Kilmane vs Kiltimagh (CT)

 Kilmane 0-24

Kilitmagh 2-15

Kilmane 

Eoin Horkan 

Adam Barrett’s outstanding accuracy proved the difference as Kilmane survived a determined Kilitmagh fightback to claim a three-point victory in an entertaining encounter.

The Kilmane marksman finished with an impressive thirteen  points, including a number of superb efforts from play and placed balls, as the home side maintained their advantage when it mattered most.

Barrett opened the scoring with an early two  pointer before Conor Hession responded for Kilitmagh. Another Barrett score, an orange flag again , gave Kilmane an early advantage, but Kilitmagh hit back on five minutes when Liam Smyth burst through to find the net and level the contest.

Kilmane had a chance to regain the lead when Luke Muniz was presented with a goal opportunity, but the chance went begging.

Kilitmagh, featuring Mayo player Hugh O’Loughlin, were beginning to settle and O’Loughlin added an orange flag shortly after the ten-minute mark. Michael Hession then followed with a fine score from a difficult angle as the visitors continued to apply pressure.

Paul Kelly ended up in the right place at the right time for Kiltimagh as they squandered a goal chance that the midfielder eventually fisted over the bar.

Despite facing the wind, Kilmane remained composed and began to dictate proceedings. Barrett added two more points before Finn O’Loughlin extended the home side’s advantage with five minutes remaining in the half.

Further scores from Rory Barrett and Adam Barrett left Kilmane in a strong position, although Conor Mallee replied for Kilitmagh to ensure there was little between the teams.

Kilmane led by four points at the interval and looked to have gained the upper hand.

The home side made a positive start to the second half, with Barrett quickly adding another score, but Kilitmagh refused to go away.

Fionnan Burke became increasingly influential, registering three points as the east Mayo side began to eat into the deficit.

Kilmane's response came  through Hugh O’Loughlin and Rory Barrett before the Barrett brothers added further scores to keep the home side comfortably in front.

With time running out, however, Kilitmagh produced a late surge which transformed the complexion of the game.

Burke added another point before substitute Oisin Mulderrig found the net, giving the visitors renewed belief.

Hession then took centre stage, contributing three further points as Kilitmagh continued to close the gap.

The evergreen  Brian Gallagher followed with another score, leaving just four points between the sides and putting Kilmane under considerable pressure.

Barrett steadied the home side with a crucial free, but Kilitmagh continued to press until the final whistle.

Hession added one final orange flag to reduce the margin further, but Kilmane held firm during the closing exchanges to secure a hard-earned 0-24 to 2-15 victory.

The visitors will feel like  they had opportunities to get closer, particularly during their late rally, but Kilmane’s greater consistency in front of the posts ultimately proved decisive.

Barrett’s 13-point contribution was the standout feature of the home performance, while Kilitmagh can take encouragement from the character shown to turn a sizeable deficit into a tense finish.

Kilmane;Adam Keady;Darragh Acton,David Hughes,Naoise Burke;Darren Munroe,Kyle Munroe,Luke Muniz;Matt Keady,Hugh O’Loughlin(0-6 3 2pts);Finn O’Loughlin(0-1),Adam Barrett (0-13  4 2pfs 2fs),Kevin Mullin;Michael Hession(0-1)Rory Barrett(0-3),Tom Moran.

Subs Used:C Hughes for Moran (43),E Heraty for Munroe (43),C Flannery for  Hession (52),M Walshe for R Barrett (58)

Kiltimagh:Jamie McNicholas;Mattie Cummins,Jack Morley,Evan Cosgrave;Sean Forkan,Brian Gallagher(0-1),Darragh McGovern;Paul Kelly(0-1),Stephen McDonnell;Liam Smyth(1-0),Conor Hession(0-7 2 2ps),Cillian English;Conor Mallee(0-2);Fionan Burke(0-4),Paddy McDonnell.

Subs Used:L Kelly for S McDonnell (30),O Mulderrig (1-0) for P McDonnell(30),Jack Niland for Kelly (48),J Henry for  McGovern (51),M Bennett for Burke.(57)

Referee:Sean Tolan