Kilshannig footballers were on a mission in Bishopstown mauling

There is little doubt Kilshannig looked like a side on a mission following their 18-point demolition of Bishopstown in the McCarthy Insurance Senior A Football Championship at Mallow on Saturday.

The North Cork club based in Glantane have been competing since 1945 take in the villages of Glantane, Dromahane and Bweeeng.

The roll of success began in 2022 when defeating Aghabullogue in the Intermediate final 1-16 to 0-10. Ironically, defeating the same club two years later after a replay in the Premier Intermediate decider.

For manager Ritchie Ryan defeating Bishopstown was all about preparation and attention to detail for his group of players.

“We are over the moon as all year it was our aim to get out of this group and after this win, I think we have achieved this although we still have one game to play in the group,” said Ryan.

The Kilshannig manager believes his side are a very committed squad.

“We have a very dedicated bunch of lads in our club and I think on our day we are a match for the majority of teams in this championship."

Bishopstown were fancied to topple Kilshannig going into this game but Ryan believes his team were well prepared for battle.

“The lads knew what they had to do and after a tight opening quarter they began playing the football they are capable of and I was very pleased in the manner they saw off this Bishopstown side.”

The league campaign didn’t go to plan for Kilshannig.

We had a slow start losing three of the first five games, but you could see the improvement was coming as we won three of our last four.” 

It was evident as this game matured Kilshannig looked at a different level to their opponents?

“We have a very young but experienced bunch as our record shows we have won two football counties since 2022 and that stands to you when we you reach this grade.

“This is our second season in Senior A, and we want to stay up there as we certainly didn’t win promotion to go back down quickly.”

Making an impact in the Senior grade is very much the goal of Ryan and his team.

“We want to be competitive in this grade as the teams are very much on par but you need to bring your A game on any given day.”

BAROMETER

So, how did last season pan out for the North Cork side in this grade?

“We won our first championship game and then lost to Éire Óg and Kanturk and now we have to face Éire Óg again in a few weeks so that will gauge our progress from last season.”

It was noticeable Kilshannig were without their star player Eanna O’Hanlon but Ryan insists he will be back sooner than later.

“Eanna had a few niggling injuries but is progressing and hopefully he will be returning if we get out of the group as he is vital cog in this team.

“Right now, we are in a good position as we didn’t know what to expect coming here. With the other group game between Clyda Rovers and Éire Óg cancelled we still don’t know how the group will pan out but for me it’s all about taking care of your own business.”