Kinsella stars in fine victory
Shillelagh/Coolboy triumph
SHILL/COOLBOY AUGHRIM 1-14 1-12
A towering performance from Wayne Kinsella helped Shillelagh/ Coolboy to a deserved two-point victory over Aughrim at the Fairgreen and hoist the amalgamated side up to third spot in a competitive Division 3 league table.
Kinsella’s 10-point haul (six frees) and his overall showing was a major factor in deciding who would come out on top in this entertaining tussle but the hand of half-back Aaron Kinsella also merits a major mention after he broke up an Aughrim move that looked destined to end with a major when Michael Brennan looked to find Conor Lambert in behind the Shillellagh/Coolboy defence with only Laurie Cullen to beat.
Kinsella’s telling interception came at a massively important time in the game for both teams. Aughrim had just clawed their way back to within a single score of the home side thanks to a very productive spell for the Granite City men and although they would level moments later through Patrick Phelan, had that goal gone in this game might have produced an entirely different outcome.
Aughrim lined out with corner-forward Willie Kavanagh sitting deep in front of his full-back line. Shillelagh/Coolboy initially seemed to employ Garrett Gregan as sweeper but quickly switched to Enda Foley who would go on to have a fine game. Kavanagh worked hard as well but with the game in the melting pot late on he seemed to be wasted way backdown the field when scores were needed to close the gap at the other end.
Aughrim had a great start when a long Robert Lambert ball was worked through Patrick Phelan, Adam Rochford, Conor Pheln, back to Rochford and on to Pierce Lawler who fired home past Laurie Cullen with 30 seconds on the clock on a beautiful afternoon in Shillelagh.
Shillelagh/Coolboy’s reply was rapid and strong. They began to boss the middle of the field with Ray Murphy (2) and Dan Nolan making three marks in a row with points from Wayne Kinsella and Jonathan Smyth coming from Murphy’s marks out the field while Kinsella would swing over a free that stemmed from Nolan’s fine fielding.
Aughrim returned to the front with a ripper from Adam Rochford after good work from Michael Brennan and were looking like a formidable force when Patrick Phelan pushed them two ahead after 10.
A dominating 10-minute spell from the home side saw them cruise to a 1-10 to 1-3 lead over a stunned Aughrim. Points from Wayne Kinsella (five, two frees), Johnny Willoughby and PJ O’Keeffe and a goal from full-forward David Whelan after good work from Michael Gregan and Paddy Hennessy carved out the impressive gap.
Great credit to Aughrim for the manner in which they reacted to this scorching spell from Shillelagh/Coolboy. They gained parity at midfield and drove hard at the home side and were rewarded by points from Conor Phelan (five, two frees) and two from Patrick Phelan to draw level at 1-10 apiece with the half-time break not hindering their progress in the slightest.
But Aughrim could never take the lead from here on in. Johnny Willoughby pointed and was answered by Conor Lambert.
Wayne Kinsella was in imperious form and he added three more scores to make it 1-14 to 1-11. Aughrim would fight to the last seconds but a single white flag from Patrick Phelan was all they could harvest from a stingy Shillelagh/Coolboy defence.
Lots of work for both sides to do but some lovely football played at times in what was a very entertaining game of football on a beautiful evening.
Shillelagh/Coolboy had strong showings from Garrett Gregan, Enda Foley, Daire Foley, Paddy Hennessy, Wayne Kinsella, and Michael Gregan while Aughrim were well served by Robert Lambert, Conor Lambert, Conor and Patrick Phelan and Pierce Lawler.
Scorers - Shillelagh/Coolboy: Wayne Kinsella 0-10 (6f), David Whelan 1-0, Johnny Willougby 0-2, Jonathan Smyth 0-1.
Aughrim: Conor Phelan 0-5 (1f), Patrick Phelan 0-4, Pierce Lawler 1-0, Conor Lambert 0-2, Adam Rochford 0-1. - The county Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Wicklow skill tests took place on April 3 in Wicklow GAA Centre of Excellence, Ballinakill.
The top performing pupils in the county skills tests now have the opportunity to represent their school and county during the half-time of selected All-Ireland Series games during the summer, which is a wonderful and exciting opportunity.
Well done to all the participants who did a fine job representing their schools, they should be very proud of this achievement. The level of skills on show was extremely high, so well done to all. The winners were:
Girls Football: Olivia Shannon, Annacurra NS Boys Football: Mason Melia (Newtown), Colm McGuckian (Aughrim NS) Hurling: Eoin Lawlor (St Pat’s, Wicklow) Camogie: Aine McDonald (Crossbridge NS) Katie Slattery (Gaelscoil Ui Cheadaigh).
‘Thanks to the GDAs who were instrumental in running the skills tests and for their organisation, it is much appreciated.
‘We congratulate those who will be representing Wicklow during the summer, we wish them all the best and hope they enjoy this memorable occasion,’ said a spokesperson.
Time to Get the Diary Out - May Fixtures - Credit Union Cup, May 8, at 11.45 a.m. in Ballinakill – One day boys’ nine-a-side hurling blitz. Competitive blitz.
Allianz Camogie Blitz, May 15, at 11.45 a.m. in Ballinakill – One day girls’ nine-a-side camogie blitz. Competitive blitz
Third and fourth class boys football, May 22, at 11.45 a.m. in Bray – One day boys’ nine-a-side football blitz (Participation).
Third and fourth class girls football, May 29, at 11.45 a.m. in Bray – One day girls’ nine-a-side football blitz (Participation).
Please send results, reports or photos to pro.cnmb.wicklow@ gaa.ie, follow us on twitter @ cnmbwicklow.
Keep up to date with all Allianz Cumann na mBunscol news in Wicklow on our website www. cnmbwicklow.ie.