A large crowd showed up in Killeavy on Sunday evening for the visit of Ulster champions, Crossmaglen.
Conditions were absolutely ideal, sunshine and little breeze paving the way for what should have been an
enjoyable spectacle. Killeavy were on the back of two very poor defeats, and things got worse in the first minute
when Jamie Clarke broke through their rearguard to bang home a goal for Crossmaglen.
This was the start of a harrowing first half show from Killeavy, the team very low on confidence and form, and with
Oisin McConville absolutely deadly from frees Cross rattled up a sizeable lead. The only bright points for Killeavy were two
excellent long range efforts from Mark Stanfield and Gary Reel. After a real battering the half time score saw Cross lead by 14 points.
Half-Time: Killeavy 0-2 Crossmaglen 2-10
Playing for a little pride in the second half, Killeavy did at least compete a little better.
Gary Reel had a storming half raiding for three magical points from half back to bring his tally to four for the day.
Killeavy also worked three goal opportunites but efforts from Anthony O'Hare , Raymie Teggart and Mark Stanfield were
all saved. Apart from Gary Reel, Killeavy's only other scorer was Mark Stanfield , who hit two good 50s and a further point from play in the second half.
After three really poor performances, Killeavy will have to start showing much more fight and pride.
Cross were never forced out of their comfort zone, or out of second gear. Killeavy will need to start winning break ball from kickouts,
as they are losing this much needed possession badly, and putting extreme pressure on an overworked defence.
The team showed last year it can bounce back from terrible form. It will need to perform the same overhaul this season. The sooner this
metamorphasis begins, the better!!
Well done to Sean Og Duffy, who came on in goal to make his senior debut, and acquitted himself well on the night.
Killeavy 0-08 Crossmaglen 3-13
Killeavy Team: B. Cromie,C. Quinn,P. Watters,P. Donnelly, G. Reel(0-4), L. O'Hare, C. Byrne,
J. Duffy, C. Hickey, R. McConville, M Stanfield(0-4 2 '50) ,S Boylan, B. Magee,A. O'Hare, G. Byrne.
