Match Report 11th July 2016

July 11, 2016 Spa GAA

East Kerry Junior League Div 2 Final Replay in Firies

Spa 2-16 Kilcummin 2-15

Great game of evenly matched teams with a mixture of youth and experience. It took over 160 minutes to separate the teams. Padraig Courtney opened the scoring sheet with a point followed by two more unanswered by Corey Doyle and Jamie Spillane. Richie O’Connor registered Kilcummin’s first, with Shane Smyth soon behind. Spa lead the first half throughout with Padraig Courtney and Jamie Spillane getting their 2nd point each. Young Eoghan Cronin found the back of the net for Spa in the 15th minute to stretch the lead. The score going into the second half was Spa 1-7, Kilcummin 0-6 with the help of Jamie’s third point and Mikey Moynihan’s first.

Kilcummin restarted the second half with a scoring onslaught of 1-3 before Jamie Spillane scored a magnificent point in the 18th minute. Padraig Courtney rattled the net with a goal with Dion Marcos first brought the sides level to force a replay 2-11.

Extra time was nail biting stuff and possession was vital down to the last second. Experience of veteran, Conor Gleeson and skill of Paul Cahill brought us nearer to victory. The defending of Eric O’Donoghue, Conor Cronin and Conor Kearney with a great save from goal keeper from Conor Riordan inched us nearer to glory. However, the calmness and accuracy of Jamie Spillane tipped the balance in our favour on the night with his free taking. Jamie’s point taking from frees was a huge asset throughout the game. Paul Russell, the Spa winning captain, was elated when he received the winning cup from Chairman Tim Ryan, Chairman of East Kerry Board.

Team: Conor Riordan, Eoin Fitzgerald, Conor Kearney, Paul Russell (Capt), Conor Cronin, Eric O’Donoghue, Eoghan Cronin, Corey Doyle, Shane Fenton, Mikey Moynihan, Jamie Spillane, Conor Gleeson, Aydan Mulvaney, Padraig Courtney and Dion Marcos. Subs: David Devane, Paul Cahill, Brendan Lynch, Brian Devane, Brian Lynch, Andy Fitzgerald, David Carroll,

Hugh O’Donoghue, Michael Shannon, Alfie Giles, Patrick Regan, Michael Kearney, Aaron Farrell, Mike Murphy,

Donal Murphy and Eoin Cronin.

Minor Championship

East Kerry defeated Shannon Rangers comprehensively last week. They received a bye into the next round. Well done to Captain David Spillane and his team mates.