Killavullen battle it out
Killavullen 0-6 Charleville 1-11
Killavullen played Charleville in the Division One Football League Friday night in what was an eventful match in every regard. Charleville came out the victors on the night, however, Killavullen, who were evidently lacking in numbers, put up a great battle from whistle to whistle.
The first half saw a lot of wasted chances from both sides, particularly Killavullen, who failed to capitalise on multiple well-worked moves. Kian Lane was first to open the score for Killavullen, with the young forward trusted with frees for the night. But for all Killavullen’s hard work it was the Charleville that were able to keep the scoreboard ticking. Full forward and captain for the home side was the main danger for Charleville on the night. His deadly accuracy from free kicks played a big part in his final tally. It was another young talent, Jamie Magner, who was next to strike for Killavullen scoring an impressive score from a patient well-worked build-up from Killavullen. Charleville responded as any good side does with a flurry of scores to bring the game to halftime with a score of Killavullen 0-2, Charleville 0-5.
The second half continued the trend of the first with end-toend action seeing both defences kept on their toes throughout. Killavullen looked more clinical this half with two scores from Captain Mikey O’Connor and another well taken free from Kian Lane. However, just as Killavullen were conjuring up momentum, referee Alec Morrissey gave a black card to Killavullen centre back Liam Cronin. This led to protests from Killavullen fans, players and coaches as it was difficult to see what the card was for. This allowed Charleville to regain a foothold in the game with Killavullen forced to make fowls deep in their half, leading to opposition scores on multiple occasions.
Killavullen’s luck did not improve as words shared between Liam Cronin and the referee resulted in an extended trip on the side line for the Killavullen man as he was shown a straight red. Killavullen showed great resilience and ploughed on with the score of the night soon following at the feet of corner back Conor Griffin. Charleville, however, were never going away, scoring 1-1 in the final minute to squash any hope of a blues comeback.
James Angland, Conor Griffin (0-1), Fionn Magner, Michael Cagney, Billy Norris, Liam Cronin, Brian Cotter, Liam Fox, Mikey O’Connor (0-2), Eddie Cotter, Paul O’Sullivan, Jamie Magner (0-1), Kian Lane (0-2f), Colm Looney, Seamus O’Mahony. Subs - Mark Nagle on for Seamus O’Mahony, Cian O’Connor, Patrick Cronin, Gary Lane, Jack Martin.
CORK V LIMERICK – DAITHI PLAY WELL IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS GAME
At the Cork v Limerick game last Sunday in Pairc Ui Chaoimh, where Limerick were much too good for Cork, in many areas of the field and possessing wonderful hurlers, yet big men with deft touches, we ultimately had the consolation of seeing Daithi Murphy from Killavullen National School representing Cork in the Primary School games at half time.
Daithi got on a lot of the ball from his pivotal centre forward position and his own array of skills were very evident. It was the bright spark, on an otherwise miserable outing for Cork hurling, but next up is Clare, and chances to redeem the situation.
Daithi will have divided loyalties in that game, but after wearing the red of Cork now, he may be converted from his Clare allegiances.
NO JACKPOT WINNER IN NEW LOTTO
There was no winner of the lotto jackpot of €1,000 last week, when the draw took place in the Community Centre. The numbers drawn were 14, 21 and 25. The jackpot on the night was, at €1,000. From the nice win of Patsy O’Donovan, from Castletownroche of last week, John Angland had the pleasure of handing over a cheque of €2,100 to Patsy last Monday morning, for which Patsy was delighted to receive and said, it will all be well spent. Enjoy Patsy.
Next week, the jackpot will be €1,100. The winners of the lucky dips on last Tuesday night were as follows: €50 Mary Mellerick, seller Mary Mellerick; €30 Joe Browne seller John Angland; €20 Maeve Magner seller online sales.
AN OPENING NIGHT WIN FOR U19 HURLERS
With both teams short of key individuals, Killavullen and Newtownshandrum played out a very entertaining game of good hurling in Killavullen.
The opening half saw our opponent first to score from a free before Kian Lane, who was to have a profound influence on the game equalised. Newtown were ahead again, and as is their lot, they had fine hurlers throughout the pitch, that score coming from their halfback. Killavullen got two points back, from Kian from dead ball situations, and then it was the turn of Newtown to score a brace of points. We answered one of those scores back from Kian again; whom we were very reliant on, to score at this juncture.
Newtown took command of this portion of the game for the next 10 minutes, and that was a pattern that was replicated on a number of occasions. Newtown raced into a 3 point led, only for Killavullen to haul themselves back into the game again in a determined fashion. Conor Griffin was strong at full back, and lead his young line well, of Conor Breenan and Joe Cagney well, whilst outside him, our half back line of Sean Bartley, Sean Palmer and Ronan Barry in the middle were very good throughout the game and gave us a great platform to drive on. That James in our goals was never threatened, says everything about our backs. Michael Cagney is nothing but industrious in every game he plays, and he chipped in, with a point to begin the comeback. Rory was trying equally hard in middle field, and our half forward line of Seamus, Kian and Shane in the middle gave a fine display over the hour, with certainly no lack of endeavours on their part.
Newtown were quick to respond to Michael’s point, but Seamus O’Mahony kept us within 3 point, Newtown scored a free, and Kian did the same, but right before the interval, we raised a green flag. A strong determined run from Sean Bartley saw him drive the ball goal wards, and the Newtown keeper, failed to hold the dipping shot, and there was Oisin Larkin to whip the ball into the net. Big score in a tight game, and especially when our full forward line was being bested in the opening half, but their perseverance and energy paid off with that goal. 1-07 to 0-09 at the break.
After the break, as was the pattern of the game, Newtown turned over that deficit quickly with some smart points and raced on into a 3 point lead. We made some positional switches and they worked to freshen up our attack. That lead was stretched out to 4 before the Newtown keeper somehow, not once but twice denied Seamus O’Mahony with a brilliant double save, that he and his bewildered backs somehow clawed out for a 65 metre shot. Kian scored the resultant shot, but Newtown next showed their class with a beautiful point on the run to leave the score 0-15 to 1-09. Kian got two frees back for us, when Barry Cotter and Colm Hannon ended up being fouled, Newtown pushed that lead out to two again, before Michael Cagney got a long range point and yet again, that was answered quickly by Newtown.
In the final 10 minutes, and in a welter of excitement, Kian caught a majestic ball, in a crowd and turned sharply to raise another white flag, and then brought us level with another ace of a point. With the game looking like a draw would be the result, and probably a fair result on the night, a free into the Newtown square was flicked on deftly by Oisin to seal the win. Newtown tried hard in the few minutes that were added on, but got a point back but no more. Very good game, expertly handled by the referee, and a joy to watch. Great endeavours by two fine sporting teams.
Team; James O’Keeffe, Conor Brennan, Conor Griffin, Joe Cagney, Sean Bartley, Ronan Barry, Sean Palmer, Michael Cagney (0-02), Rory O’Regan, Kian Lane (0-10; 0-06f), Shane Walsh, Seamus O’Mahony (0-02), Ian O’Mahony, Oisin Larkin (2-00), Jack Martin. Substitutes - Barry Cotter for Jack Martin, Colm Hannon for Ian O’Mahony.
VICTORY FOR KILLAVULLEN LADIES IN LEAGUE OPENER Killavullen 2-5 Dripsey 0-9
Killavullen Junior ladies got their County League campaign off to an encouraging start with a deserved win at the home venue over Dripsey on Thursday evening. Though Killavullen were the first to score and led all the way, this game was in the melting pot all the way to the final whistle.
Sarah Brosnan had an outstanding game between the posts and brought off some brilliant saves to keep a clean sheet. In front of her the defence had a busy hour, ably led by captain Niamh O’Regan at centre back.
Caoimhe O’Riordan was the fulcrum of the attack and finished with a highly impressive 2-5, with Claire Nagle and Jessica Scuffins adding the other two points.
Credit for the victory must not only go to the whole team but the entire panel. We had twenty-eight players togged out and, with no limit on the number of substitutes, twenty-three got the opportunity to play.
Over the coming months, Killavullen can look forward to a busy schedule of matches in the County and North Cork competitions, and the manner of this victory, hard-fought as it was, will give the ladies a great boost.
Team and scorers: Sarah Brosnan, Clare Brennan, Olivia Cahill, Aisling O’Keeffe, Siobhán Sheehan, Niamh O’Regan, Edwina Dingivan, Erica O’Connell, Andrea Fresh, Claire Nagle 0-1, Caoimhe O’Riordan 2-5, Kate O’Keeffe, Orla O’Regan, Clara Walsh, Alice O’Flynn, Emily Fresh, Niamh Buckley, Lily Sheahan, Claire Maguire, Emma Taylor, Ellie Coughlan, Jessica Scuffins 0-1, Sarah Lane, Niamh O’Gorman, Ciara Jones, Emma Hunter, Evelyn Buckley, Emma Nagle.
FORTHCOMING FIXTURES
Division 1 Junior Hurling league is due to be played on 24th April in Killavullen versus Ballyhooly at 11am.
MEMBERSHIP 2022
Membership for all aspects of the club is now due for 2022, and the club would be gracious if persons will pay the appropriate fee on the new Central GAA App – Foireann and select Cill An Mhuilinn as your club.
Any person experiencing difficulties on the platform can play their subscription to any committee member, or make arrangement to pay directly, to the club treasurer Sean Turner at 0866015779 or membership officer John O’Donovan, on 086-3934232.
MOTTO FOR THE WEEK
Success belongs only to those who are willing to work harder than anyone else - attributed to Hafiz Aldino.
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