Kilara Óg triumph in Division 2 decider

Kilara Óg 1-12 Killavullen 0-14

KILARA Óg were crowned Abbey Printing (Kilmallock and Charleville) Rebel Óg Northern Region Minor Div 2 HC champions when they defeated a gallant Killavullen side in the final at Glanworth on Sunday evening.

In a thrilling contest the issue was in doubt right till the final whistle. In the third minute the Kilworth/ Araglin combination struck for the games only goal when a delivery from Jack Kearney deceived everyone with the sliothor making its way to the back of the Killavullen net 1-0 to 0-1.

Killavullen recovered very well from this set back with Fionn

Dwaine Collins (Charleville) Magnier, Brian Cotter, Michael Cagney, Michael O’Connor, Cian O’Connor, Noah Butler, Liam Fox and Darragh O’Grady making an impression and at the end of the first quarter they edged in front at 0-5 to 1-1 when Michael O’Connor (3) and Liam Fox had points.

In a highly entertaining contest their lead was short lived. In the 20th minute good work by Sean Hegarty and Leo Coffey resulted in Roan O’Riordan pointing from long range that had the sides tied for the second time.

Kilara Óg hit the front soon after when Michael Sheehan pointed a free. At the other end Killavullen came close to scoring a goal when Mark Nagle was denied by a great save by the Kilara Óg keeper Killian Heggtveit. In the closing moments Killavullen introduced substitute Jamie Magnier who turned in a huge display for the rest of the game.

In injury time Jamie Magnier with a well taken point had them level for the third time but it was Kilara Óg that completed the first half scoring when Roan O’Riordan who was now operating at centre forward set up Diarmuid Allen for a fine point as they led at the interval by the narrowest of margins 1-4 to 0-6.

On the changeover Killavullen were quick into their stride with Liam Fox forcing parity with a well taken point. For long periods of this half Kilara Óg shaded matters with Ben Carey, Johnny Tobin-Allen, Michael Gowen, Diarmuid Allen, Luke Carey, Jack Kearney, Brian Casey, Sean Hegarty, Leo Coffey, Roan O’Riordan and Michael Sheehan featuring very strongly.

A very good spell by the winners helped put a bit of daylight between the teams. By the 47th minute they moved 1-9 to 0-9 in front. In a gripping finish Killavullen refused to give in with Michael O’Connor pointing a free. From the resultant puck-out by Killian Heggtveit, team captain Brian Casey won possession and set up Seán Hegarty for a great point.

The lead was increased to four soon after when Michael Sheehan pointed. Killavullen staged a great revival in the closing stages and they got their fightback in motion in the 56th minute when Jamie Magnier pointed a free.

Darragh O’Grady followed with a well taken point before the margin was down to the minimum as the game headed into injury time when a free by Brian Cotter set up Jamie Magnier for a well taken point 1-11 to 0-13.

The momentum looked to be with Killavullen at this stage and they looked on course for the equalising score to force a replay. Kilara Óg had other ideas with Leo Coffey scoring a great point at a crucial stage of the game following good work by Brian Casey.

Killavullen battled to the end. They forced a 21 yard free late deep in stoppage time but Michael O’Connor’s attempt in front of a packed Kilara Óg goalmouth went narrowly over the crossbar for a point.

In a tense finish this proved to be the last score of the game with Kilara Óg holding on for a close but deserved win, After the game Noel O’Neill on behalf of the Rebel Óg Board presented the cup to the victorious captain Brian Casey.

KILARA ÓG: K Heggtveit, P.J Aherne, B Carey, C Coakley, J Tobin Allen, M Gowen, P Hynes, D Allen 0-2, L Carey, J Kearney 1-0, B Casey, S Hegarty 0-2, L Coffey 0-2, R O’Riordan 0-2, M Sheehan 0-4 (0-3f)

KILLAVULLEN: P Cronin, C Griffin, R Barry, M Looney, C O’Callaghan, F Magnier, B Cotter, M Cagney 0-1, M O’Connor 0-5 (0-4f), C O’Connor, L Fox 0-2, N Butler, M Nagle 0-1, D O’Grady 0-1, C Looney Subs: J Magnier 0-4 (0-1f) for M Nagle, S O’Mahony for M Nagle, K Lane for M Looney

REFEREE: Ciaran Murphy (Glanworth)