Killarney edge past Castleisland in low scoring West Munster U-16 final

Castleisland 5 Killarney 7

WHILST the scoreline suggests that Killarney took the honours, it was actually Castleisland that went home with the cup in the finish. The reason for this was because Killarney fielded just 13 players from the start of the game, and when they were forced to go down to 12 with just 10 minutes remaining the rules dictated that the referee has to award the game to the team with the numerical advantage.

This manner of Castleisland’s victory shouldn’t take away from their achievement as they were the better side throughout the second half. Credit to Killarney also who fought to the bitter end despite the advantage that Castleisland had in having some fresh legs to bring on when needed. In fairness both sets of players were a credit to their clubs, and the future looks bright If these lads continue to mature and develop.

The conditions were far from ideal at O’Dowd Park with a very strong wind, driving rain and bitter cold making it tough on the players. Killarney were down a number of regular starters and Castleisland were keen to stamp their authority on the game early on. Despite playing into the gale the Castleisland forwards made some good ground and eventually their endeavour was rewarded when Jordan O’Sullivan Coffey went over for an unconverted try.

Gradually Killarney began to gain forward momentum and after a period of wind assisted dominance the ball was moved through the backline before Tomas Clifford raced in on the left to score. Donnchadh Greally nailed the conversion to give Killarney a 7-5 lead at half time.

The second half saw Castleisland use the elements very well and some excellent touch finders by Donal Daly kept Killarney pinned back inside the own half. Castleisland continued to pressurise the Killarney line and were unlucky not to score on several occasions.

The incessant dominance began to take it’s toll on Killarney, and after several stoppages in play for injured players, eventually one of the Killarney lads was forced to leave the play. This meant that the game was awarded to Castleisland. Fair play to both sides for an excellent contest.

WEST MUNSTER U-14 CUP QUARTER-FINAL Killarney 34 Castleisland 20

KILLARNEY played some excellent rugby when they defeated Castleisland in the West Munster cup quarter-final. Castleisland opened the scoring with a penalty from out half Padraig Heffernan after Killarney offended at a ruck on their own 22. Killarney soon responded with their first try. A smart grubber kick by Pierce Slattery was hacked on by Gearóid Sugrue and he was able to win the race to touch down. Castleisland replied quickly with a Patrick O’Shea penalty to restore their lead.

Finn Kennelly was instrumental in setting up the second Killarney try. His excellent break from on halfway put Killarney well positioned inside the Castleisland 22 and after a number of phases Alex O’Leary was able to break through the cover to score under the posts. Kennelly converted to leave Killarney 12-6 ahead. Killarney added a third converted try shortly before half-time when Josh Coffey scored under the posts to leave them 19-6 ahead at the break.

Killarney struck early in the second half with a Pierce Slattery try to push his side 24-6 ahead. Castleisland refused to die and after a long series of phases Padraig Heffernan scored their first try which he also converted. Killarney replied immediately and Alex O’Leary struck for another try. Gearoid Sugrue got in on the act soon afterwards and whatever hope Castleisland had was now gone.

To their credit, Castleisland stuck to the task and Killarney were on the back foot for the final moments before Heffernan struck for his second converted try of the game. The final whistle sounded soon afterwards though, and Killarney emerged as worthy winners.