29/04/2023: Kildysart let Corofin know they meant business from the get-go with two goal attempts in the opening minutes. With a scattering of 7 scorers, Kildysart controlled the game and were comfortable winners in the end, Kildysart 1-10, Corofin 1-5.
With only 2 minutes on the clock, midfielder Kieran O’Brien raced toward goal and let off a blistering shot which was pushed wide by the goalie at point-blank range. Less than 5 minutes later the Corofin goalie was again called upon to push Luke McGrath’s effort over the end line. McGrath converted both 45’s and points from Rory McMahon and Mikey Donnellan had the visitors in front by 4 points to 2 at the end of the first quarter. Another long-range effort from Rory McMahon and a high dropping point for Keith Murphy extended the Blues' lead to 4 Kildysart 0-6, Corofin 0-2 with 2 minutes normal time remaining. Then against the run of play, Corofin got a fortuitous goal in the dying minutes of the half to leave only 1 point between the teams, Kildysart 0-6, Corofin 1-2.
The first score of the second half brought Corofin to level pegging but a long run by Brian Eyres put paid to any revival by the home side. Eyres ran the length of the pitch only to be dispossessed around the Corofin 20 metre line. However, he quickly recovered the ball and put in motion Kildysart’s only goal, when Seamus Casey made a great finish by rounding his marker and beating the goalie, Kildysart 1-6, Corofin 1-3. A free from Conor Hassett, a tasty score from Oisin Coyle down the left flank, and a point from Luke McGrath gave Kildysart double score advantage with 10 minutes remaining, Kildysart 1-9, Corofin 1-3. Hassett finished off the scoring for the Blues with his second free and Corofin added two more from placed balls to give Kildysart a five-point victory, Kildysart 1-10, Corofin 1-5.
Today’s round 4 results have separated the teams in the table. Kildysart now occupy 2nd place with only Breckan’s, both on 5 points, with Kildysart points difference of +7 giving them the edge over the Lisdoonvarna outfit (+3). Clondegad continue their unbeaten run and are on top points while Ennistymon is the sole occupier of the number 4 spot on 4 points. KIB & Doonbeg are next on 3 points with Lissycasey & Corofin in the drop zone on 2 points.
Kildysart has “home” advantage in round 5 which will be played next Saturday 6th May at 5pm v Lissycasey. Rounds 6 & 7 revert to two-week intervals and we are on the road to Quilty and Doonbeg.
Kildysart: Conor Cusack, Michael Eustace, Brian Eyres, Stevie Sheehan, Rory McMahon (0-2), Kieran Leahy-captain, Fergal Ginnane, Conor Moloney, Kieran O’Brien, Luke McGrath (0-3, 2 45’s), Seamus Casey (1-0), Mikey Donnellan (0-1), Conor Hassett (0-2, 2f), Keith Murphy, (0-1), Oisin Coyle (0-1). Subs: Ian Flanagan for Murphy (55 min), Jack Cotter for Donnellan (58 min), Mark Moloney for Coyle (60 min). Referee: John O'Connell