Kilmainham continue with their winning ways

Tailteann Cup

Kilmainham....1-8

Ballinlough....0-7

Harry Newman

This will sound strange but this match was actually round one of this year’s Tailteann Cup.

Due to postponements the match was not played, both clubs will be happy that the match was eventually played on Friday.

Ballinlough were already out of the competition due to two losses to Dunderry and St. Ultan’s respectively, while our lads had one from one after beating St. Ultan’s previously.

It was a bitterly cold night in Ballinlough with a strong gale force wind. It was clear from early on that scores for both teams would be hard to come by. Ballinlough had plenty of possession early on, but they struggled to get near the scoring zone as Kilmainham made it difficult for the home side. It was difficult to play against the strong wind and this led to a lot of ball carrying and turn overs by both teams.

Dylan Morgan and Michael Hoey were playing well and slotted over nice points. Kilmainham won’t have been overly impressed with their first half performance.

The defining moment of the match came close to half time. An attempt of a point by Shane Butler, dropped short and Paul Farrelly watched the flight of the ball to fist to the net for the game's only goal.

A defining moment with few scores in the match. Although playing with the wind that goal gave our lads a cushion going into the break, while also keeping the home side scoreless for the first half. At the break Kilmainham led 1-4 to 0-0.

A few players who had niggles were replaced at half time. Kilmainham knew that a big performance was needed in the second half to see out this game. Ballinlough as they always do applied plenty of pressure in a hope to get back into the game.

A few of Harry Ryan's frees started to give the home side belief that maybe they could win this one with the wind in their favour.

Some brilliant kick outs by Kilmainham’s Dean Peppard took some pressure off the their defence and Dylan Morgan and Shane Butler hit big scores for us on the break to keep our noses in front.

Ballinlough reverted to a few direct balls into their full forward line as they searched for a goal with time running out. Kilmainham were able to withstand the pressure and comfortably see out the match.

Both teams were missing players, and both must be commended for a tough sporting match. Hopefully, the match will stand to both teams as the A league commences next week.

A big thank you to the die hard Kilmainham supporters who braved the bitterly cold elements in Ballinlough to support their club. Hopefully we can get more support behind the lads as the season goes on.

A special mention to the returning Stephen Newman.

Best for Kilmainham on the night were Larry Morgan, Dylan Morgan, Dean Peppard and Shane Butler.

Kilmainham - Dean Peppard; Padraig Caffrey Harry Newman Jamie O’ Sullivan; Philly Mahon Seanie Mahon Declan Mullen; Larry Morgan Gerard Morgan; Michael Hoey (0-2), Dylan Morgan (0-5), Paddy Hennigan; Paul Farrelly (1-0), Mark Newman, Shane Butler 1-0. Subs - Stepehen Woods for Gerard Morgan, Terence Daly for Philly Mahon, Stephen Newman for Jamie O’ Sullivan.

Referee - Gus Martyn (Dunderry)