On Saturday afternoon Kilmacabea junior footballers got a late season morale boost when they overcame Gabriel Rangers in the league semi-final in Ballydehob. An early goal by Joe Collins gave Kilmacs a bit of a cushion. Gabriels were picking off the points with the aid of the breeze in the second quarter when Ger O Donovan again found the net for Kilmacs to leave the half time score 2 - 3 to 0 - 6. In the second half against the breeze Gabriels continued the pressure but Ger got inside the defence to notch another Kilmac goal. Gabriels never gave up but Kilmacs held out for 3 - 5 to 0 - 10 victory. They now face Bandon who will be going for the championship/league double in the final.
The U13 footballers played Pedlars Cross in the league final on Sunday morning in Rossmore. There was a very strong wind in Kilmacs favour for the first half. The young Kilmacs were playing well but while they had a slight advantage at half time on the score of 0-5 to 0-2 it didn’t look nearly enough especially as Pedlars had created chances of their own. The Kilmacs scored a goal at the start of the second half but as this was cancelled out by Pedlars with a goal of their own immediately it looked as if the struggle would be too much. With a few positional switches, amazingly the Kilmacs settled to the task and playing with good controlled use of possession, went on to play better against the wind. With every one playing their part they were able to show their ability and while the margin was tight in the end they were deserving of their victory on the score of 1-8 to 1-7. This was a welcome return for a group who have persevered even when results haven’t always gone their way and with fine individual performances it was the team effort that fashioned the win. Well done to the mentors Bart Kerrisk, Michael Gore and Sean Tobin for the work put in over the year. John Patrick Sheehan made a number of key saves especially during the first half and was very dependable throughout. Tiernan Kerrisk was outstanding in defence especially in the second half when he took over the centre back role. Ellis Wilson showed all his football awareness both defensively and in attack. Sean French won a huge amount of possession and was unbeatable all through. Ross Cantwell had one of his best ever days showing all his natural ability to win possession and use it positively. Jamie O Donoughue was strong all through and always had the advantage on his opposite number. Darren Whooley though upagainst a much bigger opponent didn't let it bother him and won a huge amount of possession and was always at the heart of things. Dan Lynch had an outstanding game, winning abundant possession, moving and linking effectively and able to finish with fine scores for a man of the match performance. Damian Gore as always was at the heart of the attack, working tirelessly, linking with others and finishing deadly. Myles Tobin won a lot of possession and linked well with the rest of the attack for his best game of the season. Ciaran French worked hard in attack in the first half but it was when he reverted to wing back that he really came into his own with his ability to read the game, win possession and use it. Caelan O'Mahony worked hard in attack even if it didn't always work out and the delivery didn't benefit his game. Ian Jennings put in a huge effort all over the place and showed great promise throughout. Adrian Gore and Karl Ronan came on and played their part. Team: John Patrick Sheehan, Tiernan Kerrisk, Ross Cantwell, Sean French, Jamie O’Donoghue, Dan Lynch(1-2), Darren Whooley(0-2), Myles Tobin, Damian Gore(0-4), Ciarán French, Caelan O’Mahony, Ian Jennings, Karl Ronan, Ashley Deane, Conor Nash, Adrian Gore.
On Sunday afternoon it was off to Skibbereen to play the minor hurling league final against the home team. This was a game that was played in very difficult conditions. The Kilmacs had the advantage of the strong wind and were making the early running. The loss of Declan O’Sullivan with a painful finger injury midway through the half disrupted the flow and a soft goal was conceded soon after to level the game. The Kilmacs responded with a goal of their own but the lead at half time of 1-6 to 1-2 did not look enough in the conditions. Again the team individually and collectively responded and with some tremendous displays all over the pitch, were able to respond to the challenge and even extend the advantage. Some late Skibbereen scores made for a nervous final few minutes but the team was not giving in and were worthy winners on the score 1- 9 to 2 – 4. This was a tremendous show of spirit and heart by this group and showed their enthusiasm for the game. When these teams met in the first round of the league Kilmacabea had to borrow two players from their opponents to play the game. Team Diarmaid O’Callaghan, Martin Collins, Liam Thompson, Euan Tobin, Niall Hayes, Finnán Tobin, Liam Cahalane, Kevin Whooley, Eamon O’Sullivan(0-5), Declan O’Sullivan(0-1), Kevin Hayes, Richie O’Sullivan(1-3), Shane McDermott, Liam O’Driscoll, Kevin O’Donovan, Denny Hayes, Aidan Williamson.
The week shows the benefits of sport and the way it can lift people’s spirits and bring pleasure and enjoyment.
Martina French, Knockanenacrohy won the first prize in this month's club draw. Karl McCarthy, Glandore won the second prize and third went Jonathan Hill, Clonkeen House. Consolation prizes were won by Norma Whelton, Clounties; Michael Glavin, Dromillihy; Christy and Anne McCarthy, Maulmoreen and Adrian O Driscoll, Kilmacsimon. That completes the current series of draws. Tickets are now on sale for the coming twelve months. The prize fund will again be €1,000 per month and tickets €10 per month
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