Killeavy Win In Style!!!
U14 Championship Final: Killeavy 3-14 St. Pat's Cullyhanna 2-02
Killeavy made the short trip to Carrickcruppen on Tuesday thoroughly focused on at last getting the better of a Cullyhanna side that had already gotten the upper hand in the Feile Final at Easter. Conditions were absolutely perfect as the teams took the field before a large expectant crowd. Well aware of the threat posed by dangerman Robbie Tasker, Killeavy had drafted Caolin Downey from the half-forward line to the half-back line to good effect this year for an important marking role. Also, Conor King, who had missed the Feile final was firmly re-established in the middle of the field for Killeavy.Killeavy started the game very strongly, picking up a lot of the early ball. Chris McKnight was very influential in the early period and landed two great scores to set Killeavy on the road. These scores were sandwiched by a lovely point from Conor King, the move started by some great defensive work by corner back Cathal O'Hara. After 10 minutes Killeavy hit the first goal of the contest. Full forward Colm McAneany didn't give up on a lost cause in the corner and blocked brilliantly. He then retrieved the ball and crossed for Niall Duffy to take a great high ball and expertly slip the ball low into the corner for an assured finish.
McAneany followed up with another point and Killeavy were flying. St Pat's then had a spell of pressure, resulting in a point from a free, and an excellent follow-up score from their centreback.
Undeterred, Killeavy finished the half strongly, and the player of the half, Niall O'Neill hit two more accomplished scores from play, showing terrific speed and the ability to turn beautifully out of a challenge. Michael Reel also got in on the scoring act to leave Killeavy leading 1-07 to 0-02 at the break.
The Killeavy team takes to the field in determined mood.
Half-Time: Killeavy 1-07 St Pat's 0-02.
The second half again saw Killeavy seize the initiative straight away. A good long ball into the edge of the square from Conor King was fisted to the net by Colm McAneany and soon after Niall Duffy put King through for a point, after great work from Caolin Downey in defence. James Donnelly then hit a wonderful point from 40 yards and Killeavy were playing dream football at this stage. When Conor King's long powerful effort beat the St Pats keeper, the game looked completely dead and buried. St Pat's responded, however, and scored two quick goals, both from sharply taken free kicks. During this period they hit the post with a penalty, which saw their late charge fizzle out. Killeavy lead by 3-09 to 2-02 at this point, and they really turned on the style in the last ten minutes. James Donnelly scored again, followed up by a great right wing effort from Niall Duffy. Fromt he kickout Conor King fired over from almost the identical position. It was fitting that the last two scores went to James Donnelly and Conor King, Donnelly making a great run to finish from an acute angle, while King finished off the scoring in style, landing a sideline ball all the way over the blackspot. The two midfielders were inseparable for the man of the match award, but all over the field Killeavy players ruled the roost.The halfback line of Vikash Sanjay, captain Kevin Burns and Caolin Downey were practically air tight, while Michael McEvoy had a great hour under the high ball at fullback. As the final whistle went, the players and management were delighted with the achievement of back to back championships, and well done to Seamus Faloon and Gerry Mallon, who have obviously done a fine coaching job with the team. Kevin Burns accepted the trophy on behalf of the side and thanked St Pat's for another gutsy performance. The team then went back to a bouyant social club for a well-deserved meal. Well done to all involved, and to sponsor McDonnell Transport for backing the side this year. Roll on the league final!!
Gallery here.