The countdown is on for Kilshannig footballers' first junior A county final since 1996

KILSHANNIG junior football trainer Richie Ryan was delighted with their two-point win secured against Iveleary following their junior A county semi-final tie played in Coachford last Saturday afternoon.

The Avondhu champions emerged victorious on a final scoreline of 1-11 to 1-9. Kilshannig now proceed to a county final tie against the winners of the St James’ and St Michael’s game.

This much-anticipated county final showdown is scheduled to be played on Sunday, November 10. Richie was thrilled with the nature of their win.

“It was a great win. We could have won by a bigger margin, but the main priority was to defeat a strong Iveleary side and secure our place in the county final,” declared the former Kilshannig player. 

Kilshannig defeated Youghal the last time they played in the junior A county football final back in 1996. Richie is delighted their junior footballers are back in the big time.

“It has been a long time coming. It was vital we won today. We have had a long season.

“All our players played very well. There will be a great buzz in the lead up to the final.

“We have a lot of very good young players coming through.

“We had five players who were playing minor last season in action against Iveleary. There is a great number of talented young players coming up through the grades in the club. There is great coaching going on throughout the club.

“There is great unity in the club. We have a lot of very talented and hungry players. We are a club on the up,” he added.

Cork senior football star Killian O’Hanlon produced a brilliant performance for the Avondhu divisional champions. He displayed his leadership throughout and he struck two late points which moved his side clear of their gallant opponents. Richie was full of praise for their captain.

“Killian is a great player. He is a great example to all within the club. He always works hard and he is a great leader for us. He was brilliant against Iveleary.

“He showed great leadership. He is a great ambassador for the club.”

Darragh O’Sullivan netted the Kilshannig goal in the 28th minute which immediately negated Cathal Vaughan’s goal for Iveleary. Darragh’s goal enabled Kilshannig hold a three-point interval lead.

Their trainer was delighted with his well taken goal.

“That goal came at a vital time for us as Iveleary had just drawn level. Iveleary are a very good team and we knew we would have to play very well to beat them. Darragh got a great goal.

“He reacted quickest to fire a ball into the net. It was a huge and vital moment in the game.”