Sharper Kilbrin deny former kingpins Meelin in the Duhallow JAHC

Kilbrin 2-17 

Meelin 1-14 

DISAPPOINTMENT for Meelin on their return to the E Tarrant & Sons Skoda Duhallow JAHC commenced with a defeat to Kilbrin before a large attendance at Newmarket.

It dated back to 2010 for Meelin’s previous involvement when overcoming Kilbrin in the divisional final before embarking on a triumphant trail to collect county, Munster and All-Ireland accolades in Croke Park.

From recent seasons, Meelin going through a transition had struggled at county Intermediate and Premier Junior grades, losing out to Barryroe in a relegation playoff last season. 

Back to Duhallow, Meelin targeted a positive start in new surroundings, while enjoying ample possession, they failed to convert several scoring opportunities.

In contrast, Kilbrin emerged far more impressive, their defence presented a tight marking appearance, up front, Fionn O’Connor, lively and inventive with full forward Eoin Sheahan bagging a pair of goals.

Following a stalemate opening, Kilbrin clicked into gear from lead points by O’Connor, Seán O’Riordan and Rory King. Meelin raised their game, shooting four of the next five points for parity, Kilbrin’s play generated a sense of purpose, Niall Field and O’Connor pointing before Sheahan goaled.

After O’Connor pointed three on the spin, Meelin received the perfect boost just on the call of the interval, Ciarán Curtin the provider for William Murphy to goal, reducing the deficit 1-11 to 1-8.

Meelin restarted in promising fashion, points from James Forrest and Shane Curtin cut the arrears to the minimum. 

However Kilbrin responded impressively, good work by Field allowed Sheahan bag his second goal.

At times, poor shooting limited Meelin, 17 wides recorded over the hour before a short productive sequence saw Murphy, Brendan O’Sullivan and Curtin point to halve the arrears 2-13 to 1-13. 

Kilbrin held a facility to respond from points by King and Field.

Though Nicholas Lenihan replied with a Meelin pointed free, Kilbrin had no intention of leaving this contest slip. 

Early days in a competitive group, Kilbrin and Dromtariffe in the driving seat with Meelin and Banteer requiring better returns to remain in the race.

Scorers for Kilbrin: E Sheahan 2-1, F O’Connor 0-7 (5f), N Field 0-3, R King 0-3, S O’Riordan, M O’Brien, C Harrington 0-1 each.

Meelin: W Murphy 1-2, S Hehir 0-3f, S Curtin 0-3, D Linehan, B O’Sullivan, John Forrest, C Curtin, James Forrest, N Linehan (f) 0-1 each.

KILBRIN: W Heffernan; T Mullane, B O’Mahony, F O’Leary; R O’Leary, T O’Brien, S O’Riordan; J Harrington, Maoilmhuire O’Brien; F O’Connor, R King, N Field; C Harrington, E Sheahan, Maoiliosa O’Brien. 

Sub: B O’Sullivan for J Harrington.

MEELIN: J Moynihan; M O’Keeffe, B Carroll, A Curtin; Cian Curtin, J Curtin, D Linehan; S Curtin, W Murphy; J O’Callaghan, Ciarán Curtin, J Walsh; John Forrest, B O’Sullivan, S Hehir. 

Subs: James Forrest for J O’Callaghan (inj), N Linehan for John Forrest, J McAuliffe for S Hehir, M Collins for J Walsh.

Referee: Michael Sheehan (Liscarroll).