Cork senior Killian O'Hanlon drives Kilshannig into county junior football final

Kilshannig 1-11 Iveleary 1-9 

KILSHANNIG qualified for their first junior county football final since 1996 following this hard-fought triumph against Iveleary on Saturday afternoon in Coachford.

The Avondhu champions now proceed to a junior county final showdown against the winners of the St Michael’s and St James’ tie. Kilshannig were deserving victors following this impressive display. 

They were however made to work hard for this win against an Iveleary side who fought gallantly but didn’t play to their full potential. Kilshannig dominated proceedings for the vast majority of the game, but their failure to convert their chances ensured Iveleary always remained in contention to spring a surprise.

Cork senior football star Killian O’Hanlon produced a great performance as he inspired his team-mates to victory. He was well supported by his brother Eanna who also excelled.

Kilshannig had strong performers throughout the field and they will harbour realistic ambitions of capturing junior football county glory for the first time in 23 years.

Iveleary started brightly with Brian Cronin opening their scoring account in the second minute. Kilshannig quickly levelled proceedings following a converted free from Kieran Twomey. 

Kilshannig re-asserted their superiority on proceedings with a brace of points from Jack Twomey and Dermot Twomey which moved them two points clear after nine minutes. Cathal Vaughan reduced the deficit to one point, but this was quicky negated by four successive Kilshannig points which ensured they led by four points after 20 minutes.

Iveleary thundered back into proceedings as they struck 1-1 in a four minute spell which restored parity after 26 minutes. Brian Cronin struck a fine point before Cathal Vaughan netted following an intricate move involving Barry O’Leary and Conor O’Leary. 

The response from Kilshannig was emphatic however as they netted immediately through Darragh O’Sullivan. Eanna O’Hanlon and Chris Óg Jones traded points which ensured Kilshannig led by three points at half time, 1-7 to 1-4.

Kilshannig started the second half strongly with Brian Guerin and Eanna O’Hanlon striking points which increased their lead to five points after 33 minutes. Iveleary reduced the lead to three points after 49 minutes following a brace from Cathal Vaughan. 

Kilshannig captain Killian O’Hanlon, emerged the hero as he notched a brace of points which moved his side into a commanding lead with full-time approaching. Iveleary laid siege to the Kilshannig goal in the closing stages, but to no avail as Avondhu champions secured their county final berth.

Scorers for Kilshannig: D O’Sullivan 1-0, E O’Hanlon 0-3 f, K O’Hanlon 0-2, D Twomey 0-2, K Twomey 0-1 f, J Twomey, C McMahon, B Guerin 0-1 each.

Iveleary: C Vaughan 1-5 (0-5 f), B Cronin 0-3 (0-2 f), C Óg Jones 0-1.

KILSHANNIG: C O’Dea, C Murphy, E Burke, R O’Mahony, B Curtin, B Guerin, C O’Shea, J Twomey, E O’Hanlon, K Twomey, K O’Hanlon, E O’Sullivan, D O’Sullivan, D Twomey, C McMahon.

Subs: B O’Shea for D O’Sullivan (30), C Casey for R O’Mahony (58).

IVELEARY: J Creedon, B Murphy, C O’Riordan, G O’Riordan, C Galvin, S O’Leary, K Manning, C Vaughan, D O’Riordan, C O’Leary, S Lehane, S O’Riordan, C Óg Jones, B Cronin, B O’Leary.

Subs: D Cotter for S Lehane (34), F McSweeney Jnr for S O’Riordan (45).

Referee: Peter O’Leary (Cloughduv).