Kiltale ……… 0-20.
Kildalkey …… 1-12
Two points in quick succession from Paddy Conneely and Patrick Potterton tied the scores for the fifth time before Denis O’Shea’s men kicked-on to see off the champions.
Kildalkey led by 1-6 to 0-8 at the break, but in the improving weather conditions (some significant rain made it difficult for both sides early on) last year’s runners-up outscored the Jubilee Cup holders by 0-12 to 0-6 in the second-half.
However, it took that late surge of points to secure the spoils for Kiltale with captain Jack Regan bringing his tally to ten points, included in his total was a 56th minute pointed free from close to his own 45. It was followed with a similar score from a little further from his own goal.
He complimented his tally from frees with some magnificent efforts from play. Also prominent in attack was the experienced Peter Durnin who chalked up six points.
Others to shine were the versatile Chris Reilly who matched significant work rate with a brace of scores (the first and last of the second-half) from play. Mark O’Sullivan’s prominence in defence was matched by a fine effort from halfway which made it 0-13 to 1-8 with 44 minutes on the clock.
Nicky Potterton’s accuracy from frees, particularly in the first half, kept the champions in contention here. A pointed close range Durnin free in the 41st minute put Kiltale back in front for the first time since before Patrick Barnwell’s sixth minute goal.
This win is only a step in the right direction for Kiltale who hit eight second-half wides, but a welcome boost after last year’s final loss to Kildalkey. .
The most significant score in the opening ten minutes was Patrick Barnwell’s sixth minute goal that left the champions leading 1-0 to 0-1. Peter Durnin’s three first-half points from play complimented four scores (three frees) from team captain Jack Regan.
Durnin’s second score left it 1-1 to 0-2 with 10 minutes gone. The next score from play arrived courtesy of Nicky Potterton in the 30th minute. Shane McGann marked his return was a couple of fine saves in the opening half.
Following Barnwell’s goal, the champions were never headed again until Durnin made 0-11 to 1-7 with two thirds of the hour gone.
Next up: Kildalkey v Trim, Kiltale v Dunboyne
Scorers: Kiltale – Jack Regan 0-10 (6fs), Peter Durnin 0-6 (1f), Chris Reilly 0-2, Mark O’Sullivan 0-1, Padraig Kelly 0-1.
Kildalkey – Nicky Potterton 0-7 (6fs), Patrick Barnwell 1-1, Patrick Potterton 0-2, Paddy Conneely 0-2.
Kildalkey – Mark McCormack;Brendan McKeon, Gary Kelly (c), David Conneely; David Harmon, Mairtin Doran, Martin Healy; Patrick Potterton, Padraig Geoghegan;Niall McNally, Patrick Barnwell, Kevin McKeon; Nicky Potterton, Paddy Conneely, Mark Healy. Subs – Brian O’Halloran for Mark Heally (36), Brian Coffey for D Conneely (bs 43-45).
Kiltale – Shane McGann;Gavin McVann, Iarla Hughes, Brian O’Reilly; Conor McNally, Mark O’Sullivan, Padraig Kelly; Conor Shirren, Cathal McCabe; Fergal McCabe, Jack Regan (c), James Kelly; Peter Durnin, Chris Reilly, Ross Ryan.
Referee – Mark Reilly (Kilmessan)
