastle and had the opposite effect on the the Kilmeena lads. Like a boxer on the ropes they came under serious pressure as Ballycastle tagged on another two points. At this stage Ballycastle were fighting for every ball. On a Kilmeena raid on goal 3 Ballycastle payers ended up left on the floor throwing everything into blocks as they successfully cleared the ball.

Going into the final quarter Kilmeena stemmed the flow with a point, and then a speculative lob from Conor Madden ended up in the net. Two further points and Kilmeena were edging back into the game. Ballycastle managed to get upfield for a score, but Kilmeena came roaring back with two further points to leave only a goal in it. However, the comeback was stifled with two Ballycastle attacks ending in points to put the game beyond doubt.

There can be no argument about this defeat. We were beaten by a team who were prepared to throw themselves physically into the game and with more penetration in their attack. The game swung on small margins, but Ballycastle were deserved winners in the end, and it is they who march on to the county semi-final.