The U16 hurlers played O’Donovan Rossa in the Rebel Og West championship final in Rosscabery on Thursday 25th August in what turned out to be a cracker of a game. With a very strong and mobile team it was clear that O Donovan Rossa were going to put in a good effort to land glory and after the early testing each other out, they were forcing the pace and had a goal in the second minute. The Kilmacs were working very hard but were under immense pressure and while they set about reducing the lead, were not being allowed to play with any fluency. By the 21st minute the Kilmacs had managed to edge in front but were hit for another goal and two points coming into half time. The half time score was Kilmacabea 0-8 O’Donovan Rossa 2-4. It looked as if it was all to do after playing with the fall of ground and that the advantage was with the O Donovan Rossas. The Kilmacs had a couple of early opportunities to reduce the gap at the start of the second half but these were put wide and it looked as if things may get worse when O’Donovan Rossa edged further ahead with a point in the third minute. Amazingly after their first half performance this was to be their last score of the game. Positional changes made at half time for the Kilmacs began to have the desired impact and the team began to play with a better balance. The key score came in the 4th minute when a movement was finished to the net by Declan O’Sullivan. With the addition of a couple of points the Kilmacs nosed in front. The game was now there for either side and both sides were creating chances. The Kilmac defense had stepped up their performance and were marking much tighter. The game had opened up and play was much more open. O’Donovan Rossa had their chances but were thwarted by the work of the Kilmac defense. When they did breach the defense they were met by a superb save from Diarmaid O’Callaghan in the 15th minute and also hit the post in the 17th minute. Niall Hayes at center back was now completely dominant and it seemed as if the ball was attracted to him like a magnet when it came any where in his vicinity. The Kilmacs were able to weather the storm and pushed on to close out the game on the score 1-14 to 2-5. This was a very encouraging victory and was earned by heart and team spirit as well as ability and effort. The team was strong down the spine and all the players in the key positions played exceptionally well but it was the performance of the flanking players that ensured this result. The cup was presented to team captain Declan O’Sullivan by Aidan O’Rourke chairman of Rebel Og West. Team Diarmaid O’Callaghan, Odhran Connolly, Darren Whooley, Euan Tobin, Niall Hayes, Aidan Williamson, Martin Collins(0-8), Tiernan Kerrisk(0-1), Declan O’Sullivan(1-1), Shane McDermott, Kevin Whooley(0-1), Richie O’Sullivan(0-3), Kevin O’Donovan, Ruairi O’Mahony, DJ Glanton, Gavin Daly, Ciarán French, Daniel O’Sullivan.
Some pictures can be seen on the following link curtesy of Anne O'Mahony http://www.wix.com/omahony_anne/kilmac-u16-hurling-sw-final-11
This made up for the disappointment some of the younger players had when they played St. Marys in the final of the U13 hurling championship on Wednesday, 24th in Clonakilty. Having already played twice there were no illusions about the gap between the teams. On a very difficult night with a deluge midway through the first half the advantage was always going to be with the physically stronger and technically more advanced and skillful opposition. Despite this the Kilmacabea team put in a super effort and for a long period it looked as if the score might be a lot tighter than expected. Unfortunately the concession of some quick goals just before half time served to dampen the spirit. The team battled gamely to the end and while the score may have reflected the difference in standard between the teams it did not reflect the effort the young lads put in and is very tough on the youngsters who are enthusiastic for the game. Kilmacabea 2-4 St Marys 9-10.
Youngsters are resilient but this group, through no fault of their own have suffered a number of big defeats over there short careers and it certainly raises question about the seriousness of the attitude to developing hurling in areas that do not have a hurling tradition. The youngsters will get over the defeat and move on but unfortunately will have lost the “gra” for hurling and the damage done is long term. This is an unfortunate side issue associated with the new strategic policy with decisions and grading being made centrally with little understanding or knowledge of local situations.
The U10 footballers had a very enjoyable day under the guidance of Timmie O’Mahony when they played in a blitz in Pairc UI Caoimh also on Wednesday 24th.
The U12 footballers played Castlehaven on Monday 29th in the league and while they were beaten it was a very positive display with players showing a great improvement and having a much better understanding of the game.
Final score Kilmacabea 2-13 Castlehaven 7-3
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