How Kilmeena Minors "WON THE WEST"
In a reversal of previous encounters against near neighbours Burrishoole, the Kilmeena U18’s captured the West Mayo Minor Championship in a pulsating final yesterday evening in Islandeady.
The day had been very wet and the crowds were pouring in. This was always going to be a titanic battle against our closest rivals Burrishoole. This Kilmeena team had only lost twice this year, both times to Burrishoole, they were our bogie team and the pressure was on.
The game started at a frantic pace and scores were going to be hard to find. Kilmeena got on the board first, Burris levelled, Burris went ahead, Kilmeena levelled. Then what happened next, Cillian O Connor would have been proud of. Sean Moore got the ball on the edge of the square and looped it over the Burrishoole keepers head into the back of the net. GOAL!!! Some people said he was going for a point but we know different. After that Kilmeena drove on and finished the half 1 - 06 to 0 - 02.
Both teams were out on their feet after the efforts of the first half. The break was welcomed.
The second half started as the first with both teams exchanging scores and Burrishoole were pressing hard. Our defence was excellent with John Keane and young Ronan O'Donnell playing a stormer.
Kilmeena managed to work the ball down the field and won a free on the 21 yard line, the ball was thrown to Johnny McGlynn, anyone else would have taken their point, we were 5 points up, Burris were after getting a goal, as fast as lightning, he popped the ball inside to Keith Joyce and the ball ended up in the net, Goal!!! the Kilmeena contingent went wild and we knew then we had one hand on the cup.
This was a hard fought victory and great credit must go to both teams for serving up such a feast of great footballing skills.
Great credit also to my fellow mentors John Reilly, Brian Lennon and Billy McGonagle.
We will enjoy this win as I believe it will be the last U18 West Championship to be played in its present format, as and from next year it will be confined to U17’s as proposed by Croke Park.
Kilmeena abu.
Match report; Darren Madden
Final Score:
Kilmeena 2 - 09 1 - 05 Burrishoole
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