16/08/2020: The Junior B Championship quarter final was on 16th August v Kilrush in neighbouring Labasheeda. A large Kildysart contingent (within Covid limits) made the short journey and were not disappointed. Kildysart squeaked away with a one point win after Kilrush were unable to convert a very score-able free in the last kick of the game. Final score: Kildysart 4-8 to Kilrush 4-7.
Kildysart enjoyed a two-three point lead for most of the first half compliments of Terry Murphy’s goal on the 7th minute. Kilrush retaliated in the 28th minute to lock the sides a 1-3 each. The sides continued to exchange points with Kilrush just edging ahead at the short whistle, Kildysart 1-4, Kilrush 1-5.
A goal (Conor) and a point (David) from the Cusack brothers gave Kildysart the ideal restart. The Blues were then given the numerical advantage when Kilrush wing back was sinbinned for a black card in the 4th minute. Even though they were down a man, Kilrush kicked on and took the lead, scoring 2 -1 before a Kildysart point brought the deficit to just two by the water break, Kildysart 2-7, Kilrush 3-6. Damien Murtagh’s penalty conversion after Terry Murphy was brought down in the square put the Blues back in front by the minimal. The game seesawed again with another Kilrush goal in the 52nd minute - the Shams ahead by 2, Kildysart 3-7, Kilrush 4-6. However, quick thinking by Murphy who fired a quick goal after signaling for a mark put the Blues ahead by 1 with 3 minutes normal time left on the clock. A fracas saw the Shams corner forward shown a straight red but minutes later a Kilrush free drew the sides level as the clock approached the 60th minute, Kildysart 4-7, Kilrush 4-7.
When Murtagh held his nerve to slot a free deep into injury time, Kildysart thought they were assured of a win. The play continued however and Kilrush were awarded a free near the Kildysart 13 metre sideline. The ref then proceeded to move this to a more score-able position and extra time looked likely. But the shooter was unable to convert and Kildysart ran out winners, Kildysart 4-8, Kilrush 4-7. Next up are Shannon Gaels in the semi-final on Sunday 30th August at 12pm in Cooraclare. In accordance with new government Covid restrictions, this match will be played without spectators.
Kildysart: Kieran Lorrigan, Aidan O’Loughlin, Paul O’Brien, Brendan Frawley, Cormac Ginnane, Diarmuid Ginnane, Tony Collins, Conor Cusack (1-1, 1x45), David Cusack (0-1), Kieran Connolly, Damien Murtagh-Captain (1-3, 1-2f), Ryan Casey (0-1), JJ McQuaid, Terry Murphy (2-2), Christy Clancy. Subs: Aaron Slobody for Lorrigan (51m), Dylan Bull for McQuaid (57m), Dermot O’Sullivan for Clancy (60m)
