ACFL Div 4 Rd 11 vs. Slane : Sunday 16th June 2019
Kilmainhamwood 0-13
Slane 0-12
Kilmainhamwood pulled off a highly unlikely victory to gain promotion to division 4A. When they were reduced to 14 men and trailed by 10 points to 4 things really looked over.
The game started well for the Wood. An early Niall Bennett free was kicked before Micheal Shankey kicked another. Slane got back into it and started to dominate scorning the next three points. The Wood equalized with a patient build up that was capped off with an excellent point from David Russell. But the Wood fell behind after this. Slane were tackling in a very physical manner and the Wood men were getting frustrated at how much of it was going unpunished. Slane took over the second 15 minutes of the half and went in at the break 7 points to 3 up.
The second half started in a similar vain, Slane scored three more points and looked like they had the game sown up. David Russell got one point back before the turning point in the game happened.
An extremely late tackle on Russell provoked the Kwood team into action. The Wood were reduced to 14 men after a scuffle broke out but the Woods energy had changed. From the throw up Gary Yorke gave it to Russell who slotted his third of the game. From the kick out Slane were reduced to 14 men after a striking incident. The Wood began to play with far more passion, intensity and hunger for the ball. Niall Bennett kicked a good point from play, before Micheal Shankey kicked a geme with his left foot from the edge of the 45 in a fantastic sweeping motion. The Wood continued to be on top and another free from Bennett and another point from Russell left one between the sides. Richard Corbally and the ageless Aidan Crosbie were introduced as fresh legs. David Russell then work a goal chance which was well saved but Niall Conlon popped up to put the rebound over the bar. Slane were then reduced to 13 men as Shankey was taken down with a clear path to goal. Bennett pointed the resulting free to put the Wood one up. A few moments later Aidan Crosbie worked himself into space before slotting a point from his left. There was not much time left now and Slane ran down the field before shooting on goal in an effort blocked by Padraic Barber for a 45. The 45 was struck very well and went for a point to leave one between the teams. A draw would promote Slane to division 4A as they started the day a point ahead in the table. Slane won the kick out and worked a goal chance which was blasted and hit the crossbar and out to a Slane man before keeper Padraig Carolan blocked the next shot for a 45. Amazingly Slane converted it again and left the sides level. Kwood however were not done yet. A long pass from Philip Moran found Russell who jinked by his man and slotted it over the bar from roughly 30 yards out. A large roar was let out from the men in White and after the Wood won the next kickout and maintained position, the ref blew the game up in what was a very entertaining game of football.
Best for the Wood was clearly David Russell, who’s man of the match performance should live long in the memory.
Padraig Carlon, Jude Collins, Padraic Barber, Luke Owens, Paul Carolan, Philip Moran, Niall Conlon (0-1), Gary Yorke, Niall Bennett (0-4), Cathel Bennett, Paddy Carolan, Damian Russell, Micheal Shankey (0-2), David Russell (0-5), Oisin Fagen. Subs Aidan Crosbie (0-1), Richard Corbally
Report by : Richard Corbally, PRO
Slane 0-12
Kilmainhamwood pulled off a highly unlikely victory to gain promotion to division 4A. When they were reduced to 14 men and trailed by 10 points to 4 things really looked over.
The game started well for the Wood. An early Niall Bennett free was kicked before Micheal Shankey kicked another. Slane got back into it and started to dominate scorning the next three points. The Wood equalized with a patient build up that was capped off with an excellent point from David Russell. But the Wood fell behind after this. Slane were tackling in a very physical manner and the Wood men were getting frustrated at how much of it was going unpunished. Slane took over the second 15 minutes of the half and went in at the break 7 points to 3 up.
The second half started in a similar vain, Slane scored three more points and looked like they had the game sown up. David Russell got one point back before the turning point in the game happened.
An extremely late tackle on Russell provoked the Kwood team into action. The Wood were reduced to 14 men after a scuffle broke out but the Woods energy had changed. From the throw up Gary Yorke gave it to Russell who slotted his third of the game. From the kick out Slane were reduced to 14 men after a striking incident. The Wood began to play with far more passion, intensity and hunger for the ball. Niall Bennett kicked a good point from play, before Micheal Shankey kicked a geme with his left foot from the edge of the 45 in a fantastic sweeping motion. The Wood continued to be on top and another free from Bennett and another point from Russell left one between the sides. Richard Corbally and the ageless Aidan Crosbie were introduced as fresh legs. David Russell then work a goal chance which was well saved but Niall Conlon popped up to put the rebound over the bar. Slane were then reduced to 13 men as Shankey was taken down with a clear path to goal. Bennett pointed the resulting free to put the Wood one up. A few moments later Aidan Crosbie worked himself into space before slotting a point from his left. There was not much time left now and Slane ran down the field before shooting on goal in an effort blocked by Padraic Barber for a 45. The 45 was struck very well and went for a point to leave one between the teams. A draw would promote Slane to division 4A as they started the day a point ahead in the table. Slane won the kick out and worked a goal chance which was blasted and hit the crossbar and out to a Slane man before keeper Padraig Carolan blocked the next shot for a 45. Amazingly Slane converted it again and left the sides level. Kwood however were not done yet. A long pass from Philip Moran found Russell who jinked by his man and slotted it over the bar from roughly 30 yards out. A large roar was let out from the men in White and after the Wood won the next kickout and maintained position, the ref blew the game up in what was a very entertaining game of football.
Best for the Wood was clearly David Russell, who’s man of the match performance should live long in the memory.
Padraig Carlon, Jude Collins, Padraic Barber, Luke Owens, Paul Carolan, Philip Moran, Niall Conlon (0-1), Gary Yorke, Niall Bennett (0-4), Cathel Bennett, Paddy Carolan, Damian Russell, Micheal Shankey (0-2), David Russell (0-5), Oisin Fagen. Subs Aidan Crosbie (0-1), Richard Corbally
Report by : Richard Corbally, PRO
ACFL Div 4 Rd 6 vs. Drumconrath : Sunday 24th March 2019
Drumconrath 1-4 Kilmainhamwood 1-12
Kilmainhamwood had to work very hard to eek out what in the end was a flattering score line over their close neighbors in North Meath.
The first half was a very attritional type of spectical with neither side playing much flowing football but also neither side giving an inch and every player going for everything as hard as they could. Drumcondrath got the first two points and were on the upper hand until a good score from Paddy Carolan cut the deficit. Drumcondrath took a 3-1 lead before a Niall Bennett free closed it back to just a one point game. Both sides missed good chances and the score should have been higher than 3-2 at the break. At times there was a lot off niggaly fouling which disrupted the flow of the game and honestly if the ball wasn’t on the field for ten minutes I’m not sure if anyone would have noticed due to the stop start bickering nature of the encounter.
The second half stated with the game continuing to go in the way of men in Red in white as a good counter attack goal saw the lead stretch to 4. However this was as good as it got for Drumcondrath. Paddy Carolan nearly scored a goal before two excellent David Russell points narrowed the margin. Some well worked moves lead to close frees been given as Niall Bennett kicked three in a row to put the Wood in front with 15 minutes to go. Continuos off the ball fouling saw Drumcondrath see two black cards which did not help their case. A superb Micheal Shankey point saw the Woods lead climb to two. The Wood were in control now as they were dominating Midfield. Another Paddy Carolan point put three between the sides before two more Niall Bennett frees saw the game over as a contest. With only a few minutes remaining a top class pass from Micheal Shankey was meet by David Russell who caught it between two men and drilled it low into the corner of the net.
Drumcondrath scored one more point but it was all over bar the shouting.
Best for the Wood was Padraig Barber and Niall Conlon in defense, Andy Farrelly in Midfield and David Russell up front
Kilmainhamwood: Damian Russell, Luke Owens, Padraig Barber, Jude Collins, Niall Conlon, Harry Corbally, Alan Carolan, Andy Farrelly, Paddy Carolan (0-2), Damian Farrelly, Paul Carolan, Oisin Fagen, Micheal Shankey (0-2), Niall Bennett (0-5), David Russell (1-3). Subs: Cathel Bennett for Damian Farrelly
Report by: Richard Corbally, PRO
Kilmainhamwood had to work very hard to eek out what in the end was a flattering score line over their close neighbors in North Meath.
The first half was a very attritional type of spectical with neither side playing much flowing football but also neither side giving an inch and every player going for everything as hard as they could. Drumcondrath got the first two points and were on the upper hand until a good score from Paddy Carolan cut the deficit. Drumcondrath took a 3-1 lead before a Niall Bennett free closed it back to just a one point game. Both sides missed good chances and the score should have been higher than 3-2 at the break. At times there was a lot off niggaly fouling which disrupted the flow of the game and honestly if the ball wasn’t on the field for ten minutes I’m not sure if anyone would have noticed due to the stop start bickering nature of the encounter.
The second half stated with the game continuing to go in the way of men in Red in white as a good counter attack goal saw the lead stretch to 4. However this was as good as it got for Drumcondrath. Paddy Carolan nearly scored a goal before two excellent David Russell points narrowed the margin. Some well worked moves lead to close frees been given as Niall Bennett kicked three in a row to put the Wood in front with 15 minutes to go. Continuos off the ball fouling saw Drumcondrath see two black cards which did not help their case. A superb Micheal Shankey point saw the Woods lead climb to two. The Wood were in control now as they were dominating Midfield. Another Paddy Carolan point put three between the sides before two more Niall Bennett frees saw the game over as a contest. With only a few minutes remaining a top class pass from Micheal Shankey was meet by David Russell who caught it between two men and drilled it low into the corner of the net.
Drumcondrath scored one more point but it was all over bar the shouting.
Best for the Wood was Padraig Barber and Niall Conlon in defense, Andy Farrelly in Midfield and David Russell up front
Kilmainhamwood: Damian Russell, Luke Owens, Padraig Barber, Jude Collins, Niall Conlon, Harry Corbally, Alan Carolan, Andy Farrelly, Paddy Carolan (0-2), Damian Farrelly, Paul Carolan, Oisin Fagen, Micheal Shankey (0-2), Niall Bennett (0-5), David Russell (1-3). Subs: Cathel Bennett for Damian Farrelly
Report by: Richard Corbally, PRO
ACFL Div 4 Rd 2 vs. St. Mary's Thursday 7th February 2019
Kilmainhamwood 1-13 St Marys 0-4
How many doctors does it take to change a light-bulb? How many journalists does it take to change a car tyre? How many GAA members does it take to fill a diesel tank?
Surprisingly one of these questions was answered before Thursdays division 4 league game between Kilmainhamwood and St Marys. Just ten minutes before kick-off the lights at the pitch failed in a scene reminiscent of Superbowl 47 where the lights went out during the Ravens and 49ers in the second half. I asked Hall of fame linebacker Ray Lewis for his thoughts on the situation but unfortunately he must be busy as he has yet to get back to me.
The game did eventually kick off at 8:55pm after the diesel generator was filled and the lights were back up and running. The game started off at a good pace and both sides missed frees that were in a good scoring position. For Kilmainhamwood it was one of the only missed chances Kiernan would have for the night as he went on a scoring spree. He kicked two good frees before St Marys got one back. Kiernan kicked a lovely score from a difficult angle as stretched the Woods lead to two. St Marys hit another free before Kilmainhamwood worked an excellent point. Paul Carolan picked up the kickout and layed it off to Paddy Carolan. Paddy found Cathel Bennett with a great cross field ball, who found his brother Niall on an overlapping run before he slotted it over with the left foot. However the Marys fought back and kicked the next two scores to make it 4 points apiece. Kilmainhamwood had played most of the football but St Marys had been counterattacking well and in truth both sides had wasted a lot of good scoring chances.
The Wood bolted out of the traps at the start of second half and David Russell kicked a score straight away after a pass from Niall Bennett. Stephen Kiernan then kicked a wonder point from the edge of the 45 after St Marys needlessly turned it over. David Russell kicked a lovely score of his left after a good move from Harry Corbally and Paddy Carolan. A rush of blood to the head left St Marys down to 14 and in truth this ended the game. Niall Bennett showed of his kicking skills with an excellent score from outside the 45 which was impressive in the wet and windy conditions. A poor kickout was pounced on by Oisin Fagan who scrambled it to Michael Shankey who then laid it off to Stephen Kiernan who emphatically drove it into the top corner of the net. Scores from Paddy Carolan, Stephen Kiernan and two from Ryan Gilespie left the final score at 1-13 to 0-4 in what was a closer game than the score indicated.
Best for the Wood were Padraic Barber in defence and Stephen Kiernan in attack.
Kilmainhamwood: Padriag Carolan, Jude Collins, Padraic Barber, Bernard Reilly, Niall Conlon, Harry Corbally, Paul Carolan, Cathel Bennett, Paddy Carolan (0-1), Niall Bennett (0-2), Andy Farrelly, Oisin Fagen, David Russell (0-2), Ryan Gilespie (0-2), Stephen Kiernan (1-6) Subs- Michael Shankey, Luke Owens, Richard Corbally, Niall McCabe
Report by : Richard Corbally, PRO
How many doctors does it take to change a light-bulb? How many journalists does it take to change a car tyre? How many GAA members does it take to fill a diesel tank?
Surprisingly one of these questions was answered before Thursdays division 4 league game between Kilmainhamwood and St Marys. Just ten minutes before kick-off the lights at the pitch failed in a scene reminiscent of Superbowl 47 where the lights went out during the Ravens and 49ers in the second half. I asked Hall of fame linebacker Ray Lewis for his thoughts on the situation but unfortunately he must be busy as he has yet to get back to me.
The game did eventually kick off at 8:55pm after the diesel generator was filled and the lights were back up and running. The game started off at a good pace and both sides missed frees that were in a good scoring position. For Kilmainhamwood it was one of the only missed chances Kiernan would have for the night as he went on a scoring spree. He kicked two good frees before St Marys got one back. Kiernan kicked a lovely score from a difficult angle as stretched the Woods lead to two. St Marys hit another free before Kilmainhamwood worked an excellent point. Paul Carolan picked up the kickout and layed it off to Paddy Carolan. Paddy found Cathel Bennett with a great cross field ball, who found his brother Niall on an overlapping run before he slotted it over with the left foot. However the Marys fought back and kicked the next two scores to make it 4 points apiece. Kilmainhamwood had played most of the football but St Marys had been counterattacking well and in truth both sides had wasted a lot of good scoring chances.
The Wood bolted out of the traps at the start of second half and David Russell kicked a score straight away after a pass from Niall Bennett. Stephen Kiernan then kicked a wonder point from the edge of the 45 after St Marys needlessly turned it over. David Russell kicked a lovely score of his left after a good move from Harry Corbally and Paddy Carolan. A rush of blood to the head left St Marys down to 14 and in truth this ended the game. Niall Bennett showed of his kicking skills with an excellent score from outside the 45 which was impressive in the wet and windy conditions. A poor kickout was pounced on by Oisin Fagan who scrambled it to Michael Shankey who then laid it off to Stephen Kiernan who emphatically drove it into the top corner of the net. Scores from Paddy Carolan, Stephen Kiernan and two from Ryan Gilespie left the final score at 1-13 to 0-4 in what was a closer game than the score indicated.
Best for the Wood were Padraic Barber in defence and Stephen Kiernan in attack.
Kilmainhamwood: Padriag Carolan, Jude Collins, Padraic Barber, Bernard Reilly, Niall Conlon, Harry Corbally, Paul Carolan, Cathel Bennett, Paddy Carolan (0-1), Niall Bennett (0-2), Andy Farrelly, Oisin Fagen, David Russell (0-2), Ryan Gilespie (0-2), Stephen Kiernan (1-6) Subs- Michael Shankey, Luke Owens, Richard Corbally, Niall McCabe
Report by : Richard Corbally, PRO
ACFL Div 4 Rd 1 vs. Kilbride Sunday 27th January 2019
Kilmianhamwood 3-7 Kilbride 0-15
Kilmainhamwood earned themselves the most unlikely victory in the first round of the division four league as they overcame an 8-point half time deficit.
The Wood won the coin toss and opted to play with the strong wind. This didn’t go to plan as instantly Kilbride won the throw in and went on the attack which resulted in a shot cracking of the cross bar. Kilbride continued to dominate and took a two-point lead after they continuously worked the ball patiently in the Woods attacking area. A Steven Kiernan point made it two points to one before Kilbride began to blitz the Wood. They kicked the next six scores without reply and at times it looked easy for them. Niall Bennett (inset) and Niall McCabe were brought on to make an impact as something needed to change. A second Kiernan point made it 8 points to 2 before Kilbride scored another two points to make the half time score 0-2 to 0-10 in favour of Kilbride. This was as bad a first half as you could imagine for the Wood especially as they were playing with a strong wind.
From the throw in Kilmainhamwood started with Far more intensity as Niall Bennett and Cathel Bennett were moved to mid-field. An attacking move lead to a free which Steven Kiernan popped over. Minutes later Niall Bennett stormed through and rifled the ball out from fifteen yards into the bottom of the net. Soon after a Paul Carolan point meant that incredibly there was only three points in it. The two teams keep battling before the Wood mounted another good attack. Steven Kiernan ran at the defence before passing to Paul Carolan who jinked by a defender and shot on goal, the keeper saved it but David Russell pounced on the rebound to slap it home. The sides were level at 2-4 to 0-10 and it was game on. Kilbride came into the second half again and scored the next three points and looked like they would in the end go onto win the game. But the Wood kept battling as a Ryan Gillespie point left two between them as the time ticked down. Another excellent attack put Paddy Carolan through where he was bundled up and possibly fouled. The Woods bench screamed penalty but none was given, Carolan however scrambled the ball towards David Russell who was able to finish into a tight angle as he showed off his soccer skills. The game now entered extra time and Paudi Owens and Richard Corbally were added for fresh legs. The Woods defence stiffened as some superb blocks from Harry Corbally and Cathel Bennett kept the lead. However the game continued for a long time after normal time had finished. Kilbride equalised before Paddy Carolan put the Wood in front and then again Kilbride equalised before Steven Kiernan kicked a superb score in what must have been the 11th minutes of extra time. Amazingly the game went on another four minutes and tensions began to build between the sides. Kilbride had one last chance late on with a free from outside the 45. It dropped short and the Wood cleared in what was the fifteenth minute of extra-time before the game was finally ended.
It was as unlikely a victory as you might see but the Wood showed huge spirit and fight which is always needed.
Best for the Wood were the two debutants Niall Bennett and Niall Conlon in midfield and defence while David Russell was the best forward.
Kilmainhamwood: Padraig Carolan, Bernard Reilly, Cathel Bennett, Jude Collins, Peter Flood, Harry Corbally, Niall Conlon, Ryan Gilespie (0-1), Andy Farrelly, Paul Carolan (0-1), Michael Shankey, Damian Russell, David Russell (2-0), Paddy Carolan (0-1), Steven Kiernan (0-4). Subs: Niall Bennett (1-0), Niall McCabe, Paudi Owens, Richard Corbally
Report by : Richard Corbally, PRO
Kilmainhamwood earned themselves the most unlikely victory in the first round of the division four league as they overcame an 8-point half time deficit.
The Wood won the coin toss and opted to play with the strong wind. This didn’t go to plan as instantly Kilbride won the throw in and went on the attack which resulted in a shot cracking of the cross bar. Kilbride continued to dominate and took a two-point lead after they continuously worked the ball patiently in the Woods attacking area. A Steven Kiernan point made it two points to one before Kilbride began to blitz the Wood. They kicked the next six scores without reply and at times it looked easy for them. Niall Bennett (inset) and Niall McCabe were brought on to make an impact as something needed to change. A second Kiernan point made it 8 points to 2 before Kilbride scored another two points to make the half time score 0-2 to 0-10 in favour of Kilbride. This was as bad a first half as you could imagine for the Wood especially as they were playing with a strong wind.
From the throw in Kilmainhamwood started with Far more intensity as Niall Bennett and Cathel Bennett were moved to mid-field. An attacking move lead to a free which Steven Kiernan popped over. Minutes later Niall Bennett stormed through and rifled the ball out from fifteen yards into the bottom of the net. Soon after a Paul Carolan point meant that incredibly there was only three points in it. The two teams keep battling before the Wood mounted another good attack. Steven Kiernan ran at the defence before passing to Paul Carolan who jinked by a defender and shot on goal, the keeper saved it but David Russell pounced on the rebound to slap it home. The sides were level at 2-4 to 0-10 and it was game on. Kilbride came into the second half again and scored the next three points and looked like they would in the end go onto win the game. But the Wood kept battling as a Ryan Gillespie point left two between them as the time ticked down. Another excellent attack put Paddy Carolan through where he was bundled up and possibly fouled. The Woods bench screamed penalty but none was given, Carolan however scrambled the ball towards David Russell who was able to finish into a tight angle as he showed off his soccer skills. The game now entered extra time and Paudi Owens and Richard Corbally were added for fresh legs. The Woods defence stiffened as some superb blocks from Harry Corbally and Cathel Bennett kept the lead. However the game continued for a long time after normal time had finished. Kilbride equalised before Paddy Carolan put the Wood in front and then again Kilbride equalised before Steven Kiernan kicked a superb score in what must have been the 11th minutes of extra time. Amazingly the game went on another four minutes and tensions began to build between the sides. Kilbride had one last chance late on with a free from outside the 45. It dropped short and the Wood cleared in what was the fifteenth minute of extra-time before the game was finally ended.
It was as unlikely a victory as you might see but the Wood showed huge spirit and fight which is always needed.
Best for the Wood were the two debutants Niall Bennett and Niall Conlon in midfield and defence while David Russell was the best forward.
Kilmainhamwood: Padraig Carolan, Bernard Reilly, Cathel Bennett, Jude Collins, Peter Flood, Harry Corbally, Niall Conlon, Ryan Gilespie (0-1), Andy Farrelly, Paul Carolan (0-1), Michael Shankey, Damian Russell, David Russell (2-0), Paddy Carolan (0-1), Steven Kiernan (0-4). Subs: Niall Bennett (1-0), Niall McCabe, Paudi Owens, Richard Corbally
Report by : Richard Corbally, PRO
