Senior County Championship
Relegation Playoff
Kilcummin 1-15 Rathmore 0-12
Our Senior team retained their senior club status after an impressive performance on Saturday last when they overcame Rathmore in a relegation battle at Lewis Road. An inspired performance from Sean O’Leary topped off by a great goal stood out but in fairness the entire team were outstanding and were certainly well motivated to avoid relegation.
Our defence snuffed out a very potent Rathmore attack and Kevin McSweeney at full-back lead by example as the opposition threw everything at them in those final 10 minutes to rescue the game for Rathmore. He was well assisted by Donal Maher, Dan Moynihan and Oscar O’Connor throughout while James Nagle, as well as defending with conviction, found time to assist in attack in great effect. At midfield Kieran Murphy contributed two invaluable points from play as well as working hard with Kevin Gorman to control the play for long periods of the game.
Enda O’Sullivan operated as a third midfielder and handled an amount of football in linking with defence and attack. Shane McSweeney was his usual reliable self when needed while Gary O Leary spearheaded the attack, scored a point and helped out hugely in defence in those final minutes. Noel Duggan was ever reliable from frees but also was outstanding from play being very involved in most attacks while also scoring two points from play. Kevin McCarthy and Paul O’Shea showed their considerable array of skill while between them they accounted for five of our points, all from play.
Brendan Kealy had a tremendous second half, scoring a fine long-range point as well as making some invaluable interceptions and some pinpoint passes. Philip Casey, John McCarthy, Damien O’Leary, Sean Moynihan, Mikey O’Shea and William Maher all played their part in this memorable victory. Well done also to management team of Daniel O’Leary, Kieran Fleming, Willie Maher and Shane O’Sullivan. While we delight in our team retaining their status, we feel a little sadness for Rathmore losing theirs.
Rathmore and Kilcummin have been very supportive of each other over the last 20 years and amalgamated for Minor and U21 County Championships for years. Indeed in 2012 they won the U21 County Championship together. We wish them all the best for 2020 and look forward to their return to senior ranks.
Minor Football East Kerry League Division 2 Final Replay
Glenflesk 1-13 Kilcummin 2-12
Played in Glenflesk, Kilcummin had to pull out all the stops to overcome a talented home team on Monday last in an entertaining encounter. A Dean Bradley Cronin goal was very instrumental in turning this game in our favour after Glenflesk had scored six points without reply immediately after half time.
In truth this was a good team performance from a young side that shows lots of promise for the years ahead, but Dylan Murphy’s goal and Paul O’Shea’s seven points were important contributions. Danny Cronin, Philip O’Leary, Cian Foley and Darren Lehane twice were the other points scorers. Keith O’Leary was very reliable and assured in front of a full back line of Darragh Cronin, Darragh Brosnan and Nathan McCarthy who worked extremely hard to contain a very potent Glenflesk forward line. The half-back trio of Dara O’Callaghan and brothers Cian and Dylan Murphy belied their tender years with some great defending while Dylan finished his goal with style. Paul O’Shea whether at midfield or full forward had a huge influence on the game and his younger brother Mark certainly played his part.
Chris Moynihan was very impressive both in midfield and defence while Darren Lehane showed his experience as well as kicking two points. Cian Foley, Philip O’Leary, Dean Bradley Cronin and Danny Cronin as well as scoring were constantly involved, making many telling and skilful contributions and showed great promise for the future. Colm Kelleher, Jack McClain, Oisin O’Leary also contributed well when introduced.
Well done also to DJ Fleming (coach) and selectors Tim Ryan and Darragh Kelly.
Credit Union County League Round 11 Kilcummin v Kerins O’Rahillys this Sunday at 1pm in Kilcummin
