The U/12’s travelled to Cahir to play Mullinahone in the South Final of the Division 2 End Games Qualifiers. Kilsheelan had the first attack but midfielder Cathal Kelly’s shot was wide. Mullinahone knocked over two frees from distance before finding the net. Full forward Jason Madigan’s hard work was rewarded with a goal which was almost immediately cancelled out. Half forward Adam Quigley and Madigan pointed to reduce arrears, but a very physically strong Mullinahone team took advantage of Kilsheelan’s hesitation to score another 1-1 before the break.
Kilsheelan needed to start the second half strongly and did so with two points from the industrious Cathal Kelly. Kilsheelan midfielders (Kelly and Billy O’Connor) were working like men possessed and were closing down, blocking and passing for all they were worth. Mullinahone though are no pushovers and scored two points of their own. Kelly pointed again but Mullinahone rattled off two more goals to lead by 5-5 to 1-5 and leaving a four goal mountain to climb. Undaunted, Kilsheelan went doggedly about their tasks, firstly Adam Quigley having a goal bound free saved on the line. Kilsheelan then won another free close to goal and it was Sean Freaney’s turn to go for goal. His bullet shot came off the crossbar and down at the goal line. It was not clear whether the ball actually crossed the line or not but Jack O’Gorman made sure just in case. Madigan rasped another goal at the end of a great team move and there was a chink of light for Kilsheelan. Mullinahone got yet another goal to effectively end the contest, but the scoring was not over yet. Kelly burst through to boot the ball into the net but Mullinahone finished the match the stronger scoring a further 1-1. The panel for the game was Conor Grant, John Carroll, Sean Allison, Thomas Morrissey, Jack O’Loughlin, Billy Murphy, Jack O’Gorman, Billy O’Connor, Cathal Kelly, Sean Freaney, Ben O’Connell, Jason Madigan and Adam Quigley.
The U/12 ‘s in Group 2 will play Ballybacon next Sunday at noon in Goatenbridge while the Group 4 team will be in action against Fr Sheehy’s in Clogheen at 12pm next Saturday. The U/16s have a busy schedule with three away games to Cahir on Saturday at 12pm, Ballyneale on Monday 26th at 7pm and Anner Gaels on Monday September 2nd at 7pm.
