Reilly hat-trick boosts Lismullen

NINE year after their last title Lismullen NS were again crowned Boys Div 2 champions following a great tussle against the team from the neighbouring parish at Pairc Tailteann on Sunday with a 4-12 to 2-11 victory, writes Sean Wall.

Lismullen were in the ascendancy for most of the way but shaking off their tenacious opponents proved an onerous task. Kentstown conceded size and strength in crucial areas but they more than made up for it with skill and determination as the pressed Lismullen all the way to the final whistle.

Kentstown made the near perfect start with a goal from Austin Barry inside a minute but Lismullen were back level following three points in quick succession. Then a goal from Jamie Reynolds after six minutes gave them a lead they never relinquished. Their second goal of the half came from Ben Reilly who was a constant threat and at half-time they led 2-8 to 2-5.

Jack McCarthy kicked some fine scores from frees while James Cottin, Aidan Chambers and James Kavanagh were also prominent. Cathal Cummins struck for Kentstown’s second goal and Austin Barry, Cian Clarke and Ferdia Barry picked off some delightful scores in attack.

Goals were to prove crucial in the second half and both goals in the half came from full forward Reilly who as well as proving an effective target man was also a clinical finisher when opportunities arose.

Further out the pitch James Cottin, James Kavanagh, Freddie Davis and Jamie Reynolds worked tirelessly as did wing forwards Aidan Chambers and Charlie Kenny. Goalkeeper Harry Clarke made a great block late on to deny Kentstown a third goal.

The silken skills of Austin Barry and Cian Clarke were again evident throughout the second half for a brave Kentstown who never gave up the fight at any stage. 'Keeper Tomas Melia also shone with a safe pair of hands and excellent kick-outs and clearances.

Lismullen though ended deserving winners with their strong running and strength in pivotal areas a vital factor. It was a bitter defeat for Kentstown who also lost out in last year’s decider, going down to Gilson NS Oldcastle, however they can be proud of their overall performance.

Lismullen NS - Evan McMahon; Rian Lynch, Euan Hamilton, Finn Farrelly Manly; Owen Fox, Casey Reynolds, Freddie Davis; James Cottin (0-2), James Kavanagh (0-2); Aidan Chambers (0-2), Jamie Reynolds (1-2), Charlie Kenny ; Darragh Fahey, Ben Reilly (3-0), Jack McCarthy (0-4 frees). Harry Clarke, Aahil Asghar, Breen Barry, Donnacha Kelly, Liam McAniff, Callum McMahon, Lorcan Minnock, James O’Toole, Jacques Riblet, Senan Callaghan, Cillian Farrell, Luke Fox, Tommy Hoprasert, Paddy Hynes, Paddy O’Donnell; mentors - Pamela McGuinness, Julie Donnellan.

Kentstown NS - Tomás Melia; Cediel O’Neill, Blake Fitzgerald, Seán Mullen; Cian Clarke (0-3), Oisín Melia, Cillian Melia; Cathal Cummins (1-0), Max Kearns; Conor O’Donoghue, Austin Barry (1-6 three frees), Ferdia Barry (0-2); Cian McGrail, Tommy Maguire, TJ Ruddy. Seamus Gillic, Evan Cahill, Eamon Curtis, Aaron Gaffney, Dáire Griffin, Alan Joannidis, Kyle Gaffney, Alfie Mahon, Cian McCoy, Zach McEneaney, Ryan O'Neill, Kai Phoenix, Caleb Coombes, Rúan Ennis, Sam Jordan, Cruize Joyze, Cónal O'Meara, Harry Rintoul, Jack Corbally Stritch; mentors - Seán McKiernan, Saidhbh O'Reilly.

Referee - John Byrne (St Columbanus’ NS, Ballivor).