Minors
How Kilmeena Minors "WON THE WEST"
In a reversal of previous encounters against near neighbours Burrishoole, the Kilmeena U18’s captured the West Mayo Minor Championship in a pulsating final yesterday evening in Islandeady.
The day had been very wet and the crowds were pouring in. This was always going to be a titanic battle against our closest rivals Burrishoole. This Kilmeena team had only lost twice this year, both times to Burrishoole, they were our bogie team and the pressure was on.
The game started at a frantic pace and scores were going to be hard to find. Kilmeena got on the board first, Burris levelled, Burris went ahead, Kilmeena levelled. Then what happened next, Cillian O Connor would have been proud of. Sean Moore got the ball on the edge of the square and looped it over the Burrishoole keepers head into the back of the net. GOAL!!! Some people said he was going for a point but we know different. After that Kilmeena drove on and finished the half 1 - 06 to 0 - 02.
Both teams were out on their feet after the efforts of the first half. The break was welcomed.
The second half started as the first with both teams exchanging scores and Burrishoole were pressing hard. Our defence was excellent with John Keane and young Ronan O'Donnell playing a stormer.
Kilmeena managed to work the ball down the field and won a free on the 21 yard line, the ball was thrown to Johnny McGlynn, anyone else would have taken their point, we were 5 points up, Burris were after getting a goal, as fast as lightning, he popped the ball inside to Keith Joyce and the ball ended up in the net, Goal!!! the Kilmeena contingent went wild and we knew then we had one hand on the cup.
This was a hard fought victory and great credit must go to both teams for serving up such a feast of great footballing skills.
Great credit also to my fellow mentors John Reilly, Brian Lennon and Billy McGonagle.
We will enjoy this win as I believe it will be the last U18 West Championship to be played in its present format, as and from next year it will be confined to U17’s as proposed by Croke Park.
Kilmeena abu.
Match report; Darren Madden
Final Score:
Kilmeena 2 - 09 1 - 05 Burrishoole
more...
Kilmeena book their place in the U18 Boys final against Burrishoole, overcoming Ballintubber in a closely fought semi-final played in blustery conditions yesterday evening in Kilmeena.
Match report to follow:
Kilmeena 2 - 7 0 - 9 Ballintubber
more...
Burrishoole claim the points against a lacklustre Kilmeena in the Boys U18 Championship this evening played in McGovern Park Newport.
Kilmeema 1 - 8 0 - 16 Burrishoole
more...
Burrishoole hold out against Kilmeena in this well attended U18 League semi-final thriller in Kilmeena this evening.
Match report pending:
Kilmeena 0 - 16 2 - 11 Burrishoole
more...
Ray Prendergast memorial park welcomed the Kilmeena minor team for the last game of the league. The game was played on a fine evening in front of a large crowd. The game started at a 100 miles an hour with both teams scoring well. Sean Moore was on form kicking some great frees. It was also great to see Robbie Harper back in the black and white. The score at half time was Kilmeena 1 - 13 Ballintubber 2 - 05. The Kilmeena lads knew they were in a game as both attacks were on tops as there was plenty space for the inside forwards. The second half started as the first and Ballintubber were having the best of the early exchanges. Kilmeena kept their noses in front and a couple of good saves from Ciaran Costello kept Kilmeena in the game. All of a sudden we found ourselves a point down with minutes left on the clock. But substitute Simon Duffy scored a goal and a point late on and eased the nerves.
No doubt the Kilmeena lads dug deep and learned a lot about themselves tonight. I am sure it was a great game to watch for the neutral but not if you are the manager!!
Final score kilmeena 3.21 ballintubber 4.13
Kilmeena are now in a semi final against Burrishoole in St Brendans park. Date to be announced.
Kilmeena abu
Match report; Darren Madden
Kilmeena 3 - 21 4 - 13 Ballintubber
more...
Kilmeena minors welcomed Hollymount/Carramore to St Brendan park on the 27th of June 2017. This was a must win game for Kilmeena if we were to progress to the semi finals. The lads did not disappoint and tore into the South mayo lads and posted 4 - 10 in the first half to 2 - 04 for Hollymount. Hollymount/ Carramore to their credit gave their all and gave an exhibition of high fielding. But when Kilmeena moved the ball at pace and were direct they are brilliant. This was a good win for Kilmeena and thrilled the large crowd on a lovely evening in the parish. I heard one over excited dad say "it was total football".
Thank you to all who supported and we are looking forward to seeing you all in Ballintubber on Friday evening 30th of June.
KILMEENA ABU
Match report; Darren Madden.
Kilmeena 7 - 17 2 - 12 Hollymount-Carramore
more...
Kilmeena minors travelled to Ballinrobe this evening the 5th of May. This looked a daunting task as we arrived we could see a large Ballinrobe squad (23) warming up. The facilities looked fantastic and we looked forward to a good game of football. Ciaran Costello got the start in goals and Josh Mulchrone slotted in at corner back. Great to see these guys back in the starting line up. Kilmeena started the first half with the aid of the wind and was able to take advantage with a quick goal and a brace of points. Ballinrobe were defending well and were operating a sweeper system that was difficult to break down. Ballinrobe scored some good points and were on top when Kilmeena scored a fortunate goal that put a little distance between the teams at half time. 2 - 08 to 0 - 05. At half time the travelling support were topping up on their tan and the team thank them for their support. We knew we were in for a battle in the second half and would have to preform better in the second half. We did preform better and to a man we were fantastic. We kept the score board ticking and kicked score for score. Then trouble struck, and Jack Staunton got a black card. This is becoming a habit but everyone agreed that he was pretty unlucky. But our only sub Simon Duffy came on and put in a stellar performance. Kilmeena ran out comfortable winners after a tough game.
We are very proud of our young men and it is a pleasure to watch the quality of football that they are producing.
Please come support our boys. It is so enjoyable watching them play.
Kilmeena abu
Match report; Darren Madden
Kilmeena 5 - 18 1 - 12 Ballinrobe
more...
Kilmeena travelled to Clogher to play Ballintubber on Tuesday evening in an U17 1B league game. It was a wonderful evening for football and this game did not disappoint. Both teams had periods of dominance but Ballintubber were more clinical with their finishing. Great credit must go to some of the fringe players that stepped up and played really well. We wish all the boys starting their Leaving and Junior Certificate exams tomorrow and look forward to welcoming them back to our squad after their exams.
KILMEENA UBU
Kilmeena 5 - 07 6 - 14
(Match report and team image courtesy of Darren Madden)
Kilmeena and Breaffy produced an excellent game of football in the first round of the Under 17 League Division 1B yesterday evening at St. Brendan's Park. The home side started brightly and led by 0 - 5 to 0 - 3 mid way through the first half, but Breaffy hit a purple patch scoring 4 - 3 leaving Kilmeena with a mountain to climb in the second half.
To their immense credit, the home team dug deep and put in a powerful second half display raising three green flags and making a real contest of it right to the final whistle . Breaffy proved to be too strong on the day but Kilmeena can look forward to their next outing against Ballintubber next Friday, with confidence.
Match report
Match report Brian Lennon
Kilmeena 3 - 11 5 - 10 Breaffy
more...
https://picasaweb.google.com/116414218992329230135/6289506700474657025#6289509668670169538