Junior B2 Game gives immense hope
July 30, 2024
A glorious Sunday evening on a perfectly maintained Ballygiblin pitch, cut by their automower, which numerous other clubs are looking at replicating, set the scene for Killavullen V Kildorrery in the Junior B2 football championship.
Killavullen who played against the wind in the first half, found themselves 1-3 to no score down following a blistering start to the game by Kildorrery. However, Killavullen found their footing and got back into the game with a Colin Carey goal as a result of a good press from our hard-working forwards. Jack O Connor and Seamus O Mahony added points soon after from difficult angles to cut the deficit. Dominic Bolster and Mikey O’Connor fielded a number of balls from the Kildorrery kick out which gave us a platform to give the ball to our inside forwards of Rory Regan and Billy Norris. A tough fifteen-minute spell for Killavullen resulted in the concession of three goals and two points. Killavullen finished the half strongly with Tómas Fennell getting up the pitch from corner back to finish off a great team score started by Colm O Mahony, who also picked up a point himself to leave Killavullen down seven points at the break. Half time – Kildorrery 5-3, Killavullen 1-8.
Jack O Connor started the second half as he finished off the first with two quick fire points to close the gap. Good link up play coming out of defence by the two Seáns, Palmer and Bartley, resulted in a great score by Cian O’Connor, a score made out of our half back line. In goals Darragh O’Connor was finding his men with his kick outs and was instructing his defenders throughout. Ultan Cottey and Michael Cagney put in strong defensive efforts in the second half, and this helped us to keep Kildorrery scoreless for the first twenty minutes. A continued strong press from our forwards resulted in Kildorrery putting the ball into the back of their own net cutting the deficit to just two points. Ian O’Mahony and Sean O’Regan, who is well used to the warm conditions, were introduced to ignite a comeback. Kildorrery opened their second half account with a goal, which halted the Killavullen momentum. Soon after Killavullen were awarded a Penalty, which Billy dispatched coolly. Barry Cotter and Dan Cronin were also called upon in the hope for a late rally, however this was sadly not to be the case. Final score – Kildorrery 6-7, Killavullen 3-12.
An impressive performance and great character shown from this Killavullen side that conceded goals at key moments. A nice blend of youth and Junior A campaigners insured this team a fantastic opportunity in this game. The Junior B2 team now switch their attention to the final group game against Mitchelstown, where a result will be essential for progression. Seamus O Mahony got 1 free, Jack O Connor got 1 free, and the remainder of the scores came, from open play, some of which were delightful. Still impressive shooting, Jack O Connor was very good, on the night, came in tired as well from a tough game on the Friday. His brother, Mikey put in a great shift as well.
Killavullen club is of the opinion, that this year has been great for using the B’s for its purpose, finding fellas with the desire to play Junior A, and plenty put their hands up last Sunday night.
TEAM SHEET
1 Darragh O Connor 2 Tomas Fennell 0-1 3 Michael Cagney 4 Ultan Cottey 5 Cian O Connor 0-1 6 Sean Palmer 7 Sean Bartley 8 Dominic Bolster 9 Colm O Mahony 0-1 10 Mike O Connor 11 Seamus O Mahony 0-2 12 Jack O Connor 0-7 13 Rory Regan 0-1 14 Billy Norris 1-0 (P) 15 Colin Carey 1-0
Subs Ian O Mahony for Rory Regan Sean O Regan for Colin Carey Barry Cotter for Sean Bartley Dan Cronin for Ultan Cottey