FOOTBALLERS AIM TO MAKE HISTORY

Best of luck to our junior footballers and their management as they take on Buttevant in the Synergy Fermoy Credit Union JAFC Final in Castletownroche on Saturday at 3.30pm. The lads have put in some very impressive performances in route to Saturday’s decider. A draw in the opening group game with Charleville (0-8 to 0-8) was followed with wins over Fermoy (2-11 to 1-11) and Liscarroll/Churtown Gaels (5-19 to 0-5). Kilworth topped the group progressing as second cedes directly to a semi-final where they once again met Charleville, winning on a score line of 4-7 to 1-11 and in doing so knocking out the defending champions. If the lads can repeat that semi-final performance, they have a great chance of winning the clubs first Junior A title at the 5th attempt. Let’s hope we have a big Kilworth support in attendance for the game and hopefully cheer the lads to a historic victory.

HURLERS FALL SHORT IN TIGHT GAME

Kilworth 0-13 Valley Rovers 1-12

We came away from Blarney bitterly disappointed after a close two-point loss to Valley Rovers last Sunday afternoon. While we had gained good momentum in the build up to the game, we never got up to the pitch of it on the day. We just didn’t perform against a physical side and couldn’t match their intensity and work rate throughout. We had late goal chances to win the tie but didn’t convert and overall Valleys were deserving winners. We only got 13 scores in the game and while Valley got the same number one of theirs was a goal and this ultimately was the difference in the end. Playing against 14 men for fifty minutes we led by a point as halftime approached but conceded a goal just before the whistle sounded for the interval. This was a crucial breakthrough in addition to a high wide count in a low scoring game. 

The lads battled hard throughout in tough conditions and seemed in the ascendancy at the three-quarter mark, but the second water break appeared to halt our impetus with Valleys digging deep, with a never say die work rate holding out to progress to the penultimate round. 

Valleys settled quicker, adopting to the heavy underfoot conditions and led 0-0 to 0-3 in the early stages. Noel McNamara opened Kilworth’s account with a point from play after nine minutes. Dave Twomey passing to Nathan Byrne, who found Noel with a lovely cross field ball. The Innishannon side were reduced to 14 men a minute later with Chris O’Leary receiving a straight red card. Valleys landed their fourth point from distance before Kilworth who were now getting to grips with the contest added a second point. Liam Whelan getting his first white flag of the afternoon and the score read 0-2 to 0-4 at the first water break. 

Liam was again on target on the restart getting on the end of a Brian Sheehan pass. Points from Brian Tobin and Will Condon in the 20th and 21st minutes saw Kilworth take the lead for the first time 0-5 to 0-4. Valleys and Noel McNamara from a free after Eoin Carey was fouled ensured Kilworth maintain one point lead after 26 first half minutes. Valleys drew level once more with a point from the right. Kilworth response was immediate Liam Whelan setting up Will Condon to dissect the posts heading for the short whistle. However, it was Valleys who would be the happier at halftime, as amid a hailstone like shower they goaled from close range the ball delivered from distance and they led 1-6 to 0-7.

Valleys had the better of the second half exchanges adding three points on the bounce (1 free) to extend their lead to five points 0-7 to 1-9. We had to wait until the 40th minute for our opening score of the half, the hardworking Brian Sheehan brought down with Noel McNamara on target from the resulting placed ball. A Kilworth goal chance went abegging with Valleys attacking down field earning a free after overcarrying and pointing to move five clear 0-8 to 1-10. Kilworth didn’t panic and began to rally getting four of the next five scores in a dominant period of the game. Noel McNamara from a free and Eoin Carey from distance reduced the arrears to three. Valleys replied before Eoin Carey with a great point from the left and another from substitute Mike Sheehan left it 0-12 to 1-11 at the second water break. In truth we could have done without this halt in play as it disrupted our momentum. We had a couple of wides before Noel McNamara cut the deficit to the bare minimum 0-13 to 1-11, Mike Sheehan impeded in the build-up. As hard as the lads tried, they couldn’t conjure up an equalizing or lead score, we knew our luck was out when a superb Noel McNamara double on the ball that appeared to be heading for the Valleys net was brilliantly saved by their keeper. They rounded off the scoring with a pointed free in the 57th minute as they held out for a 0-13 to 1-12 win. 

While very disappointing to lose the lads gave it their all it just wasn’t to be on the day. After relegation last year this year was about curtailing the rot and getting back to winning championship games.  They played four games, topped their group, providing some great entertainment for our loyal supporters following wins over Ballinhassig and Aghada and a draw with Ballincollig. 

A huge thanks to the panel of players and their management team for their efforts all year. The lads have little time to dwell on this loss as they quickly turn their attentions to the North Cork Football final on Sunday.

Team and scorers: K Walsh, K Lane, M McNamara, N Byrne, E McGrath, D Twomey, A O’Hara, B Tobin (0-1), E Carey (0-2), J McCarthy, L Whelan (0-2), B Sheehan, N McNamara (0-5 4f), W Condon (0-2), J Sheehan. Subs Used; L Carey for D Twomey, M Sheehan (0-1) for J McCarthy, S Keane for J Sheehan, J Saich for Brian Sheehan. 

FIXTURE

Synergy Fermoy Credit Union JAFC Final Kilworth V Buttevant in Castletownroche Saturday October 30th at 3.30pm.

THANKS

Thanks to our club members who were on duty on Monday afternoon as we hosted Ballyhooly V Fermoy in the Shreelawn Oil North Cork Junior C Hurling Championship

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to Kilara Og U17 hurlers who defeated Aghada in the Rebel Og East Fe17 Division 2 hurling championship final in Watergrasshill last Sunday. Congratulations also to Kilworth Ladies Footballers who qualified for the County Final following a win over Kilavullen in Kilworth, also last Sunday.

DATE FOR DIARY

The Club AGM has been set for Wednesday December 1st at 7.30pm sharp. (Venue to be confirmed)

LOTTO STANDS AT €13,200

There was no winner of this week’s lotto jackpot of €13,000 held on Tuesday October 26th. The numbers drawn were: 21, 23, 25 and 32. The lucky dip winner of €50 was Mossie McNamara c/o Mossie McNamara. The lucky dip winners of €25 each were Laura McCarthy c/o Online, Emma Condon c/o Kelly Condon, Tadhg Aherne c/o Ahernes Bar.  Next week’s jackpot on Monday November 1st is €13,200. Tickets cost just €2 each or 3 lines for €5 and they are available online, in the local business outlets or from your usual local sellers. Be sure and play today for your chance to win the jackpot! Best of luck to all our players! As always, we would like to thank you for your ongoing support.

VOTE OF SYMPATHY

The club would like to extend its deepest sympathy to the Sheehan family, Glanworth following their recent bereavement.

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MAIN CLUB SPONSORS: Mike Walsh Pharmacy, Ahearne’s Pub, The Village Inn, KDC Ltd, Kilally Stables and Mitchelstown Dental Clinic.