Welter of excitement at the end of hurling encounter
Killavullen 1-12 Ballyhooly 1-10
Killavullen and Ballyhooly played out an entertaining, if not a classic game of hurling in Killavullen on Sunday morning in the latest round of the division 1 Avondhu Hurling League, with the home team prevailing, but only just, after the game ended in a welter of excitement.
Killavullen were first to score from an Eddie Cotter free in the 2nd minute but Ballyhooly rallied and got the next three scores. Micky O’Connor got one back for us in the 11th minute but Ballyhooly got the next score, only for Padraig Looney to score a beauty to leave the score at the water break 0-4 to 0-3.
Mikey scored again after the break and Brian Cotter, back after the exertions of the Leaving Certificate, put us ahead with a nicely taken score in the 18th minute. Our defence was resolute with the youthful Michael Cagney displaying good grit and tenacity accompanied by Kevin Fox and Patrick Angland in the fullback line.
A dangerous ball was pushed aside for a 65 metre shot that Ballyhooly converted, and they took the lead again with a point from play. Both sides spurned chances, but we drew level with a Liam Cronin long range free and then the lead from another point from play from Padraig Looney. We led at the break, 0-07 to 0-06.
Seamus Fox was withdrawn and Seamus O’Mahony was introduced, and this player went on to have a big influence of the game. Padraig extended our lead in the second minute of the half, but Ballyhooly answered that with a point. Seamus scored a close in point, in a situation where Ballyhooly backs had to be determined to prevent a green flag, but credit is due to Seamus as well for his tenacity. Ballyhooly answered that score also to keep the minimum between the teams and we then had a converted 65 from Liam.
Eoin Birchill was introduced for Barry Murphy and Liam popped over another point - 0-11 to 0-08. Ballyhooly rallied again before the final water break. Jack O’Connor scored a fine point from out on the wing but Ballyhooly replied with a free. Both sides were guilty of poor wides and shots selections. Sean O’Regan and Sean Woulfe were sprung from the bench to try to gain momentum. Then, with time almost up, Ballyhooly looked like they had stolen the points with a goal from a high ball into the square.
There was time for more excitement though as Eddie Cotter was fouled in possession and his quick free found Seamus O’Mahony, who turned sharply in a crowed area and drove a great shot past the Ballyhooly net minder to win the game.
Both teams will feel that they have loads to work on for the remainder of the year to be a force later on in the year in the championship.
Team: Padraig Cronin, Michael Cagney, Kevin Fox, Pa Angland, Brian Cotter (0-01), Liam Cronin (0-03, 0-02f, 0-1 65), Paul O’Sullivan, Fionn Magner, Seamus Fox, Eddie Cotter (0-01f), Micky O’Connor (0-02), Liam Fox, Jack O’Connor (0-01), Padraig Looney (0-03) and Barry Murphy. Subs: Seamus O’Mahony 1-01 for Seamus Fox, Eoin Birchill for Barry Murphy, Sean O’Regan for Padraig Looney – injured, Sean Woulfe for Fionn Magner.
SECOND LEAGUE VICTORY FOR LADIES
In their second game of their league campaign, Killavullen junior ladies earned an impressive victory over Mayfield on Sunday evening. In front of a large crowd of supporters that had made the trip to Mayfield, Killavullen soon settled in to a rhythm, boosted by two early points by the lively Sarah Brosnan.
The defence worked hard to snuff out any Mayfield threat. It was testament to the work-rate of the entire team that only three points were conceded over the hour. Catherine Blake showed great composure in goals, well protected by the fullback line of Claire Nagle, Olivia Cahill and Aisling O’Keeffe. Outside them Evelyn Buckley, Sinéád Coakley and Edwina Dingivan held a great line and launched numerous attacks.
Kate O’Keeffe and Andrea Fresh dominated in midfield. Andrea provided excellent cover for the backs all through and supplied the forwards with quality ball. Kate covered an amount of ground, with driving runs and finished with 2-2 from midfield. Niamh O’Regan and Claire McGuire performed very well on the wings, contributing a point and a goal respectively, while the inside line of Ali O’Shea, Orla O’Regan and Niamh Buckley were menacing from the throw-in with Niamh in particular in blistering form, scoring ten points. Orla O’Regan scored a well-taken goal after great team play, before having to yield to an injury.
The hard ground and high temperatures meant that the substitutes brought welcome respite and all contributed handsomely to the win, with Clara Walsh and Sarah Lane raising white flags. In all, twenty-sevens girls got game time.
Next up is an away game to St Finbarrs.
Team and scorers: Catherine Blake, Claire Nagle, Olivia Blake, Aisling O’Keeffe, Evelyn Buckley, Sinéad Coakley, Edwina Dingivan, Kate O’Keeffe 2-2, Andrea Fresh, Niamh O’Regan 0-1, Sarah Brosnan (captain) 0-2, Claire McGuire 1-0, Ali O’Shea, Orla O’Regan 1-0, Niamh Buckley 0-10, Catherine Norris, Sarah Lane 0-1, Niamh O’Gorman, Kayleigh Roche, Shania Butler, Emily Fresh, Caoimhe O’Riordan, Deirdre O’Gorman, Jessica Scuffins, Siobhán Sheehan, Emma Taylor, Clara Walsh 0-1.
CHAMPIONSHIP WIN FOR MINORS Killavullen 3-13 Duarigle Gaels 2-8
The championship season has arrived thick and fast for our U17 footballers who played a strong Duarigle Gaels side in a well-supported affair in Killavullen pitch. The game was a true battle with both teams gunning for that coveted first round win. The effort and intensity throughout the game was a testament to the heart of both sides.
The game opened with Killavullen moving forward in a flurry of attacks, which saw great overlapping play between players such as Jamie Magner and Ultan Cottey. Both players showed great levels of maturity on the ball which contributed to Killavullen breaking down the Duarigle Gaels defence, forcing them into giving away two early frees from 13 yards, both slotted comfortably by Jamie Magner.
Although the opposition side were not absent of attacking threat, their advances were met by a well-constructed defensive unit, led by a talent-filled halfback line of Eoghan O’Hanlon, Barry Cotter and Cork minor Patrick O’Grady. All 3 men gave great defensive performances.
Continued pressure in the opening quarter was again rewarded with our full forward, Rory O’Regan continuing on his great form from the U18 game a week previous, powerfully collected the ball at the 20 yard line and scored a point. Colm O’Mahony as one of the younger members of the team didn’t look an inch out of place in midfield, controlling the tempo. These committed attacks from Killavullen eventually left room for a counterattack by the opposition led by their pacey midfielder who slotted over a nice point. But our boys in blue wasted no time in responding, with scores coming from the nifty corner forward, Fergal, who worked like a Trojan in the night, followed by another drilled point by Rory O’Regan. After a thrilling first quarter Killavullen led 0-5 to 0-1.
In the opening stages of the second quarter, Duarigle Gaels began to gain a foothold in the game and they rifled a shot past the Killavullen captain, Niall Murray, a prolific shot stopper left with an impossible task on this occasion. But, the team refused to lower their heads, and began to regain momentum with points from Jamie Magner and Kian Lane.
The game began to open up with both defences tested, the Killavullen fullback line of Conor Brennan, Joe Cagney and Donal Cronin stood firm and kept the rapid Duarigle Gaels runners at bay. This eventually opened Killavullen up to opportunities on the attacking front, one of which saw Rory O’Regan being brought down inside the box - Jamie Magner scoring the penalty and at half-time, the score was Killavullen 1-7 Duarigle Gaels 1-3.
The beginning of the second half showed no signs of a decrease in pace. Corner forward Luke Carey, who was instrumental in the big moments, fed Rory O’Regan who added another point. Later into the quarter saw Patrick O’Grady’s work rate rewarded with a point. The Duarigle men were far from defeated though, as their number 14 charged through for a goal. This was followed by two further points from their centre forward. Ultan Cotter goaled and the score after the third quarter saw Killavullen leading 2-9 to 2-5.
The final quarter commenced and Killavullen came out with a hunger to keep their lead. Scores came from midfielders Jamie Magner and Colm O’Mahony. Unfortunately, Killavullen were struck with an injury blow as centre forward Ian O’Mahony took a hard fall on his side, which saw his great performance draw to a close as he was assisted off the pitch and replaced by Stephen Rea. Stephen rose to the occasion, using his fast pace and great game awareness to put his name on the score sheet, scoring a well-deserved point. Owen Magner was introduced and he similarly grabbed his opportunity with both hands, scoring a hard fought point.
Colm O’Mahony struck a killer blow into the opposition net. The introduction of Dan Cronin and Colm Hannon gave the Killavullen team an extra spark to finish off a well-deserved win for the Blues.
Team: Niall Murray (c), Donal Cronin, Joe Cagney, Connor Brennan, Eoghan O’Hanlon, Patrick O’Grady (0-1), Barry Cotter, Colm O’Mahony (1-1), Jamie Magner (1-4), Ultan Cottey (1-0), Ian O’Mahony, Kian Lane (0-1), Ferghal Horgan (0-1), Rory O’Regan (0-3), Luke Carey. Substitutes - Adam Lillis, Dan Cronin, Owen Magner (0-1), Eoghan Ford, Stephen Rea (0-1), Colm Hannon, Darragh O’Connor and Willie Gifford.
NO LOTTO WINNER
There was no winner of the lotto jackpot last Tuesday night when the numbers drawn were 8, 14 and 29. The jackpot on the nights was, at €1,200. The next jackpot, to be drawn on June 29 was for €1,300. Lucky dips: €50 Angela Murphy, seller Denise Hanrahan, €30 Helena O’Donovan, seller Online sales, €20 James Magner, seller John Magner.
FIXTURES
Killavullen play St Colmcilles in the Rebel Óg North Fé17 div 1 hurling championship round robin, on Wednesday night next, in White’s Cross at 7pm. Our junior football development squad play Doneraile, the same night, in Doneraile at 7.30pm in division 3 football.
On Sunday next, Killavullen play Buttevant in division 1 football league in Killavullen at 11.30am. Always check out our website, for updates.