Kilshannig hold off Doneraile in qualifier

Kilshannig 2-13 Doneraile 1-12

KILSHANNIG had four points to spare over Doneraile in this County JBFC Inter-divisional qualifier at Mourneabbey last week.

In a keenly contested encounter Kilshannig hit the ground running and breached the Doneraile defence for two goals during the early stages. In the eight minute Denis Cloghan and Phelim O’Connell combined well to set up Mossie O’Connell who netted.

Three minutes later a well taken goal by wing back Denis Cloghan helped surge them 2-1 to 0-2 in front. As the half went on Doneraile quickly got to grips. Ben Cronin pointed two frees in quick succession before they were back on parity at the end of the first quarter to 2-1 to 1-4 when Kevin Smith finished to the net after John and Ben Cronin linked up very well. Kilshannig’s response was swift.

In their next attack a great solo run by Pa Egan found Mossie O’Connell whose effort at goal went narrowly over the crossbar for a point. However the lead was short lived with Doneraile getting the next two scores through Ian O’Brien and Ben Cronin that moved them ahead for the second time in the game at 1-6 to 2-2. Pa Egan had the sides level soon after.

Just before the half time whistle the Glantane outfit hit the front again when Eoin Healy and Tadgh O’Sullivan combined well to set up Mossie O’Connell for a well taken point as they held a 2-4 to 1-6 lead at the break.

The second half was again closely contested, but Kilcshanning were six points clear 2-12 to 1-9 coming up on the closing stages. Doneraile refused to give in, however, and staged a good revival in the last ten minutes. Kevin Sheehan (2) and Ben Cronin had points.

There was no denying Kilshannig their victor though.