Minor 'B' Football glory for Kilruane

Kilruane MacDonaghs 0-9

Silvermines 2-2

Report: James Hayden in Ballina

Kilruane MacDonaghs fought back from a five-point interval deficit to be crowned North Under 17 ‘B’ Football champions on Saturday.

Prior to throw-in a minute’s silence was observed by both teams in memory of recently deceased Kilruane club member, John Hyland.

Playing with the aid of a strong breeze, the ‘Mines raced into an early lead thanks to a fourth minute Billy Shanahan point followed by a cracking Danny Quinn goal on seven minutes after a searing run through the heart of the Kilruane defence.

Silvermines had the better of the early exchanges, but Kilruane eventually settled with Eamonn Coonan and Jack Mulcahy imposing themselves on the game. Killian Healy set up Michael Cleary for a tenth minute attack but Seán Nolan in the Silvermines goal was equal to Cleary’s low drive.

With the driving sideways rain hampering both sides, Silvermines added to their lead with a second goal from the boot of full-forward Danny Quinn in the eleventh minute. Quinn was sent through on goal by a wonderful through ball from Billy Shanahan and his effort cannoned into the back of the Kilruane net off the butt of the right-hand upright.

Unfortunately for the ‘Mines it turned out to be their penultimate score of the game. Kilruane on the other hand faced a serious uphill battle and finally got off the mark thanks to a 15th minute Killian Healy free. Healy added a second free on 20 minutes to narrow the deficit to five.

Kilruane did have the opportunities to cut the gap further in the closing stages of the half, but Killian Healy missed a free from close-range and his 29th minute penalty was excellently saved by Seán Nolan after Jack Mulcahy was tripped while surging towards the Silvermines goal.

The ’Mines also had their opportunities to extend their lead as the half drew to a close with corner-forward Liam Grace forcing Kilruane netminder Shane Cleary into a fine save. Silvermines led 2-1 to 0-2 at the break but Kilruane emerged determined to peg back the boys in blue and white and peg them back they did. Andrew Hayes got the ball rolling with a well-taken 32nd minute point before Jack Mulcahy angled over a beautifully struck 41st minute effort.

Silvermines were clearly being forced into a rear-guard action by Kilruane with Killian Healy narrowing the deficit further in the 42nd minute with a close-range free. Silvermines kept battling with Cathal Treacy, Daniel McKelvey and Darragh Treacy doing their utmost to provide a platform for a beneficial attack.

The ‘Mines eventually broke through in the 48th minute with Ronan Cunneen converting from close-range but it was to be their final score of the game as Kilruane came on strong in the closing stages. Andrew Hayes arrowed over after gratefully accepting Killian Healy’s quickly-taken free before a rousing point from wing-back, Tommy Borris brought Kilruane to within a solitary point with just five minutes of normal time remaining.

Silvermines responded with a couple of decent attacks before a close-range free on 59 minutes trailed agonizingly wide from the boot of Danny Quinn. Back came Kilruane and right on the stroke of full-time Jack Mulcahy saw his drilled effort on goal fly past the wrong side of the upright. Mulcahy had been fouled on route to goal though and Killian Healy gratefully tapped over the resulting free to bring Kilruane level.

Both sides battled hard for the next decisive score, but it was Kilruane who snatched victory after Cathal England found Andrew Hayes with a deft pass and his effort ricocheted off the crossbar, and over for what turned out to be the winning point.

The ‘Mines delved deep in an attempt to send the tie to extra-time, but Kilruane’s rear-guard held firm and they ran out deserving solitary-point victors.

Impressive for Kilruane were Danny Cahalan, Tommy Borris, Eamonn Coonan, Cathal England, Killian Healy, Cian Moyles, Andrew Hayes, and Jack Mulcahy while Seán Nolan, Ben Claffey, Cathal Treacy, William Murphy, Daniel McKelvey, Darragh Treacy, Danny Quinn, Liam Grace and Billy Shanahan impressed for Silvermines.

Player of the Match: Jack Mulcahy (Kilruane MacDonaghs)

Kilruane MacDonaghs: Shane Cleary, Simon Austin, Danny Cahalan (Capt), Cian Hayes; Paul Molloy, Eamonn Coonan, Tommy Borris (0-1); Cian Moyles, Cathal England; Killian Healy (0-4f), Jack Mulcahy (0-1), Brian O’Meara; Andrew Hayes (0-3), Tom Austin, Michael Cleary.

Sub: John Hannon for T Austin (50).

Silvermines: Seán Nolan, Luke O’Connor, William Murphy (Capt), Ben Claffey; Seán Murphy, Cathal Treacy, Daniel McKelvey; Darragh Treacy, Michael Young; Ronan Cunneen (0-1), Conor McGrath, Jack Quirke; Liam Grace, Danny Quinn (2-0), Billy Shanahan (0-1).

Subs: Seán McGrath for O’Connor (HT); Eoin Grace for Quirke (39).

Referee: Brendan Ryan (Ballina).