Champions cruise to easy win

There was history in the making on Wednesday evening of last week when Kildalkey and Clann na nGael met in the first SHC game to be staged at the new-look Trim pitch. The surface was perfect for hurling, the evening positively tropical and Kildalkey used the occasion and the pristine conditions to reveal all the qualities that made them champions last autumn. Arguably Kildalkey are a more polisihed, more confident unit now than when they were when claimed the Jubilee Cup with a win over Dunboyne. No longer burdened by the pressure associated with having to win the first SHC crown since 1951, they appear liberated and all too willing to back up their undouted talents with a ferocious workrate. They were certainly too strong for Clann na nGael on this occasion with Noel Kirby leading the way, notching up 1-8 in a game that turned into a procession. There were some encouraging elements for Clann na nGael to dwell including a dogged first-half showing with Gary Woods, Daithi Geraghty, Paddy Geraghty, Gary Mangan and Aaron Ennis among those to offer tenacious displays. It was only 1-9 to 0-6 at the interval however after the break Kirby & Co simply moved up to another level and Clann na nGael's misery was complete when Matthew Mullen was sent off for a high tackle on Enda Keogh after 53 minutes. Kirby also wrote himself into the history books by becoming the first player to score both a point and a goal in a senior championship match on the new ground. He slotted over a point in the opening minutes. With seven minutes on the clock Kirby sent a free goalwards from about 62 metres. The ball deceived backs and forwards and ended up nestling in the net. That left it 1-1 to 0-0 and Kildalkey were on their way. In the lead up to this contest those attached to the Clann na nGael club were fearful of what might happen to their young side. They dreaded the prospect of shipping a big defeat. Their fears were justificed as Kildalkey switched on the power in the second-half to cross the line in a canter. Some Kildalkey supporters may now be concerned that the team will become too complacent with bigger challenges against, for example, Killyon waiting around the corner. Pat O'Halloran is unlikely to let any of his players feels that they can relex. He will continue to urge his players on to greater efforts, to reach new heights, and they appear more than willing to respond to his directions. No matter what the distance was Kirby seemed to find the middle of the posts like an exocet closing in on a target. At midfield Kildalkey had a powerful combination in Tony Fox and Maurice Keogh. The other two Keoghs on the side, Enda and Padraig are also maturing into first rate performers. Another pair of brothers Mairtin and Derek Doran provided Kildalkey with different dimensions. Derek Doran flicked home a clever, skilful goal in the second-half and also added four superb points, including one memorable effort from the left wing. His third point came just 10 seconds into the second-half. Mairtin swept up a world of ball at the back. Sean Heavey was another to sparkle at full-forward while Daire Lahart had time to move forward and split the posts. Ennis bagged all but one of Clann na nGael's scores with Paddy Geraghty slotting over from an acute angle. Clann na nGael missed chances and paid the price. Few teams are better equipped than the reigning champions to exploit such frailities with a ruthless efficiency. Clann na nGael are building for the future, Kildalkey's time is now. Kildalkey - G McNally; C Dunne, S Forde, D Lahart (0-1); E Keogh, M Doran, E Potterton; T Fox (0-1), M Keogh (0-1); P Keogh (0-2), N Kirby (1-8), M Potterton; D Doran (1-4), S Heavey (0-2), G Kelly. Clann na nGael - C Fitzsimons; A McCormack, P Shore, T Matthews; D O'Shea, G Mangan, G Woods; D Heaney, D Geraghty; A Ennis (0-7, six frees), P Daly, M Mullen; S Fitzsimons, G Breathnach, P Geraghty (0-1). Subs - M Geraghty for Daly, half-time; B Doherty for Fitzsimons. Referee - Fergus Smyth (Blackhall Gaels).