Three goals cannot save Templenoe

TEMPLENOE - former All-Ireland Junior Club winners themselves - gave Kilcummin a guard of honour when they came onto the pitch for last Sunday’s fixture, but they weren’t so generous to the All-Ireland Intermediate Club winners in scoring three first half goals. Brian Crowley scored Templenoe’s first from the penalty spot before Josh Crowley-Holland and Stephen O’Sullivan (set-up by Adrian Spillane) gave the Kenmare District side a crazy 3-2 to 0-3 advantage after the first quarter.

Matt Keane, Mikey O’Shea, Phillip Casey and Noel Duggan dragged Kilcummin back into contention on the scoreboard before the break (3-2 to 0-8 at the break) but news of injury to Kevin McCarthy up in Roscommon was worsened by Shane McSweeney and Kieran Murphy both having to go off injured for the hosts. Kevin Gorman and Gary O’Leary stepped up to the mark for Kilcummin however when they needed inspiration as a string of incredible saves by Brendan Kealy was important as any white flag they registered at the other end.

Duggan put Kilcummin back in front on the scoreboard during the second period as O’Sullivan and Crowley were Templenoe’s only point scorers in the second period. Frustration got the better of Adrian Spillane as he was black carded before the end of another gripping meeting between the Intermediate semi-finalists from last year.

Kilcummin will be delighted with two wins from two in their opening League matches as Templenoe’s great rivals Kenmare Shamrocks are their next focus in their official return to the Senior Club Championship.