Kilshannig manager Denis Reen's only thoughts after loss is for his injured player James O'Hanlon

Kilshannig manager Denis Reen was an emotional figure after his side’s game against Austin Stacks in the AIB Munster Club IFC semi-final in Glantane.

The North Cork side suffered a 1-12 to 0-6 loss on Sunday afternoon, but despite the nine-point defeat, the Kilshannig players certainly gave it their all. 

It had been a very difficult week for the club with a key player on the panel, James O’Hanlon, suffering serious injuries following a car accident nine days ago.

“It’s a disappointing result,” Reen said post-match.

“But, I don’t think people are aware of the week we have had. One of our players was involved in a serious crash. We trained in Mallow last Friday night and our captain [Colm O’Shea] came up to me bawling crying and you know then there’s something wrong. We trained away but we didn’t tell the players until after the training. James O’Hanlon was fighting for his life after a car crash.

“For our players to put in a performance like that after the week they put down, I told them that no one in Ireland would be able to do that. This display is for James and everyone involved with Kilshannig GAA. James is an important guy on this panel and the one we miss most out of the changing room because he loves the bit of craic. He always has a smile on his face.

“This morning, we presented his number 22 jersey to him in hospital. It was a lovely, lovely touch. If James is reading this, I wish you a speedy recovery and we will see you back on the pitch soon.” 

Kilshannig only trailed by three points at half-time against an excellent Austin Stacks side and with the wind with them for the second half, they would have fancied their chances, but it wasn’t to be. 

It took them until the 59th minute to get their first score of the second half when Éanna O’Hanlon kicked over a free.

“We played two Munster championship games on our home patch this year," says Reen.

"Not many clubs can say that in this country. Rathkeale came here two weeks ago and we put on a performance of our lives to beat them. We were well in it today at half-time against a team who are well able to play football at senior level in Kerry.

“It just shows how far we have come in eight months. We gave it everything until Austin Stacks got their goal after 42 minutes. The heart and desire that my players showed was unbelievable. They fought to the very end. I’ll never see a changing room like this again. They are fantastic lads.

“I’ll go back to the week that they are after putting down, you have no idea. They just regrouped and put in a great performance in front of a massive crowd. It was brilliant to see. It was a special occasion. It was a free hit for us today and we took that hit. There was no pressure on us. We made Austin Stacks work hard for their victory. They thought they would come up here and cruise through. They got a fright today.” 

Kilshannig can look forward to playing in the McCarthy Insurance Group SAFC next year after a brilliant 2024, which saw them win the PIFC.

“I am going nowhere by the way. There was an inter-county team looking at me, which was very positive from my point of view. I made a deal with Kilshannig that it was a two-year term. We are looking forward to playing senior football.”