Kilshannig 3-08 Ballyclough 1-12

Kilshannig overcame the challenge of Ballyclough in their North Cork Junior A Football Championship First Round clash at Doneraile on Sunday last. The perfect conditions and wide open spaces suited both sides' attacking styles that led to a thrilling contest throughout. Ultimately, it was Kilshannig's ability to get goals at key stages that proved to be the winning of the game. The sides were level at the break, 1-6 each and Ballyclough were well fancied with the aid of a strong second half breeze. However, Conor Casey and Colm O'Dea provided the vital second half goals for Kilshannig to secure a two point triumph. It was Kilshannig indeed who got off to a great start with Tony Kelly firing an early goal to open up a 1-1 to no score lead. Ballyclough though fought back well and dominated for a period to strike an unanswered 1-4 to lead by three. Kilshannig however, with Killian O'Hanlon and Frank McCarthy particularly impressive at midfield, gained a foothold once more. Liam Casey and Dylan O'Callaghan attacked at every opportunity from defence while Richie Ryan began to excel at centre forward. Kelly and Darren O'Riordan split the posts before O'Hanlon and McCarthy struck superb individual scores. O'Hanlon pointed following a powerful run through the centre before McCarthy ensured the sides were level at the interval with an outstanding long range point close to the sideline. Ballyclough though started brightly after the resumption with two quick points and looked well in the ascendency. Kilshannig however showed great character and determination with some excellent performances particularly around midfield. Soon after, in the 38th minute, they struck their second goal when Dylan O'Callaghan surged forward once more to link up with fellow defender Conor Casey who expertly finished low to the net. The remainder of the game was a tense affair with little between the sides as they traded the lead on a number of occasions. It was Kilshannig though who came out on top in the final quarter as they managed to find an all important third goal. With ten minutes remaining, Michael Twomey was dragged down in the square after being put through on goal by Darragh Mahoney and for the second year running goalkeeper Colm O'Dea goaled from the penalty spot. Ballyclough weren't finished yet though and and cut the lead to the minimum. Kilshannig though were magnificent in defence and remained composed in possession as they secured their passage to the knockout stages while Ballyclough enter the back door route.  

Scorers for Kilshannig: T Kelly 1-1, C Casey, C O'Dea (pen) 1-0 each, D O'Riordan (0-1 free), T O'Sullivan (frees) 0-2 each, K O'Hanlon, F McCarthy, E O'Sullivan 0-1 each.

Kilshannig: C O'Dea; C Casey, R O'Mahony, T Twomey; L Casey, I Twomey, D O'Callaghan; K O'Hanlon, F McCarthy; D Mahoney, R Ryan, T O'Sullivan; D O'Riordan, M Twomey, T Kelly.

Subs: E O'Sullivan for T Kelly, M O'Regan for R O'Mahony (bc), D Finnegan for T O'Sullivan.