U14 Football Cup – Roinn 4 Quarter Finals vs Donaghamore/Ashbourne : Sun 13/08/17
Winning is a good habit.
After only recently winning the Under 14 summer league, The Kwood U14 are now into the semi-final of the Gerry Reilly cup after a 1-12 to 2-6 over Donaghamore/Ashbourne in the quarter finals on Sunday August 13th
Front row - Eoin Finegan, Killian Russell, Ciarán Doyle, Kian Owens, Ryan Stafford,
Jack Gillespie, Darragh Smith, Eoin Rooney, John McGreevy, Oisín Reilly, Kian Gillespie, Adam Doyle.
Semi-Final will take place August 22nd, so hope to see a big crowd there. Come on the Wood.
Report by : Pauline Reilly, Juvenile Secretary
Thanks for all the support and you can continue to support us by playing our lotto online at www.locallotto.ie/kilmainhamwoodgfc #ItsThereToBeWon
After only recently winning the Under 14 summer league, The Kwood U14 are now into the semi-final of the Gerry Reilly cup after a 1-12 to 2-6 over Donaghamore/Ashbourne in the quarter finals on Sunday August 13th
Front row - Eoin Finegan, Killian Russell, Ciarán Doyle, Kian Owens, Ryan Stafford,
Jack Gillespie, Darragh Smith, Eoin Rooney, John McGreevy, Oisín Reilly, Kian Gillespie, Adam Doyle.
Semi-Final will take place August 22nd, so hope to see a big crowd there. Come on the Wood.
Report by : Pauline Reilly, Juvenile Secretary
Thanks for all the support and you can continue to support us by playing our lotto online at www.locallotto.ie/kilmainhamwoodgfc #ItsThereToBeWon
U14 Summer Tournament Group E Final vs. Inny Gaels : Friday 4th August 2017
Kilmainhamwood 6-17 : 1-4 Inny Gaels
Huge congratulations to Kilmainhamwood U14s who won their final tonight in Dunganny against Inny Gaels. Every player played their heart out and were a credit to their club and mentors Richard Gillespie & Micheál Rooney.
Kilmainhamwood took the lead in the first half and never looked back going in at the break 3-9 to 1-1. There was no faltering then again in the second half as they pushed on to win by a score of 6-17 to 1-4.
Well done to joint captains Kian Gillespie and Oisín Reilly who accepted the plaque on behalf of their team. There was a large turnout of support for our team which was great to see. Ciarán Flynn paid a lovely tribute to our late chairman, Jim Condra before he made the presentation and said:
"He was sure Jim would have been proud of the Kilmainhamwood lads performance on the night."
Front row - Eoin Finegan, Killian Russell, Ciarán Doyle, Kian Owens, Ryan Stafford,
Back row - Jack Gillespie, Darragh Smith, Eoin Rooney, John McGreevy, Oisín Reilly, Kian Gillespie, Adam Doyle.
Report by : Richard Corbally, PRO
Thanks for all the support and you can continue to support us by playing our lotto online at www.locallotto.ie/kilmainhamwoodgfc #ItsThereToBeWon
Huge congratulations to Kilmainhamwood U14s who won their final tonight in Dunganny against Inny Gaels. Every player played their heart out and were a credit to their club and mentors Richard Gillespie & Micheál Rooney.
Kilmainhamwood took the lead in the first half and never looked back going in at the break 3-9 to 1-1. There was no faltering then again in the second half as they pushed on to win by a score of 6-17 to 1-4.
Well done to joint captains Kian Gillespie and Oisín Reilly who accepted the plaque on behalf of their team. There was a large turnout of support for our team which was great to see. Ciarán Flynn paid a lovely tribute to our late chairman, Jim Condra before he made the presentation and said:
"He was sure Jim would have been proud of the Kilmainhamwood lads performance on the night."
Front row - Eoin Finegan, Killian Russell, Ciarán Doyle, Kian Owens, Ryan Stafford,
Back row - Jack Gillespie, Darragh Smith, Eoin Rooney, John McGreevy, Oisín Reilly, Kian Gillespie, Adam Doyle.
Report by : Richard Corbally, PRO
Thanks for all the support and you can continue to support us by playing our lotto online at www.locallotto.ie/kilmainhamwoodgfc #ItsThereToBeWon
U14 Football League Div 4 Round 5 vs. Moynalvey/Boardsmill : Thurs 15th April 2017
Kilmainhamwood 1-8 : 2-5 Moynalvey/Boardsmill
Report to follow
U14 Football League Div 4 Round 3 vs. Ballinabrackey : Thurs 27th April 2017
Kilmainhamwood 2-7 : 1-16 Ballinabrackey
Kilmainhamwood GFC U14’s hosted Ballinabrackey on Thursday 27th April 2017 in the U14 Football League Div 4 Round 3 but it was the visitors who secured the victory following their long drive from the other end of the county on a scoreline of Kilmainhamwood 2-7 : 1-16 Ballinabrackey
Ballinabrackey seized the early initiative as they raced into a three point lead with the Kilmainhamwood lads asleep at the wheel for the first ten minutes. Gradually they did play themselves back into it with Eoin Rooney leading the charge. In the ninth minute Eoin Finnegan made a lovely catch and won a free which John McGreevy was unable to convert but the 'Wood were gaining a foothold in the game. Killian Russell was battling around his own half-back line and released Rian Stafford who fed Jack Gillespie who in turn released the ever-willing Eoin Rooney to split the posts and register the first score for Kilmainhamwood. The visitors restored their three point advantage before Kian Owens and Kian Gillespie combined to put John McGreevy in the clear to make it Kilmainhamwood 0-2 : 0-04 Ballinabrackey in the 16th minute of the first half. Oisín Reilly covered a lot of ground helping out wherever he could. Povilas Cesiunas was rock-steady in the goals and found Declan Burns with a good outball and when Seán Bennett found Eoin Finnegan the wihite flag was raised again to level proceedings. Ballinabrackey finished the stronger and two well-taken points gave them a two point halftime advantage Kilmainhamwood 0-4 : 0-06 Ballinabrackey
Having regained their composure after a slow start to the first half, it was expected that the 'Wood would not be caught napping at the start of the second half ... alas, the opposite was true as Ballinabrackey ran up 1-06 in the first ten minutes of the second half to effectively win the tie. Jack Gillespie and John McGreevy did grab a few scores to keep the 'Wood in touch but midway through the second half the visitors held an eleven point advantage. Eoin Rooney, Killian Russell, Rain Stafford and Darragh Smith did not give up but too many did. Darragh Smith grabbed a goal and points from John McGreevy and Kian Gillespie kept the homeside in touch. John McGreevy rounded off the scoring with a goal to leave the final score Kilmainhamwood 2-7 : 1-16 Ballinabrackey
Kilmainhamwood U14 Squad: Povilas Cesiunas, Darragh Smith, Seán Bennett, Kian Owens, Killian Russell, Declan Burns, Eoin Finnegan, Kian Gillespie, Oisín Reilly, Eoin Rooney, Rian Stafford, John McGreevy, Jack Gillespie,
Thanks for all the support and you can continue to support us by playing our lotto online at www.locallotto.ie/kilmainhamwoodgfc #ItsThereToBeWon
Kilmainhamwood GFC U14’s hosted Ballinabrackey on Thursday 27th April 2017 in the U14 Football League Div 4 Round 3 but it was the visitors who secured the victory following their long drive from the other end of the county on a scoreline of Kilmainhamwood 2-7 : 1-16 Ballinabrackey
Ballinabrackey seized the early initiative as they raced into a three point lead with the Kilmainhamwood lads asleep at the wheel for the first ten minutes. Gradually they did play themselves back into it with Eoin Rooney leading the charge. In the ninth minute Eoin Finnegan made a lovely catch and won a free which John McGreevy was unable to convert but the 'Wood were gaining a foothold in the game. Killian Russell was battling around his own half-back line and released Rian Stafford who fed Jack Gillespie who in turn released the ever-willing Eoin Rooney to split the posts and register the first score for Kilmainhamwood. The visitors restored their three point advantage before Kian Owens and Kian Gillespie combined to put John McGreevy in the clear to make it Kilmainhamwood 0-2 : 0-04 Ballinabrackey in the 16th minute of the first half. Oisín Reilly covered a lot of ground helping out wherever he could. Povilas Cesiunas was rock-steady in the goals and found Declan Burns with a good outball and when Seán Bennett found Eoin Finnegan the wihite flag was raised again to level proceedings. Ballinabrackey finished the stronger and two well-taken points gave them a two point halftime advantage Kilmainhamwood 0-4 : 0-06 Ballinabrackey
Having regained their composure after a slow start to the first half, it was expected that the 'Wood would not be caught napping at the start of the second half ... alas, the opposite was true as Ballinabrackey ran up 1-06 in the first ten minutes of the second half to effectively win the tie. Jack Gillespie and John McGreevy did grab a few scores to keep the 'Wood in touch but midway through the second half the visitors held an eleven point advantage. Eoin Rooney, Killian Russell, Rain Stafford and Darragh Smith did not give up but too many did. Darragh Smith grabbed a goal and points from John McGreevy and Kian Gillespie kept the homeside in touch. John McGreevy rounded off the scoring with a goal to leave the final score Kilmainhamwood 2-7 : 1-16 Ballinabrackey
Kilmainhamwood U14 Squad: Povilas Cesiunas, Darragh Smith, Seán Bennett, Kian Owens, Killian Russell, Declan Burns, Eoin Finnegan, Kian Gillespie, Oisín Reilly, Eoin Rooney, Rian Stafford, John McGreevy, Jack Gillespie,
Thanks for all the support and you can continue to support us by playing our lotto online at www.locallotto.ie/kilmainhamwoodgfc #ItsThereToBeWon
U14 Football League Div 4 Round 2 vs. Moynalty/Carnaross : Monday 17th April 2017
Moynalty/Carnaross 4-10 : 9-17 Kilmainhamwood
Kilmainhamwood GFC U14’s travelled to Moynalty on Monday 17th April 2017 to take on Moynalty/Carnaross in the U14 Football League Div 4 Round 2 and came away with the spoils on a score-line of Moynalty/Carnaross 4-10 : 9-17 Kilmainhamwood
The home side opened the scoring in the opening minute before Kilmainhamwood midfielder Oisín Reilly raised a green flag with a well-taken goal after being freed by the industrious John McGreevy. McGreevy kept the green-flag umpire busy as he found the net following good work from Eoin Rooney. Jack Gillespie and Killian Russell combined to setup Eoin Rooney who found the net as the ‘Wood were beginning to dominate. Eoin Finnegan and Killian Russell were brilliant in defense and after Moynalty/Carnaross registered their second point, Rian Stafford responded for the visitors. Full-back Seán Bennett secured a brilliant ball and wonderful interplay between Oisín Reilly and Jack Gillespie released Eoin Rooney to put the ‘Wood three goals to the good. Jack Gillespie and Rian Stafford each bagged lovely scores before Gillespie rattled the onion-bag with an unstoppable effort. Povilas Cesiunas pulled off an outstanding save to keep the home side at bay but they did score a point shortly thereafter. Colin Plunkett reached highest to a Kian Gillespie long-ball and punched a well taken score. Rian Stafford benefited from superb work from Jack Gillespie, Eoin Rooney and Killian Russell to extend his sides lead. As the half neared conclusion, Jack Gillespie grabbed a goal and a point to ensure the ‘Wood lead at half time on a score-line of Moynalty/Carnaross 1-04 : 5-08 Kilmainhamwood
The Kilmainhamwood lads had learned that a half-time lead is not certainty of eventual victory so they started the second half as they finished the first with John McGreevy and Jack Gillespie grabbing a goal and a point respectively. Moynaly/Carnaross to their credit didn’t throw in the towel and kept chipping away at their opponents lead. Seán Bennett met the on-coming attacker with a shoulder that any full-back would be proud of and Jack Gillespie benefitted as he slotted over a lovely effort. Eoin Rooney and Rian Stafford edged the ‘Wood further ahead following industrious work from John McGreevy and Killian Russell. The home side grabbed a couple of goals as Kilmainhamwood eased off the gas. Eoin Rooney rattled off a goal and a point to ensure Kilmainhamwood victory on a score-line of Moynalty/Carnaross 4-10 : 9-17 Kilmainhamwood
Kilmainhamwood U14 Squad: Povilas Cesiunas, Darragh Smith, Seán Bennett, Killian Russell, Declan Burns, Eoin Finnegan, Kian Gillespie, Oisín Reilly, Eoin Rooney, Rian Stafford, John McGreevy, Colin Plunkett, Jack Gillespie,
Thanks for all the support and you can continue to support us by playing our lotto online at www.locallotto.ie/kilmainhamwoodgfc #ItsThereToBeWon
Kilmainhamwood GFC U14’s travelled to Moynalty on Monday 17th April 2017 to take on Moynalty/Carnaross in the U14 Football League Div 4 Round 2 and came away with the spoils on a score-line of Moynalty/Carnaross 4-10 : 9-17 Kilmainhamwood
The home side opened the scoring in the opening minute before Kilmainhamwood midfielder Oisín Reilly raised a green flag with a well-taken goal after being freed by the industrious John McGreevy. McGreevy kept the green-flag umpire busy as he found the net following good work from Eoin Rooney. Jack Gillespie and Killian Russell combined to setup Eoin Rooney who found the net as the ‘Wood were beginning to dominate. Eoin Finnegan and Killian Russell were brilliant in defense and after Moynalty/Carnaross registered their second point, Rian Stafford responded for the visitors. Full-back Seán Bennett secured a brilliant ball and wonderful interplay between Oisín Reilly and Jack Gillespie released Eoin Rooney to put the ‘Wood three goals to the good. Jack Gillespie and Rian Stafford each bagged lovely scores before Gillespie rattled the onion-bag with an unstoppable effort. Povilas Cesiunas pulled off an outstanding save to keep the home side at bay but they did score a point shortly thereafter. Colin Plunkett reached highest to a Kian Gillespie long-ball and punched a well taken score. Rian Stafford benefited from superb work from Jack Gillespie, Eoin Rooney and Killian Russell to extend his sides lead. As the half neared conclusion, Jack Gillespie grabbed a goal and a point to ensure the ‘Wood lead at half time on a score-line of Moynalty/Carnaross 1-04 : 5-08 Kilmainhamwood
The Kilmainhamwood lads had learned that a half-time lead is not certainty of eventual victory so they started the second half as they finished the first with John McGreevy and Jack Gillespie grabbing a goal and a point respectively. Moynaly/Carnaross to their credit didn’t throw in the towel and kept chipping away at their opponents lead. Seán Bennett met the on-coming attacker with a shoulder that any full-back would be proud of and Jack Gillespie benefitted as he slotted over a lovely effort. Eoin Rooney and Rian Stafford edged the ‘Wood further ahead following industrious work from John McGreevy and Killian Russell. The home side grabbed a couple of goals as Kilmainhamwood eased off the gas. Eoin Rooney rattled off a goal and a point to ensure Kilmainhamwood victory on a score-line of Moynalty/Carnaross 4-10 : 9-17 Kilmainhamwood
Kilmainhamwood U14 Squad: Povilas Cesiunas, Darragh Smith, Seán Bennett, Killian Russell, Declan Burns, Eoin Finnegan, Kian Gillespie, Oisín Reilly, Eoin Rooney, Rian Stafford, John McGreevy, Colin Plunkett, Jack Gillespie,
Thanks for all the support and you can continue to support us by playing our lotto online at www.locallotto.ie/kilmainhamwoodgfc #ItsThereToBeWon
U14 Football League Div 4 Round 1 vs. St. Patrick’s : Thursday 13th April 2017
Kilmainhamwood 2-10 : 6-05 St. Patrick's
Kilmainhamwood GFC U14’s opened their Division 4 league campaign on Thursday 13th April 2017 against a strong St. Patrick’s team at the well-appointed surrounds of Kilmainhamwood. This was the classic “game of two halves” and the old adage that “goals win games” was very evident on this beautiful April evening as the East Meath side secured the win on a score-line of Kilmainhamwood 2-10 : 6-05 St. Patrick's.
In the first minute Killian Russell broke out of the half-back line and setup an attack that yielded a free which midfielder Kian Gillespie duly converted. St. Patrick’s equalized in the second minute before a Kian Gillespie 45 was plucked from the sky by the impressive John McGreevy who turned and dispatched with aplomb. Declan Burns in the goals pulled off a point blank save to keep the East Meath side out but their goal intentions was an indication of what was to come. In the seventh minute Eoin Rooney extended the ‘Woods lead following good work from Kian Owens and Oisín Reilly. St. Patrick’s then registered the first of their goals as they worryingly carved open the home defense. Killian Russell drew the sides level with a brilliant point following a couple of one-twos with Darragh Smith and Rian Stafford. Jack Gillespie found Eoin Rooney who put Kilmainhamwood a point to the good in the 12th minute following clever play from cousins John McGreevy and Rian Stafford. Declan Burns came to his sides rescue with another wonderful save and when Eoin Finnegan found John McGreevy his bullet-like point which could easily have been a goal. St. Pat’s replied with what was an all too simple goal before Seán Bennett found Eoin Rooney who knocked over a couple of points to give the ‘Wood a slender half-time lead of 0-08 to 2-01.
St. Patrick’s started the second half with gusto and out-scored the ‘Wood 2-04 to 0-01 in the first 15 minutes to effectively end the tie. Oisín Reilly scored the Kilmainhamwood point but it was one way traffic despite the best efforts of Jack Gillespie, Darragh Smith, Killian Russell and Kian Owen in defense. The ‘Wood were overrun at midfield and any ball that did go up to the forwards found them static and behind their men. Killian Russell battled manly and started a spirited mini-fightback with a long range point following a lung-busting run. Rian Stafford to his credit never gave up and banged himself a goal. John McGreevy raised the green flag in the last minute of the game but St. Patrick’s were out of sight and secured the win on a score-line of Kilmainhamwood 2-10 : 6-05 St. Patricks.
Kilmainhamwood U14 Squad: Declan Burns, Jack Gillespie, Darragh Smith, Killian Russell, Kian Owens, Kian Gillespie, Oisín Reilly, Eoin Rooney, Eoin Finnegan, Rian Stafford, John McGreevy, Seán Bennett.
Thanks for all the support and you can continue to support us by playing our lotto online at www.locallotto.ie/kilmainhamwoodgfc #ItsThereToBeWon
Kilmainhamwood GFC U14’s opened their Division 4 league campaign on Thursday 13th April 2017 against a strong St. Patrick’s team at the well-appointed surrounds of Kilmainhamwood. This was the classic “game of two halves” and the old adage that “goals win games” was very evident on this beautiful April evening as the East Meath side secured the win on a score-line of Kilmainhamwood 2-10 : 6-05 St. Patrick's.
In the first minute Killian Russell broke out of the half-back line and setup an attack that yielded a free which midfielder Kian Gillespie duly converted. St. Patrick’s equalized in the second minute before a Kian Gillespie 45 was plucked from the sky by the impressive John McGreevy who turned and dispatched with aplomb. Declan Burns in the goals pulled off a point blank save to keep the East Meath side out but their goal intentions was an indication of what was to come. In the seventh minute Eoin Rooney extended the ‘Woods lead following good work from Kian Owens and Oisín Reilly. St. Patrick’s then registered the first of their goals as they worryingly carved open the home defense. Killian Russell drew the sides level with a brilliant point following a couple of one-twos with Darragh Smith and Rian Stafford. Jack Gillespie found Eoin Rooney who put Kilmainhamwood a point to the good in the 12th minute following clever play from cousins John McGreevy and Rian Stafford. Declan Burns came to his sides rescue with another wonderful save and when Eoin Finnegan found John McGreevy his bullet-like point which could easily have been a goal. St. Pat’s replied with what was an all too simple goal before Seán Bennett found Eoin Rooney who knocked over a couple of points to give the ‘Wood a slender half-time lead of 0-08 to 2-01.
St. Patrick’s started the second half with gusto and out-scored the ‘Wood 2-04 to 0-01 in the first 15 minutes to effectively end the tie. Oisín Reilly scored the Kilmainhamwood point but it was one way traffic despite the best efforts of Jack Gillespie, Darragh Smith, Killian Russell and Kian Owen in defense. The ‘Wood were overrun at midfield and any ball that did go up to the forwards found them static and behind their men. Killian Russell battled manly and started a spirited mini-fightback with a long range point following a lung-busting run. Rian Stafford to his credit never gave up and banged himself a goal. John McGreevy raised the green flag in the last minute of the game but St. Patrick’s were out of sight and secured the win on a score-line of Kilmainhamwood 2-10 : 6-05 St. Patricks.
Kilmainhamwood U14 Squad: Declan Burns, Jack Gillespie, Darragh Smith, Killian Russell, Kian Owens, Kian Gillespie, Oisín Reilly, Eoin Rooney, Eoin Finnegan, Rian Stafford, John McGreevy, Seán Bennett.
Thanks for all the support and you can continue to support us by playing our lotto online at www.locallotto.ie/kilmainhamwoodgfc #ItsThereToBeWon
U14 Féile Peile na nÓg at Dunganny : Saturday 8th April 2017
Kilmainhamwood U14’s travelled to Dunganny on Saturday 8th April 2017 to partake in the 11-a-side U14 Féile Peile na nÓg. On a beautiful sunny April morning, the 11 lads set off in high spirits and arrived ready for action … 11 lads ready to fight for the pride of their parish in the searing heat in the Trim fortress.
The ‘Wood were drawn in Group 4 with powerhouses Seneschalstown and Na Fianna … a tough task at any level. And so it proved in the opening round as Seneschalstown, who arrived with a huge squad, both in terms of numbers and physicality, out-muscled a spirited Kilmainhamwood side, who improved as the game went on, but the ultimate strength in depths of the YellowFurze men proved a bridge too far.
The opening exchanges in the match were even enough and after Seneschalstown grabbed the first two points some clever interplay between Kian Gillespie and Eoin Finnegan released Rian Stafford whose left-foot shot veered narrowly wide. Kian Owens powered onto a ball before offloading to the supporting Jack Gillespie whose long ball found John McGreevy in space and he duly split the posts to register the first point for the ‘Wood. That was as good as it got in terms of scores in the first half as Seneschalstown upped the ante and wave after wave of attack rained down on Declan Burns in the goals and the back four quartet of Jack Gillespie, Darragh Smith, Killian Russell and Oisín Reilly. In fairness to the lads they defended admirably and but for a few great saves from Declan Burns the score-line gap would have been greater. Eoin Rooney and Eoin Finnegan battled hard with Rian Stafford almost profiting from a super Darragh Smith run but at half-time the ‘Wood trailed 0-01 to 2-04.
The halftime talk rallied the troops and straight from the throw up, Kian Gillespie grabbed the initiative and drove forward, however the on-rushing Oisín Reilly was unlucky to see his effort tail wide. Chances were few and far between and with Seneschalstown able to empty the bench with bigger and better lads, it was clear there was only going to be one winner. But the lads from the ‘Wood never give up and Declan Burns in the goals pulled off a string of top class saves to keep in team in the contest. John McGreevy was proving a viable outlet and when he picked up the ball around midfield and headed goal wards, little did we know we were about to witness a thing of beauty. John skillfully evaded the oncoming defenders, dancing left and right before unleashing an unstoppable thunderbolt to the back of the net. This lifted team spirits and for a brief time, there was a glimmer of hope. Eoin Rooney popped up with another trademark score following good work from the John McGreevy and cousin Rian Stafford. Another goal near the end put a bit of gloss on a good Kilmainhamwood performance against a strong Seneschalstown team who ran out comfortable victors on a score-line of Seneschalstown 4-07 : 2-02 Kilmainhamwood.
With the top two teams from the three-team group going through to a preliminary quarter final, Kilmainhamwood knew they could not afford any slip ups against a Na Fianna team who themselves had been annihilated by Seneschalstown in the second game of the group. Not sure that the second game benefitted Seneschalstown and certainly Na Fianna were vulnerable so it was up to our lads to take advantage. And so it proved with Eoin Finnegan running in a goal in the first minute and Eoin Rooney raising a second green flag moments later following sterling work from midfield partners Kian Gillespie and Oisín Reilly. Killian Russell and Darragh Smith combined to setup Oisín Reilly to put his side 3-01 to 0-01 ahead. A super point blank save from Declan Smith allowed the ever-vigilant Jack Gillespie clear his lines with Eoin Finnegan benefiting with another well taken goal. Oisín Reilly split the posted before John McGreevy added another goal in what was becoming a stroll. Na Fianna didn’t lie down and scored 1-1 before the break with Kian Gillespie rounding off the scoring with a well work goal securing what should be an unassailable of 5-02 : 1-02 halftime lead.
The halftime talk was a lot more satisfying than the equivalent time of the first match with the lads in buoyant mood. Management warned against complacency and when John McGreevy resumed normal service with a long range point it looked like an easy day at the office. However, during a lapse of focus and concentration, the ‘Wood watched as Na Fianna outscored them 1-05 to 0-03 in the third quarter of the match to leave the score-line a healthy 5-06 to 2-07 in favour of the ‘Wood. Kilmainhamwood regained their composure building on the solid defense platform of Jack Gillespie, Darragh Smith and Killian Russell, ably abetted by midfield duo of Kian Gillespie and Oisín Reilly. John McGreevy, Oisín Reilly, Kian Gillespie (x2), Eoin Rooney (x2) all scored well-taken points to guarantee Kilmainhamwood a spot in the preliminary quarter final on a score-line of Kilmainhamwood 5-12 : 2-07 Na Fianna.
Donaghamore/Ashbourne were the opposition in the preliminary quarter final and again the contrast could not be more stark with the difference in numbers and size of the squads obvious for all to see. This writer and other Kilmainhamwood coaches who have represented the ‘Wood on many occasions were delighted that we didn’t have to mark the lads that were lining out against our sons! And so it proved with the Donaghamore / Ashbourne men-mountains running in goal after goal in a one-way, good-for-nobody first half. The lads battled bravely and when Kian Owens latched onto a loose ball and fed Eoin Rooney who in turn found John McGreevy with round to maneuver, a green flag was raised to indicate that the score-line was 5-0 to 1-0 in favour of the Dublin suburb. Rian Stafford did grab another point before the break but at halftime the score-line read Donaghmore / Ashbourne 8-01 : 1-0 Kilmainhamwood.
The halftime talk was about trying to win the second half. Nobody was under any illusion that we could win this game so it was a matter of damage limitation and restoring pride. Donaghamore / Ashbourne made numerous changes and still had men to spare such was the disparately of the two squads. But credit where credit is due, the ‘Wood won the second half 4-04 to 2-05 with all 11 brave men battling to the end and emptying the tank to leave the field satisfied that they gave their all against a couple of visibly stronger town teams.
Kilmainhamwood U14 Squad: Declan Burns, Jack Gillespie, Darragh Smith, Killian Russell, Kian Owens, Kian Gillespie, Oisín Reilly, Eoin Rooney, Eoin Finnegan, Rian Stafford, John McGreevy,
Thanks for all the support and you can continue to support us by playing our lotto online at www.locallotto.ie/kilmainhamwoodgfc #ItsThereToBeWon
The ‘Wood were drawn in Group 4 with powerhouses Seneschalstown and Na Fianna … a tough task at any level. And so it proved in the opening round as Seneschalstown, who arrived with a huge squad, both in terms of numbers and physicality, out-muscled a spirited Kilmainhamwood side, who improved as the game went on, but the ultimate strength in depths of the YellowFurze men proved a bridge too far.
The opening exchanges in the match were even enough and after Seneschalstown grabbed the first two points some clever interplay between Kian Gillespie and Eoin Finnegan released Rian Stafford whose left-foot shot veered narrowly wide. Kian Owens powered onto a ball before offloading to the supporting Jack Gillespie whose long ball found John McGreevy in space and he duly split the posts to register the first point for the ‘Wood. That was as good as it got in terms of scores in the first half as Seneschalstown upped the ante and wave after wave of attack rained down on Declan Burns in the goals and the back four quartet of Jack Gillespie, Darragh Smith, Killian Russell and Oisín Reilly. In fairness to the lads they defended admirably and but for a few great saves from Declan Burns the score-line gap would have been greater. Eoin Rooney and Eoin Finnegan battled hard with Rian Stafford almost profiting from a super Darragh Smith run but at half-time the ‘Wood trailed 0-01 to 2-04.
The halftime talk rallied the troops and straight from the throw up, Kian Gillespie grabbed the initiative and drove forward, however the on-rushing Oisín Reilly was unlucky to see his effort tail wide. Chances were few and far between and with Seneschalstown able to empty the bench with bigger and better lads, it was clear there was only going to be one winner. But the lads from the ‘Wood never give up and Declan Burns in the goals pulled off a string of top class saves to keep in team in the contest. John McGreevy was proving a viable outlet and when he picked up the ball around midfield and headed goal wards, little did we know we were about to witness a thing of beauty. John skillfully evaded the oncoming defenders, dancing left and right before unleashing an unstoppable thunderbolt to the back of the net. This lifted team spirits and for a brief time, there was a glimmer of hope. Eoin Rooney popped up with another trademark score following good work from the John McGreevy and cousin Rian Stafford. Another goal near the end put a bit of gloss on a good Kilmainhamwood performance against a strong Seneschalstown team who ran out comfortable victors on a score-line of Seneschalstown 4-07 : 2-02 Kilmainhamwood.
With the top two teams from the three-team group going through to a preliminary quarter final, Kilmainhamwood knew they could not afford any slip ups against a Na Fianna team who themselves had been annihilated by Seneschalstown in the second game of the group. Not sure that the second game benefitted Seneschalstown and certainly Na Fianna were vulnerable so it was up to our lads to take advantage. And so it proved with Eoin Finnegan running in a goal in the first minute and Eoin Rooney raising a second green flag moments later following sterling work from midfield partners Kian Gillespie and Oisín Reilly. Killian Russell and Darragh Smith combined to setup Oisín Reilly to put his side 3-01 to 0-01 ahead. A super point blank save from Declan Smith allowed the ever-vigilant Jack Gillespie clear his lines with Eoin Finnegan benefiting with another well taken goal. Oisín Reilly split the posted before John McGreevy added another goal in what was becoming a stroll. Na Fianna didn’t lie down and scored 1-1 before the break with Kian Gillespie rounding off the scoring with a well work goal securing what should be an unassailable of 5-02 : 1-02 halftime lead.
The halftime talk was a lot more satisfying than the equivalent time of the first match with the lads in buoyant mood. Management warned against complacency and when John McGreevy resumed normal service with a long range point it looked like an easy day at the office. However, during a lapse of focus and concentration, the ‘Wood watched as Na Fianna outscored them 1-05 to 0-03 in the third quarter of the match to leave the score-line a healthy 5-06 to 2-07 in favour of the ‘Wood. Kilmainhamwood regained their composure building on the solid defense platform of Jack Gillespie, Darragh Smith and Killian Russell, ably abetted by midfield duo of Kian Gillespie and Oisín Reilly. John McGreevy, Oisín Reilly, Kian Gillespie (x2), Eoin Rooney (x2) all scored well-taken points to guarantee Kilmainhamwood a spot in the preliminary quarter final on a score-line of Kilmainhamwood 5-12 : 2-07 Na Fianna.
Donaghamore/Ashbourne were the opposition in the preliminary quarter final and again the contrast could not be more stark with the difference in numbers and size of the squads obvious for all to see. This writer and other Kilmainhamwood coaches who have represented the ‘Wood on many occasions were delighted that we didn’t have to mark the lads that were lining out against our sons! And so it proved with the Donaghamore / Ashbourne men-mountains running in goal after goal in a one-way, good-for-nobody first half. The lads battled bravely and when Kian Owens latched onto a loose ball and fed Eoin Rooney who in turn found John McGreevy with round to maneuver, a green flag was raised to indicate that the score-line was 5-0 to 1-0 in favour of the Dublin suburb. Rian Stafford did grab another point before the break but at halftime the score-line read Donaghmore / Ashbourne 8-01 : 1-0 Kilmainhamwood.
The halftime talk was about trying to win the second half. Nobody was under any illusion that we could win this game so it was a matter of damage limitation and restoring pride. Donaghamore / Ashbourne made numerous changes and still had men to spare such was the disparately of the two squads. But credit where credit is due, the ‘Wood won the second half 4-04 to 2-05 with all 11 brave men battling to the end and emptying the tank to leave the field satisfied that they gave their all against a couple of visibly stronger town teams.
Kilmainhamwood U14 Squad: Declan Burns, Jack Gillespie, Darragh Smith, Killian Russell, Kian Owens, Kian Gillespie, Oisín Reilly, Eoin Rooney, Eoin Finnegan, Rian Stafford, John McGreevy,
Thanks for all the support and you can continue to support us by playing our lotto online at www.locallotto.ie/kilmainhamwoodgfc #ItsThereToBeWon
