02/11/2019: Kildysart are through to the U21B Final for the second year running after a mighty second half sees them power past the Banner 0-14, 0-6. Throw in was at 2pm today in Kilmihil in atrocious conditions, with wind and driving rain relentless throughout. Having won the toss, Kildysart co-captain Conor Donnellan opted to play against the wind in the opening half.
The first 30 minutes was a cagey affair with the lead swinging back and forth between the teams. Diarmuid O’Donnell opened the scoring for Kildysart but the Banner’s next two points put them in the lead. Kildysart had a great chance when awarded a penalty in the 6th minute but it was mis-hit straight to the keeper, Mark Cleary. Cleary kept the Banner in the game as the next few Kildysart attacks would have been in the back of the net only for him. Seamus Casey levelled the sides for the second time after quick thinking from Conor Cusack. Diarmuid O’Donnell put Kildysart up by 1 before Shane Meehan slotted over a lovely point to bring the Banner level again. That would be only one of two scores that Meehan would manage on the day (after scoring 1-8 in the Qtr final v Doonbeg) with Kildysart’s Stevie Sheehan getting the better of him. A free from each side would see the match level for the fourth and final time at 4 points each at the first whistle.
Kildysart were better able to adapt to the poor conditions throughout and kept the Men from the Town scoreless for the first 25 minutes of the restart. Emmet McMahon, who was having a quiet day by his standards, started off the scoring with an inspirational score from way out the field. Kieran O’Brien’s strength and physical presence in mid field meant that Kildysart were winning Kieran Lorrigan’s kick outs and not allowing the ball pass the half way line. With a brace of points from Conor Hassett, Kildysart grew in confidence and O’Donnell’s score in the 43rd Minute put Kildysart ahead by double scores 8 points to 4. Another brace from Hassett, assisted by the play maker Seamus Casey, was followed by points from McMahon and the speedy wingback Mikey Donnellan which stretched Kildysart’s lead to 8 points (0-12, 0-4). Any attacking threat by the Banner was quickly squashed by Conor Donnellan and Conor Moloney with David Cusack and Cormac Ginnane protecting the rear. Conor Hassett saved his best score til last when he got an unbelievable shot off in between the crowded defence. The Banner got the next two scores with the first coming five minutes from time. Luke McGrath ended the second half in the same manner as the first with a free to give Kildysart the victory 0-14, to 0-6.
Kildysart will have a wait of at least two weeks for the final due to Miltown being involved in senior football final delayed the start of their championship. Miltown had a comprehensive win over Parteen on Friday last and will face Lissycasey on Sunday 3rd Nov in the quarter final. The winner then faces Wolfetones in the semi-final next Saturday. If Miltown advance there could be a further week delay due to the Munster Championship.
Kildysart: Kieran Lorrigan, Cormac Ginnane, Stevie Sheehan, Conor Moloney, Mikey Donnellan (0-1), Conor Donnellan-co captain, David Cusack, Kieran O’Brien-co captain, Emmet McMahon (0-2), Luke McGrath (0-2, 2f), Seamus Casey (0-1), Conor Hassett (0-5), Diarmuid O’Donnell (0-3), Conor Cusack, Ryan Casey. Subs: J.J. McQuaid for R. Casey- injured (HT), Dylan Bull for David Cusack (56 min).
Banner: Mark Cleary, Darren Meehan, Kenneth Higgins, Mark Slattery, Darragh Hickey, Diarmuid Cassidy, Niall Walsh, Milo Collins, Danny O’Halloran, Eoin Walsh, Ronan Collins, Ian Molloy, Daniel Daly, Shane Meehan, Conor Devitt.
Ref: Barry Keating
