Kiltale’s Kevin Ryan

Kiltale 1-18
Kilmessan 1-12

Kiltale kept there unbeaten run with a 6 pt victory over neighbours Kilmessan in this 4th round Meath Senior Hurling championship played in Ratoath.

Kilmessan started the brighter and raced into a 1g 3pts to 3pts lead after a mistake in the Kiltale defence after a terrific save by county keeper Shane Mc Gann led to a Kilmessan tap in to put a goal between the teams.

Kiltale responded with a great fetch by John Donoghue who offloaded to in running midfielder Cathal Mc Cabe who finished well to the Kilmessan net.

2007 captain John Donoghue was causing all sorts of problems at full forward and he notched up another two points and set up Jack Regan for a great point out on the left.

The Kiltale half back line of David and Stephen Donoghue and Padraig Kelly began to dominate and they restricted Kilmessan to 3pts from frees before the break.

Kiltale’s Jack Regan converted 4 more placed balls before half time and further points from Peter Durnin 2pts and one from midfielder James Kelly resulted in Kiltale going in at half time 1g 10pts to Kilmessan 1g 6pts.

The second half Kiltale started brightly with two points from Jack Regan one a great effort out beside the dugout after great tackling by Eamon Ryan and Brendan Dixon to help force the Kilmessan defence into over carrying the ball.

Daren Reilly converted 4 placed balls in the second half and the remaining 2pts came from Stephen Clynch introduced as a sub at half time for Tony Horan.

Kiltale finished strong after losing Philly Garvey to a second yellow card after 15mins and played the remainder of the game with 14 men but young guns Eamon Ryan 2pts,Cathal Mc Cabe 1pt but 4pts between the teams.

The introduction of Cillian O’ Sullivan home from Australia had a major impact and at full forward he hit over two outstanding points one out on the right and the second out on the left and he will look forward to playing with his brother Mark due home from America this week along with Anthony Forde.

Young Kevin Ryan gave Kiltale that extra pace when introduced in the final quarter to help make up for the loss of Philly Garvey.

Kiltale had great performances from the Donoghue brothers in defence Padraig, David and Stephen and they were well assisted by Anthony Donnelly, Padraig Kelly and Chris Reilly.

At midfield Cathal McCabe and James Kelly made sure the forwards got a good supply of ball.

In the forwards Brendan Dixon and John Donoghue made things happen for all the young players around them and Donoghue was unlucky to see his shot trickle wide after a great fetch on the edge of the square and with Kilmessan keeper Mark Brennan beaten.

Young players Jack Regan and Eamon and Kevin Ryan and Cillian O’ Sullivan brought great pace and energy to the Kiltale forward line and they helped make up for the fact that Kiltale had only 14 men for the last 20mins.

Kiltale: Shane McGann; Anthony Donnelly, Padraig Donoghue, Chris Reilly; Padraig Kelly, David Donoghue, Stephen Donoghue; Cathal McCabe (1-1), James Kelly (0-1); Eamon Ryan (0-2), John Donoghue (0-2), Peter Durnin (0-2); Jack Regan (0-8), Brendan Dixon, Philly Garvey.
Subs: Cillian O’Sullivan (0-2) for Peter Durnin; Kevin Ryan for Brendan Dixon

Match report via HoganStand.com.

Champions Kiltale crushed last year’s runners-up Killyon in the second part of the Ted Murtagh SHC Group B double header at Trim on Saturday evening.

Kiltale 2-22
Killyon 0-9

Kiltale were in a league of their own here as they made it three wins from three in the campaign. Killyon lost their opening two games, but only by a combined total of three points.

The sides exchanged points in the opening 75 seconds, but Kiltale quickly regained the lead and by the end had nine different scorers from play.

Only Mark O’Sullivan’s goal separated the sides (1-14 to 0-14) in last October’s SHC decider. In light of narrow defeats in the opening two round more was expected of Killyon here.

Jack Regan put the disappointment of the Leinster Under 21 H A loss on this pitch three days earlier to score 0-8 including some delightful efforts like the one from close to the left-hand sideline that made it 0-2 to 0-1.

A tally of 12 wides to Killyon’s seven may give the Jubilee Cup holders something to work on. It was only in the run-up to half time that the gap in the scoreline became significant.

Four pointed Keith Keoghan frees kept Killyon in contention during the opening 25 minutes at which point it was 0-4 to 0-9. By half-time the gap was up to nine points, 1-11 to 0-5 and continued to widen on the resumption as Kiltale doubled their first period tally after the interval.

The second goal arrived at the country end in the 37th minute when Peter Durnin deftly connected with Eamonn Ryan’s delivery from distance and steer the sliotar past Stephen Quinn.

By the 40th minute it was 2-16 to 0-6. Kiltale tagged on six points to Killyon’s three in the final third of the hour as the fizz evaporated from the fixture.

Killyon’s final score from play was a point by corner-back Chris Reilly from the middle of the field early in the final quarter as the fixture drifted to an inevitable conclusion.

Operating on solar power when playing into the town goal, Kiltale took just 17 seconds to get off the mark with John Donoghue registering. The scores were tied for the only time in the first half when Keith Keoghan landed the first of his four first period scores from free.

By the time Keoghan sent over his second pointed free, Kiltale had registered five scores from play with as many different men getting on the scoresheet.

For the champions seven different players pointed in the opening half including corner-back James Kelly. The opening goal arrived 25 minutes in with full-forward Benny Dixon finishing expertly when latching onto Kevin Ryan’s assist.

All bar one of Kiltale’s first-half scores came from play while Regan landed a 65 in the last action of the opening 30 minutes.

Killyon’s only score from play came in the 28th minute with David Raleigh sending over from distance with the help of Brendan Quinn.

Kiltale – Shane McGann; James Kelly (0-1), Padraig Donoghue, Chris Reilly; Padraig Kelly, David Donoghue, Stephen Donoghue; Cathal McCabe (0-1), Phillip Garvey (0-3); Peter Durnin (1-2), John Donoghue (0-2), Eamon Ryan (0-3); Kevin Ryan (0-1), Benny Dixon (1-1), Jack Regan (0-8, 0-3 fs, 1 65).

Killyon – Stephen Quinn; Andrew Feeney, J J Gilsenan, Thomas Raleigh (0-1); David Kennedy, Ray McKeown, Adam Flanagan; Brian Quinn, Ger Foley; Keith Keoghan (0-6 fs), Clayton Keegan, Joe Connor; Adam Gannon, David Raleigh (0-2). Subs – Calvin Ryan for Connor (24), Killian Canavan for Kelly (38), Tommy Fay for Feeney (38), Adam Farrell for Kennedy (44).

Referee – Gerry O’Brien (Wolfe Tones).

(Via HoganStand.com)

Nothing easy in the Leinster Club IHC. Kiltale’s James Kelly (obscured) is outnumbered by Olygate Glenbrien’s Eoin O’Mahoney (14) and Peardar O’Mahoney.

AIB Leinster IHC semi-final:
Kiltale 2-13, Oylegate-Glenbrien 3-12

Wexford Intermediate champions Olyegate Glenbrien staged a remarkable second half recovery to defeat Meath Senior Hurling champions Kiltale in the Leinster Club IHC semi final at Pairc Tailteann.

After fifteen minutes Kiltale led by 1-5 to 0-2, their goal coming from veteran Johnny Donoghue. Jack Regan crashed a close in free to the Olygate net and further points from Regan (2) and Mark O’Sullivan had the Meath champions in cruise control leading 2-8 to 0-2 after 25 minutes. The Wexford champions staged a mini revival scoring three points in the last five minutes all from the hurl of midfielder Fergal Doran. Kiltale led at the interval 2-8 to 0-5.

It was a different Oylgate Glenbrien team that took to the heavy sod at Navan for the second half. Within ten minutes the Wexford men had the gap down to a point with two goals and a point from the excellent Jamie Reck. Kiltale replied with a brace of points from Jack Regan. On the 20th minute half back Anthony Forde raced through the Glenbrien defence to score an inspirational point and the Meath men were 2-12 to 2-9 in front.

But from there on Olygate took over. The outstanding Padraig Doran levelled the game with a goal and points from the Dorans, Fergal and Padraig had the Wexford men two points to the good. Jack Regan and MJ Reck exchanged points before the final whistle as Olygate Glenbrien went on the win by two and advance to the Leinster decider.

Oylegate Glenbrien: Michael Shiggins, Adrian Nolan, Fergus Heffernan, Robert O’Connor, Daithi O’Mahoney, Michael Heffernan, Peadar O’Mahoney, Fergal Doran (0-8), Jamie Reck (2-1), John Foley, Peter Nolan, MJ Reck (0-1), Padraic O’Connor, Eoin O’Mahoney, Padraig Doran (1-2).
Subs: John McCormack

Kiltale: Shane McGann, Anthony Donnelly, Padraig Donoghue, Ciaran Ennis, Anthony Forde (0-1), Willie Mahady, David Donoghue, James Kelly, Philip Garvey, Johnny Donoghue (1-0), Stephen Donoghue, Mark O’Sullivan (0-2), Cathal McCabe, Peter Durnin (0-2), Jack Regan (1-8).
Subs: Kevin Ryan

Referee Padraig Murphy Carlow.

Kiltale’s Johnny Donoghue takes a tumble as Killyon’s Conor Foley and Paddy Ryan close in during the Meath SHC Final at Pairc Tailteann.

MARK O’SULLIVAN’S 32nd-minute goal proved decisive as Kiltale edged out Killyon in the Ted Murtagh Clothing and Footwear SHC final at Pairc Tailteann on Sunday.

O’Sullivan was the game’s top scorer from play with 1-3. His goal cushioned Martin Ennis’ men against a late Killyon rally that might have forced a replay but for some sterling defensive work by the new holders of the Jubilee Cup.

When O’Sullivan steered Peter Durnin’s delivery to the net at the town end it left four points between the sides, 1-8 to 0-7.

O’Sullivan was prominent in attack as Kiltale widened the gap to five points on six occasions. When Jack Regan, who was to the fore in the opening half, brought his tally 0-7 with a 56th-minute free, six points separated the sides, 1-14 to 0-11. This made the young corner forward the final’s top scorer.

A late Killyon rally yielded points from Pauric McKeown (whose goal attempt just cleared the crossbar), Raymond Massey (free) and David Raleigh.

The timely intervention of David Donoghue prevented Killyon from getting in for a late goal that would have forced a replay.

This is Kiltale’s fourth SHC title and first since 2007 – a feat achieved despite losing the opening two fixtures (Kilmessan and Kildalkey) in the group stage.

Killyon went in pursuit of their first SHC title since 2005, and eighth in all, on the back of six straight wins in this year’s campaign.

At the game entered the final quarter Kilale ‘keeper Shane McGann fielded David Raleigh’s delivery well under pressure to prevent the concession of a goal.

Kiltale lined with Ian Douglas and Anthony Forde at midfield while Killyon’s Pauric McKeown and David Kennedy were in direct opposition.

Jack Regan landed an impressive opening point for Kiltale from close to the stand at the hospital end in the second minute.

Killyon responded well with three quick points; a David Raleigh effort from play followed by two Raymond Massey frees.

By the 13th minute the scores were tied for the second time following points from Regan (free) and Stephen Donoghue.

Regan’s second point from play, another excellent effort – this time from the opposite side of the field – restored Kiltale’s lead, 0-4 to 0-3, in the 17th minute,

Kiltale passed up a goal chance when Peter Durnin lost possession in front of goal. However, Martin Ennis’ men maintained momentum with points from Mark O’Sullivan and Regan (free).

Killyon managed their first point in a quarter of an hour when David Raleigh sent over his second score from play in the 23rd minute.

A David Kennedy delivery nearly led to a Killyon goal but Shane McGann and the Kiltale defence averted the danger.

Killyon ‘keeper Stephen Quinn turned a Regan goal attempt out for a 65 which eventually led to Stephen Donoghue’s second point.

Philip Garvey, operating in the half-forward line, made it 0-8 to 0-4. A Keith Keoghan effort ensured Killyon were within range of their opponents with 29 minutes gone.

David Raleigh played a supporting role as Adam Gannon posted the final score of the half that left Killyon 0-6 to 0-8 in arrears at half-time.

Within 40 seconds of the restart the margin was down to the minimum when Raymond Massey sent over a free from about 40 metres. Then came the game’s decisive score.

Kiltale – S. McGann; A. Donnelly, P. Donoghue, C. Ennis; A. Forde, W. Mahady, D. Donoghue; J. Kelly, P. Garvey (0-2); J. Donoghue, S. Donoghue (0-2), M. O’Sullivan (1-3); I. Douglas, P. Durnin, J. Regan (0-7, 4fs). Subs – C. McCabe for Douglas (50), E. Ryan for Mahady (60).

Killyon – S. Quinn; A. Feeney, B. Perry, B. Quinn; C. Foley, P. Ryan, T. Raleigh (0-1); K. Keoghan (0-1), D. Kennedy; P. McKeown (0-1), R. Massey (0-5 fs),J. J. Gilsenan; A. Gannon (0-2); C. Keegan, D. Raleigh (0-3). Subs – G. Foley for Quinn, A. Farrell for Kennedy (both 41), S. Kelly for Ryan (45).

Referee – F. Smyth (Blackhall Gaels)

Match report from HoganStand.com.

Kiltale’s Anthony Donnelly has control of the ball as Kildalkey’s Noel Kirby and Paddy Conneely close in during the Meath SHC semi final at Pairc Tailteann

Meath Senior Hurling Championship, semi-final:
Kiltale 1-16, Kildalkey 0-13

Kiltale were decisive winners in the second Ted Murtagh Clothing & Footwear Trim SHC semi-final at Pairc Tailteann on Saturday evening when ending Kildalkey’s bid for a fourth Jubilee Cup success in a row.

The decisive moments occured in the ten minutes either side of half-time when Kiltale moved from being on level terms with the champions to being seven points clear.

The game’s only goal arrived three minutes after the resumption with Mark O’Sullivan finishing to the net at the town end after Peter Durnin’s effort was blocked by Kildalkey full-back Stephen Forde.

That left 1-11 to 0-9. Though Paddy Conneely pulled a point back from a free, White flags raised by Anthony Forde, James Kelly and Durnin was Kiltale’s response.

Following the latter score the board read 1-14 to 0-10 with 40 minutes on the clock and Kiltale kept Kiltalkey at arms’ length from there to the end.

Kiltale – caught by an O’Mahonys’ smash-and-grab raid at the same stage last year – were only in arrears once, in the opening four minutes, on this occasion.

Now they looked forward to their first final appearance since their 2007 success over Kilmessan.

Six different players contributed to Kiltale’s tally with all bar four of their scores coming from play. Nine of Kildalkey’s scores were from placed balls.

A tigerish Kiltale defence, with Padraig Donoghue a central figure, ensured there was no way back for Pat O’Halloran’s men.

The introduction of Derek Doran in the 36th minute didn’t pay the required dividends on this occasion as goals eluded Kildalkey.

Mark O’Sullivan put 1-2 to his name while Durnin finished with four points from play. No Kildalkey player managed more than a single score from play while Kiltale wing-back Anthony Forde managed two such scores.

The sides went score for score in the opening 16 minutes with a Pauric Keogh point from play getting the proceedings underway.

Kiltale replied with points from Cathal McCabe and Mark O’Sullivan to hit the front for the first time four minutes in.

Martin Ennis’ men hit the front on four subsequent occasions in the opening 25 minutes but never by more than the minimum margin.

With Paddy Conneely keeping the challengers in check with pointed frees the side were level five times in the opening 22 minutes.

Kildalkey’s Noel Kirby had his side’s best goal chance of the opening half in the 12th minute when his close range attempt was smothered by Kiltale ‘keeper Shane McGann.

Kiltale enjoyed a productive spell when posting four points on the spin in the second quarter to leave it 0-9 to 0-5 with 28 minutes gone.

Mark O’Sullivan’s second point of the half was the pick of those scores. He cut in from the left before registering.

A Kirby effort from play and Conneely’s fourth pointed free of the opening period halved the deficit before Regan closed the first-half scoring with an excellent effort from play.

That left Kiltale leading by 0-10 to 0-7 at the interval having played with the breeze in the first 30 minutes.

Kiltale – S. McGann; A. Donnelly, W. Mahady, C. Ennis; A. Forde (0-2), P. Donoghue, D. Donoghue; J. Kelly (0-2), P. Garvey; M. O’Sullivan (1-2). S. Donoghue, J. Donoghue (0-1); I. Douglas, P. Durnin (0-4), J. Regan (0-5, 4fs). Subs – C. O’Sullivan for Ennis (47), C. McCabe for Donnelly (52).

Kildalkey – C. Flynn; E. Potterton, S. Forde, D. Lahart; M. Keogh, E. Keogh, M. Doran; S. Heavey (0-1), S. Corrigan; P. Geoghegan, N. Kirby (0-2, 1f), P. Keogh (0-1); G. Kelly, T. Fox, P. Conneely (0-9, 8fs). Subs – D. Doran for Corrigan (36), F. Doran for Fox (58).

Referee – R. Morris (Blackhall Gaels)

Match report from HoganStand.com.

Thank god for helmets! Kiltale’s Willie Mahady breaks his hurley on John Donoghue’s during the Meath SHC quarter final at Pairc Tailteann.

Kiltale advanced to the semi final of the Meath Senior Hurling Championship with a comprehensive win over St Peters Dunboyne at Pairc Tailteann. The winners have now set up a date with four-in-a-row chasing Kildalkey.

The game was delayed for a half-hour to accommodate extra time in the IHC quarter final between Dunderry and Blackhall Gaels. The delay seemed to have affected Kiltale and with five minutes gone Dunboyne were 1-3 to 0-0 ahead. After a minute of action full-foward Barry Watters got in for a goal, before adding two points – and along with a fine effort from Sean Moran Dunboyne were six points up.

Kiltale settled and got the next four scores with points from Ian Douglas, Jack Regan, James Kelly and Stephen Donoghue. Jack Regan sent over four frees for Kiltale in the closing ten minutes and the teams went in level at the break 0-8 to 1-5.

Kiltale had this game wrapped up in the opening ten minutes of the second half. Last years beaten semi-finalists had 1-4 registered before substitute Gary Watters got Dunboyne’s opening score of the half. Jack Regan started the scoring spree with a point before Mark O’Sullivan got Kiltale first goal. Further scores from Regan, Sullivan and Philly Garvey put Kiltale ahead 1-14 to 1-6.

The lead was out to eleven points when O’Sullivan sent a sideline cut over the bar and Peter Durnin got his teams second goal. Gary watters got a consolation goal for Dunboyne with time almost up as Kiltale went on to win with ease and set up a mouth watering clash with championship holders Kildalkey in the semi final.

Kiltale: Shane McGann, Anthony Donnelly, Padraig Donoghue, Ciaran Ennis, Anthony Forde, Willie Mahady, David Donoghue, Philip Garvey (0-2), Ian Douglas (0-1), Peter Durnin (1-0), Stephen Donoghue (0-1), Mark O’Sullivan (1-2), James Kelly (0-1), John Donoghue, Jack Regan (0-8).
Sub: Cathal McCabe (0-1).

Referee: Donal Smyth

Match report from HoganStand.com.