Kildysart take the spoils against Kilmihil

*Fergal Ginnane was prominent in defence for Kildysart. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill.

FOR THE second year running, Kildysart came out on top against Kilmihil which sees them collect a valuable two points in Group 2 of the Clare SFC.

Kildysart 0-15
Kilmihil 1-6
Venue: Páirc Cuar an Chláir, Cooraclare

This time it was the first round of the Clare SFC as opposed to a relegation semi-final but once again it was Kildysart who prevailed.

A strong second half showing which yielded 0-9 while conceding just 0-2 proved decisive for Kildysart to emerge as merited victors.

The winners had the better of the exchanges from the off but they found themselves two points in arrears at the interval when the score was 1-4 to 0-5.

A goal two minutes from the break had given Kilmihil the lead for the first time and it was a rather fortunate score.

Jack Keating’s high delivery bounced at the edge of the square and as Kildysart goalkeeper Conor Cusack advanced he lost his footing. The ball bounced over him and Dan Keating was following up and he finished to the net.

Prior to that the teams had exchanged points four times, Kilmihil responding to a Kildysart score on each occasion. A Conal Casey free had pushed the winners one clear with five minutes to go to the break.

There was more urgency in Kildysart’s play when the second half got underway and within three minutes they had levelled with points from Rory McMahon and Liam Casey.

Martin O’Leary put Kilmihil back in front but Rory McMahon struck again for Kildysart before Diarmuid O’Donnell gave them a lead they would hold to the finish.

Further points from Liam Casey, O’Donnell, Conal Casey and substitute Jamie Evans saw Kildysart go on to recored a merited victory.

They deserved the win but they will admit that they will need to improve ahead of their other group games against Ennistymon and St. Joseph’s Doora/Barefield.

Fergal Ginnane, Rory McMahon, Keith O’Connor, and Diarmuid O’Donnell were prominent throughout for the winners.

Kilmihil struggled in a number of areas but their defence battled hard throughout with John Finnucane, Dylan Downes Rigney and Mikey Keating prominent while Gavin Downes got through some good work at midfield.

Scorers; Kildysart; Diarmuid O’Donnell (0-5, 3f); Liam Casey (0-3, 2f); Conal Casey (1 f), Rory McMahon (0-2) each; Luke McGrath, Keith O’Connor, Jamie Evans (0-1) each;

Scorers Kilmihil; Dan Keating (1-1); Martin O’Leary ()-3, 2f); Gavin Downes, Darragh Connors (0-1) each

Kildysart;
1: Conor Cusack,

2: James Casey,
3: Fergal Ginnane,
4: Cillian Kelly,

5: Darragh Murtagh,
6: Rory McMahon,
7: Conor Moloney,

8: Keith O’Connor,
9: Kieran O’Brien,

10: Diarmuid O’Donnell,
11: Luke McGrath
12: Jamie Sheehan,

13: Conal Casey,
21: Emmet McMahon,
15: Liam Casey

Subs:
23: Jamie Evans for Sheehan (45)
19: Oisin Coyle for C Moloney (57)
22: Jack Cotter for C Casey (58)

Kilmihil;
1: Damien Lineen,

2: David Coughlan,
3: John Finucane,
4: Padraig O’ Grady,

5: Michael Cotter,
6: Mikey Keating,
7: Dylan Downes Rigney,

8: Gavin Downes,
9: Jack Keating,