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*Rory McMahon. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill.
HUNGER that was evident in round one will need to be replicated Kildysart throughout the Clare SFC if they are to put themselves in the frame for success while Kilmihil must dust themselves to come back into contention.
Trailing 1-4 0-5 at half time to Kilmihil on Friday, an improved second half showing from Kildysart helped them to account for the West Clare side for the second year running, this time on a score of 0-15 1-6.
Having been in the relegation semi-finals last season, starting with a win was very important for Kildysart, manager Niall Ginnane stressed. “It’s huge to get two points in the bag, that’s what we needed”.
He was frustrated with the concession of Dan Keating’s first half goal. “We should have dealt with the goal, we had wides in the first half, just our workrate lacked a bit”.
“We spoke at half time. We knew Kilmihil were hungry, no one wants to be losing a first round. They were hungrier than us in the first half. In the second thirty our lads showed the hunger and we chased in packs and didn’t give Kilmihil an inch, that’s what we want and that’s what wins championships,” Niall added.
Next up is a second round tie with St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield. “The focus now is round two and we are looking ahead to St Joseph’s in two weeks time. We have our work done for this evening but there is plenty to improve on for the next outing”.
Kilmihil selector, Seán Johnston felt they could have been more than two points clear at half time. “We needed to push on in the third quarter having gone in with the lead. We knew they were going to come with huge intensity in the second half when we were two points up. Kildysart have a lot of strong runners and we knew they would come through”.
“We didn’t take our chances when we got them and its bitterly disappointing. Our backs were outstanding in the first half. We missed a couple of frees in that half and probably could have been a bit more up at the break”.
Effort levels from Kilmihil can’t be faulted, he said. “We can’t fault our boys, they gave everything they had. Everyone knows we lost a few players during the winter”.
He expressed satisfaction with the contribution of those who made their debuts in this tie. “We got three or four young lads who made their debuts this evening and we are happy with them”.
Ennistymon await Kilmihil in the second round. “It is what it is now and we just have to dust ourselves off and get ready for two weeks time”.
