Extra-time glory for Kilross
High drama as two late points sink Moguegeen’s bid
KILROSS GAELS 1-18 MOGUEGEEN GAELS 3-10 (AET)
THERE WAS high drama as Kilross Gaels popped up with two points in the final period of extra-time to send the side to their first Wexford People Under-17 football Division 2 championship title with a dramatic final victory over Moguegeen Gaels in Rathangan.
The winning scores were all the more significant as Moguegeen Gaels, a Fethard/Clongeen combination, seemed to have grabbed the winner in the 62nd minute when Robbie Rochford pointed his side in front.
However, in the third minute of added time, Michael Harvey pointed a free to bring the game to extra-time.
The Kilmore/Rosslare combined side proved superior in extra-time, grabbing the only two points in the opening period, before going on to fashion a most dramatic victory in a game that was full of quality football which was a tribute to both sides on an excellent surface.
While Cian Bates gave the eventual winners an early lead with a well-execut- ed point, Moguegeen Gaels went on to make better use of their possession and by the end of the opening quarter they led by 1-4 to 0-2, with the goal coming in the 15th minute.
Good approach play from Seán Walsh set up Ogie Doyle who finished with a rising shot to the opposite corner of the net.
They went on to stretch their lead through a Josh Whelan point, and with the sides continuing to trade points, Moguegeen Gaels build up a six-point interval lead (1-8 to 0-5).
Kilross Gaels were fortunate to have the lively Michael Harvey in attack as he opened the second-half with two excellent points from play but, in the 37th minute, Moguegeen Gaels struck for a rather fortuitous goal.
A Ryan Molloy lob across goal deceived ‘keeper Conor Barry to finish in the opposite corner of the net, giving his side a 2-8 to 0-7 lead, and when Robbie Rochford added a further point they looked comfortable.
Kilross Gaels hit a purple patch in the final quarter as a Chris O’Connor 48th-minute goal hauled his side back into contention, reducing the deficit to 2-9 to 1-8.
Points followed from Reece De La Cour, and Cian Byrne after a Michael Harvey goal attempt rebounded back into play off the crossbar.
By the 60th minute they were back level as they kicked two unanswered points through De La Cour and Michael Harvey, leaving the scoreline 2-9 to 1-12.
And in additional time, Robbie Rochford and Harvey (free) swapped points to send the game into extra-time.
Two Harvey points during the first period of extra-time gave his side a 1-15 to 2-10 lead at the break, but the in the final ten-minute period the drama abounded.
After Reece De La Cour had extended his side’s lead to three points, Moguegeen Gaels struck back. Displaying great composure, they built a delightful move from deep in midfield, leaving Seán Walsh to finish with a tremendous shot to the corner of the net to bring the sides back level (1-16 to 3-10).
With both sides having real momentum, there was high drama during the final eight minutes as scores were sought.
And in the final two minutes a Harvey free and a great Cian Byrne solo and finish for a point handed Kilross Gaels the title after a delightful game of open, attacking football.
Kilross Gaels: Conor Barry; Rian Doyle, Jack Doyle, David McDonnell; Luke Hunt, Seán Carley, Jack Meyler; Reece De La Cour (0-2), Cian Bates (0-2); Rian Stafford, Chris O’Connor (1-1), Michael Harvey (0-9, 4 frees); Cian Byrne (0-3), Eoin Barry, Conor Roche (0-1). Subs. - Ryan Sinnott for Stafford, Luke Qurke for Meyler (black card), Danny Holden for O’Connor (black card), Andy Lin for Doyle, also Ryan Culleton, Oliver Gould, Seán Maddock, Milan Kovacs, Daniel Skershins, Adam Boxwell.
Moguegeen Gaels: Jimmy Molloy; Evan O’Hanlon, Stephen Dundon, Michael Dundon; Seán Walsh (1-0), Dylan Whelan, Cian Byrne; Harry Nunan, Seamie Kiely; Robbie Rochford (0-2), Ryan Molloy (1-2), Josh Whelan (0-2, 1 free); Kevin Wallace (0-2), Dan Nash (0-1), Ogie Doyle (1-1). Subs. - Jack Whelan for S. Dundon, Louis Doherty for Walsh, Andy Liu for Nash, Walsh for Doyle, Mark O’Grady for Doherty, also Oisín O’Leary, Niall Doherty, Xavier Rooney.
Referee: James Flood (St. Mary’s, Maudlintown).