Senior Football Championship: Killeavy 1-11 Granemore 0-11

Killeavy and Granemore squared up in the first round of the championship on Sunday afternoon in Whitecross. The weather was horrendous, with driving rain and a strong wind down the field. Whitecross are to be commended on the quality of the playing surface in such poor conditions. Granemore started playing with the breeze, and chose to put their county man Kieran Toner in at fullback against Stephen McDonnell. Granemore had a number of early chances in the match, but dropped their first four shots short to Killeavy goalkeeper Michael Teggart, who showed good handling in testing conditions. Killeavy were then first on the board with two thirty yard frees from the unerring boot of Stephen McDonnell. Indeed, McDonnell's accuracy from frees was to be the major factor in the result, with seven of his eight points coming from placed balls. Granemore then started to play themselves into the match, their terrific blocking and tackling showing hunger and urgency. A great point from Chrissy O'Connor was followed up by a free, and another point from their midfielder to give them the lead. Adrian Doran then got Killeavy's first point from play in the half, following a quick free from McDonnell. Two super points in a minute from the Granemore full forward saw Killeavy move Karl O'Hare to fullback to snuff out the danger, and this was a switch that paid off. The highlight of the half was a super run and point from McDonnell from the right wing, while both teams exchanged two frees each before the break, McDonnell's second score from fully sixty yards into the breeze off the ground.

Half-Time:Killeavy 0-06 Granemore 0-07

Killeavy knew a much improved performance was required for the second half and things didn't start well, Granemore looking the more accomplished side. Indeed they hit the first two scores of the half to give them a very handy three point lead. Nearly fifteen of the game had gone by, when Adrian Doran was fouled for McDonnell to convert from close range. There were just signs Kileavy were getting on top, Stephen McDonnell's move to centre half forward tilting the flow of play in his sides favour. Three poor wides from Killeavy didn't help their cause, but another free from Stevie had Killeavy back within a point. The crucial score arrived when a long free from McDonnell was punched clear by the fullback, but Paul Watters ran onto the ball and shot to the net from close range. This was quickly followed up by a point from substitute Seamus Toner, and yet another free from the metronomic McDonnell. This ten minute burst was devastating to Granemore, although they battled back to hit two points to get within reach. Gerard Byrne's late free closed out the match for Killeavy to give them a great result in very testing conditions. The win was all important, but Killeavy had a lot of players who did not perform well on the day. Let's hope they turn up next time time out!! Gary Reel and Liam O'Hare showed well in defence, while Stephen McDonnell and Gerard Byrne were the pick of the forward line.

Full-Time: Killeavy 1-11 Granemore 0-11

Killeavy Team: M. Teggart, K. Martin, F. Mallon, K.O'Hare, G. Reel, L. O'Hare, B. McKevitt, P. Watters(1-0), J. Duffy, R. Teggart, A. Doran(0-1), D. O'Hanlon, G. Byrne(0-1, 1f), S. McDonnell(0-8, 7f), A O'Hare.
Subs: P. Rocks for D O'Hanlon(40 mins), S Toner(0-1) for R Teggart (50 mins). 6 wides.