Kilshannig claimed the County U16 Premier 2 Football Championship Title following a deserved victory over Carbery Rangers in Coachford last Saturday. It was a historic occasion for the Kilshannig club winning a Rebel Og Central Premier competition for the first time and their victory was based on hard working display throughout aided with key goals at crucial stages of the contest. It was the Rosscarbery side that got off to the better start however, dominating for large parts of the opening 10 minutes. The lively Darragh Hayes got the opening score with a free and he almost found the net in the 7th minute but his effort struck the crossbar and over for his second point. Kilshannig, though defended well in this period and eventually settled into the game. Eanna O'Hanlon had Kilshannig's opening score before Kieran Twomey with a superb 45 against the wind tied the sides by the 10th minute. Kilshannig began to put their stamp on the game at this stage with Kieran and Luke Twomey influential at midfield while O'Hanlon, Eoin Healy and captain Bill Curtin made their presence felt. Kilshannig then made a significant breakthrough on 15 minutes following good link up play saw full forward Conor McMahon fire low to the Carbery Rangers net. O'Hanlon quickly added another free to push his side 1-3 to 0-2 ahead. The remainder of the half was a tight affair with scores hard to come by for both sides. While Carbery cut the lead with a free, Kilshannig once again found space for a crucial goal just before the break, McMahon was denied initially but Stephen Goggin was on hand to finish to the net to give Kilshannig a 2-3 to 0-4 lead at the break.

Once again, the second half was a close affair with both teams struggling to add to their accounts. It was Kilshannig who broke the deadlock however, Eanna O'Hanlon pointing another free and they extended their lead furthermore with a 43rd minute goal. Conor McMahon had his second goal of the afternoon following a superb run from full back Barry O'Shea. Kieran Twomey added a point from distance as Kilshannig looked well in control entering the final quarter, 3-5 to 0-4. Carbery to their credit didn't lie down though and came fighting back for the remainder of the game. Hayes added a close range free before he gave his side a lifeline with a 50th minute goal. The West Cork outfit had the momentum at this stage with Hayes adding two further frees. Fintan Barrett pointed two minutes from time and all of sudden there was just one score between the sides, 3-5 to 1-8. Carbery continued to press for an equalising in the final minutes but as they did all through, Kilshannig defended superbly and held out in the closing stages to secure county honours. 

Well done to our players and management on a magnificent achievement. Defeating Valley Rovers, Ilen Rovers, St.Finbarr's and finally Carbery Rangers to win the county took a lot of hard work throughout the year. Well done all.