Chill Chomain 0-17
Kiltimagh 2-18
Knockmore
Eoin Horkan
Kiltimagh will remain at intermediate level for another season after overcoming a determined North Mayo challenge in an entertaining relegation semi-final.
The return of Aidan Cosgrave proved hugely significant for the east Mayo club, with the forward finding the net twice and providing the foundation for a hard-earned victory in a contest which ebbed and flowed throughout.
Kiltimagh could hardly have wished for a better opening. Within the first minute, Cosgrave was on hand to finish to the net and give his side an early advantage.
The response from the opposition was immediate, though, as Justin Healy reduced the deficit. Conor Hession restored Kiltimagh's lead from a free shortly afterwards, but there was little to separate the teams during a lively opening spell.
By the ten-minute mark, the sides were level. Liam Maloney registered a valuable two-pointer before Healy added another score to bring the game back on terms.
The north Mayo side regained the initiative from the subsequent kick-out, with Adam Conroy taking advantage of the conditions to fire over.
Hession was again accurate from a placed ball at the other end, but Healy was becoming increasingly influential in attack and responded with another score.
The game's first major turning point arrived before the end of the opening quarter. Cosgrave reacted quickest inside the opposition defence and finished clinically for his second goal, putting Kiltimagh back in front.
The pace remained high as the second quarter unfolded, with both sets of forwards beginning to exploit openings.
Hession continued his impressive accuracy from frees, while Jack Healy answered with a long-range effort for the opposing side.
Kiltimagh then enjoyed a productive period as Conor Mallee, Paul Kelly and Oisín Mulderrig all contributed to the scoreboard.
The opponents remained within touching distance, with the Healys continuing to pose a threat, while another Hession dead-ball score ensured Kiltimagh maintained their advantage.
Neither side was able to establish complete control before the interval and the teams went to the dressing rooms with the outcome still very much in the balance.
Kiltimagh returned from the break with a renewed sense of purpose and produced a superb opening to the second half.
Whatever was said by manager Liam Lydon during the interval certainly had the desired effect, as Kiltimagh reeled off six unanswered scores to seize control.
Jack Niland, introduced from the bench, got the scoreboard moving before Mulderrig and Hession produced two excellent two-point efforts.
Fionnán Burke then made his presence felt with two scores, including an impressive effort from near the corner, leaving Kiltimagh in a commanding position.
The North Mayo side desperately needed a response and Healy duly provided it, landing two quick scores to interrupt the Kiltimagh surge and offer his team a glimmer of hope.
Both benches were now playing an important role and Kiltimagh's experience came to the fore when veteran Thomas Keegan was introduced. He made an immediate contribution, calmly sending over a score.
Despite falling behind, the Gaeltacht side continued to battle and Maloney and Healy both added further scores as they attempted to close the gap.
Kiltimagh, however, held their composure when it mattered most. Hession struck twice late on before Kelly added the final score, bringing the contest beyond the reach of their opponents.
The result guarantees Kiltimagh another season at intermediate level and brings relief to the East Mayo club after a difficult campaign.
For the defeated side, attention now turns to a relegation final against Louisburgh in two weeks, with their intermediate status hanging in the balance.
Chill Chomain:Kian Gallagher;Dalton Murphy,Seamus Mason,Lorcan McGrath;Joe Corduff,Liam Maloney(0-3 1 2pt),Cathal Doherty;Luke Tighe,Sean Murphy;Justin Healy(0-8 3fs),Eoghan McGrath,Kyle McGrath;Gavin McAndrew,Jack Healy(0-4 2 2pts)),Adam Conroy(0-2 1 2pt).
Subs Used:Lorcan Mason for Kyle McGrath, Derek Moran for Kyle McGrath, John Flannery for Lorcan McGrath.
Kiltimagh:Jamie McNicholas;Evan Cosgrave,Liam Kelly,Darragh McGovern;Sean Forkan,Mattie Cummins ,Eoghan McGovern;Paul Kelly(0-2),Liam Smyth;Fionnan Burke,(0-2)Conor Hession(0-9 6fs 1 2pt),Aidan Cosgrave(2-0);Conor Mallee(0-1),Oisin Mulderrig(0-3 1 2pt),Brian Gallagher.
Subs Used:Jack Niland (0-1) for Eoghan McGovern, Thomas Keegan (0-1) for Fionnan Burke,Paddy McDonnell for Conor Mallee
Referee:Kevin Corcoran
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