Kilmainham 2-8, Donaghmore Ashbourne 1-10

Kilmainham welcomed Donaghmore Ashbourne’s seconds to Kilmainham on Sun 25th May. In last year’s corresponding fixture, the 'Moor' men ran out convincing winners. Our lads were determined to put on a more competitive performance this year. Conditions were difficult for football with swirling winds and heavy down pours in each half making it difficult for both teams. The first half was of very poor quality by both teams. Kilmainham had the advantage of a strong wind. We had plenty of possession in key forwards areas, but we constantly took the wrong option and gave the ball away. Ashbourne had their chances in the first half but didn’t make them count. Some strong Kilmainham defending from the backs and Dean Peppard in goals kept the away side out. Our first half scores coming from Darren King with a goal after good work by Mickey Newman and Mickey Hoey slotting over a free. A draw at half time.

Half-time score: Kilmainham 1-1, Donaghmore Ashbourne 0-4.

The lads knew that a massive second half of football was needed against a strong wind if we were to get the win. It was Ashbourne who hit the first point of the second half to go one up. Another heavy down pour threatened to leave us washed up in Navan! Kilmainham were starting to be more patient in attack. Matthew Mullen getting in for a good point and then Mickey Hoey tapping over a free after Donaghmore Ashbourne failed to keep the required three players up top. Donaghmore Ashbourne refused to lie down and hit back with a point and could have had a goal only for a last-ditch block in the Kilmainham defence. A really well worked goal that was finished to the Ashbourne net by Seanie Mahon put us four points up. Ashbourne refused to give up and we faced an onslaught of attacks as they reeled in our lead. A two pointer and two other points from them had the team’s level again with ten minutes left. Tight matches are decided by leaders taking the game by the scruff of the neck. Mickey Newman and Larry Morgan kicking two brilliant points off their right from distance against the wind. Michael Hoey stepped up to hit another brilliant two pointer. Ashbourne went in search for goals. Dean Peppard pulled off a series of excellent saves to keep them out. However, some slack defending in our defence allowed Michael Deegan to play the ball across the Kilmainham goals for Stephen Carton to tap home. A one-point game. Kilmainham held firm under severe pressure to get over the line by a point as the full-time whistle was blown.

A vital win for the lads with four games to go. This win puts us on four points in the league with some big games to come. This was a win based on pure determination and heart. We know that we can play a lot better, but a win is a win as they say!

Kilmainham will travel to Athboy to play Clann na nGael in round 8 of the league on Saturday 7th June at 6pm. A big thank you to everyone that came out and braced the miserable conditions to support the team today.

Best for Kilmainham were: Dean Peppard, Larry Morgan, Mickey Newman and Ger Morgan.

Kilmainham: Dean Peppard, Stephen Newman, Harry Newman, Padraig Caffrey, Johnny Quinlan, Ger Morgan, Matthew Mullen (0-1), Larry Morgan (0-1), Mickey Newman (0-1), Freddie Newman, Michael Hoey (0-5), Declan Mullen, Seanie Mahon (1-0), Darren King (1-0), Kieran Needle.

Subs: Andy Arkins for Darren King, Jamie O’ Sullivan for Johnny Quinlan, Shane Butler for Matthew Mullen, Terence Daly, Conor Leonard, Adam McManus, Phily Mahon and Jake O’ Rourke.

 

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