Kilshannig 1-13 Knocknagree 0-10

Kilshannig's Minor Footballers brought the curtain down on a long season with a good win in the Rebel Og Northern Region Minor A Football League final against Championship winners, Knocknagree on Friday last. This was a well deserved victory and both teams are to be commended for a highly entertaining game at this late stage of the year. Top marks to Knocknagree for having their field in top order.

Two weeks ago, our boys were narrowly defeated in the county league final against Ilen Rovers, and so faced into this delayed divisional final to make amends. From the off, both teams seemed determined to play good football and that was how it proceeded. Knocknagree held a slender one point lead at the interval, 0-6 to 0-5. Both sides had goal opportunities, Dylan O Callaghan and Diarmuid O Sullivan for Kilshannig. The oppositions chances were well dealt with, keeper Kevin McMahon was sound and his kick outs superb with a well marshalled defence including Liam Singleton ,Brian Guerin, Billy Walsh and Kevin O Flynn who played an outstanding sweeper role, while also getting up the field for a good point.

Paddy O Callaghan and Jack Kearney did well on the wings, going forward on many occasions, while Joe Cronin was prominent around the middle of the field. Knocknagree started the second half with intent ,building up a three point lead. However, they squandered a few chances which would prove their undoing . Points from Jack Twomey , Dylan O Callaghan and Joe Cronin pulled us level. Both sides exchanged further points, Jack Twomey and Dylan for us to level affairs 10 points each.

Cillian Murphy ,now operating at midfield powered into the game ,with his excellent fielding and surging runs causing problems for the opposition. Jack Kearney slotted over a free to push us in front with eight minutes remaining.

Almost immediately, Conor Murphy was upended in the square, with the ref indicating a penalty. However, much to the dismay of the Kilshannig players and supporters, he opted to hop the ball following consultation with theumpire. Our boys were not to be outdone, and shortly after this incident, Conor got on the end of a great move to slip the ball under the advancing keeper. Jack Kearney tipped over another point before Dylan wrapped up affairs with a fisted score following a mazy run .

The refs final whistle was greeted with delight by all and Liam Singleton was presented with the cup. Liam thanked the supporters for coming out on such a night and thanked Mick Guerin and The Hacker Callaghan for all their work during the year.

Well done to all for a great display and best wishes to Shane Cremin, Dylan O Callaghan, Eoin O Sullivan and captain Liam Singleton on their last minor game. We wish them the best in the coming years with the adult club. This win brought an end to a long but encouraging season for the club, adding to the other divisional football titles secured in Junior A, Junior B, and U 21.

Kilshannig: K McMahon; B Walsh, L Singleton, B Guerin; P O Callaghan, A O Connell, J Kearney (0-2); J Cronin (0-1), Cillian Murphy (0-1); J Twomey (0-3), D O'Sullivan (0-1), D O Callaghan (0-4); C Murphy (1-0), S Cremin, K O Flynn (0-1).

Subs: E O'Sullivan for S Cremin, J Murphy for D O'Sullivan. T Brennan for J Murphy.