First half momentum not maintained in division 1 encounter
Killavullen, short of a number of expected regular players, started brightly against Ballyhea in this Division 1 encounter last night played in Ballyhea, but could not maintain that momentum in the second period and ultimately drew the game.
The hard working Fionn Magner scored our opening point, and quickly afterwards Kian Lane scored another point. Liam Cronin added a fine point from distance and Mikey O’Connor another in the opening 10 minutes, to be leading 0-04 to no score. We were hurling well at this stage with Rory O’Regan, in his opening Division 1 game, showing up well at corner back.
Seamus O’Mahony added a further point in the 13th minute and again Kian Lane scored almost immediately to open up a decisive lead. Ballyhea got their opening point from play from their midfielder in the 15th minute but deputising for the injured Jamie Magner on free taking duty, Kian Lane scored a free after Liam Fox had been fouled. Ballyhea were coming more into the game though than the scoreboard reflected and got their second point in the 21st minute.
Kian scored another free and then Padraig Looney, the possessor of so much talent when he remains focused, scored a long range point from his halfback berth in the 23rd minute and another similar type score in the 26th to have the score at the break 0-11 to 0-02. We missed a glorious opportunity to add some gloss to that scoreline with missed goal opportunities.
After the break, Ballyhea came more into the game, and their strong full forward scored a point in the opening minute. We repelled a number of chances thrust at us but the momentum and potential comeback gathered strength when the Ballyhea number 9 player scored a goal in the 12th minute, a goal that had its origins in a lack of work rate out the field, which allowed Ballyhea advance unheeded.
Ballyhea chipped away at the lead with points from open play and from carelessly conceded frees before we got the only score of a poor second half for us, from Mikey O’Connor in the 19th minute. That pushed the margin out to two points, but Ballyhea, to their credit, kept persevering and scored a point in the 26th minute and an equalizing point in the 31st minute.
Disappointing from a Killavullen perspective to allow a substantial lead that we had at the interval to be leaked away, but equally credit must be given to the team for hanging in there when they were not playing well, and to ultimately get a draw from the game
The team was: Mike Cronin, Rory O’Regan, Brian Cotter, Patrick Angland, Sean Palmer, Liam Cronin (0-01), Padraig Looney (0-02), Liam Fox, Eddie Cotter, Fionn Magner (0-01), Mikey O’Connor (0-02), Seamus O’Mahony (0-01), Kian Lane (0-05, 0-03F), Billy Norris, Ian O’Mahony.
QUICK FIRE START NOT MAINTAINED IN U18 HURLING GROUP
Killavullen went down by 3 points in an entertaining Minor hurling league game, played last evening in Killavullen. Killavullen set the early pace with a quick fire goal in the opening 30 seconds by Rory O’Regan and led by as much as 5 points by the 18th minute, with the points coming from Colm O’Mahony and Owen Magner. Kilshannig came much more into the game in the 2nd quarter, and in Colin Ruby they had a player of immense class, who tormented Killavullen from open play and was deadly accurate from placed balls. By the interval Kilshannig had come to the fore in the scoring stakes, to lead by 0-09 to 1-05.
In the second half Kilshannig in this instance got the quick goal, and added some points as against replies for us from Colm Hayes and Owen again. Kilshannig kept their noses in front though, and their other wing forward, number 12, scored a fantastic point on the run at full speed and he being pursued, to lead at the 3/4 mark stage by 1-12 to 1-07.
Killavullen rallied with points from Colm O’Mahony and determined play from Niall Feaheny and Darragh O’Connor to reduce the lead to two points, but then Kilshannig answered back with two more scores. A converted 65 metre shot and 3 frees in a row for Killavullen had the margin back to a single point but Kilshannig weathered the storm, and eked out the last two scores, to win by 1-16 to 1-13
The team was: Charlie Cremi, Darragh O’Connor, Barry Cotter, Seamus Cronin, Stephen Rea, Niall Feaheny, Thomas Fennell, Colm O’Mahony (0-10, 0-05F, 0-01 x 65), Eoin Magner (0-02), Dan Cronin, James Lyons, Colm Hannon, Colm Hayes (0-01), Rory Regan (1-00), Ian O’Mahony. Substitutes: Eoin O’Hanlon for Dan Cronin, Evan Sheehan for Rory O’Regan, Yann O Súilleabháin for Colm Hannon.
GAA LOTTO UPDATE – WEEK 15 2023
There was no winner of the lotto jackpot last Tuesday night. The numbers drawn were 2, 10 and 36. The jackpot on the night was €1,500. The next jackpot on next Tuesday night will be €1,600, if there was to be a winner. The winners of the lucky dips on last Tuesday night were as follows; €50 – Bessie Rea, Seller – Michael Rea, €30 –Ita Browne, Seller – Gary’s Bar, €20 – Packie Mansfield - Seller – Haven Bar. Purchase your ticket from any committee member or from our website - Killavullengaa. com. Thank you for your anticipated and ongoing support.
UPCOMING ADULT FIXTURES
Saturday, 22nd April at 19.00 in Killavullen, Killavullen v Grange, 2023 Avondhu Division 3 Football League.
LOADS OF UNDERAGE BLITZES
Our U10s are a group to watch, demonstrating such skill last Saturday morning in Fermoy, well done players and coaches. Well done to our U9 boys and girls last Saturday morning who travelled to Glanworth to play against a strong St Dominic’s team. Great teamwork and skill on show and some great points and goals scored. Finally, well done to our U7s and their coaches who were super at their football blitz in Carrigoon last Saturday morning, superstars of the future.
CRAIG BREEN - RIP
Sadly, the world of motorsport lost one of its best last week with the sad death of Craig Breen, who tragically died while practising in his World Rally Championship car, in Croatia last Thursday.
Hugely talented, Craig was very approachable and gave a huge amount back to the sport of rallying, which has a very significant following in Ireland. To his family, friends, and fans, Killavullen GAA is very sorry for his loss.
MAKING PEOPLE AWARE OF OUR GAMES
Killavullen GAA is now creating a single photo image of their week’s games, for both adult and juvenile competitions. This image is posted online but can be sent to individuals as well. If you would like to receive this message, contact any club officer.