Downes’ goal seals points for Kilmurry Ibrickane

Kilmurry Ibrickane 1-9   Kilmihil 0-9

WITH half of the team that played in last year’s championship now living overseas, Kilmihil were rank outsiders going into their first-round clash with form team Kilmurry Ibrickane at Cooraclare on Saturday.
At the end of an hour’s play, they were unlucky not to have gained at least a point from a tie they dominated for long periods.
Kilmihil led by four points at half-time, 0-6 to 0-2, having played with the aid of the breeze. It was 0-7 to 0-4 eight minutes into the second half when the winners struck for a fortunate goal. A Paul O’Connor delivery was added to by Enda Coughlan, before Noel Downes managed to scramble the ball to the net.
Twelve minutes into the half, with the sides level at 1-5 to 0-8, Kilmihil were dealt a massive blow when Timmy Ryan was shown a second yellow card by referee Tom Stackpool. The Clare panellist had picked up the first card at the midpoint of the opening half.
Playing without such an influential player and into the stiff wind, Kilmihil’s chances looked slim but, to their credit, they battled bravely to the end.
Trailing by two points with 10 minutes to play, the biggest talking point of the game came when Kilmihil’s Noel Downes had his effort on goal blocked. It looked to be an illegal tackle and referee Tom Stackpool seemed to be of the same opinion when he blew the whistle. However, after consulting with his umpire, the referee’s decision was to award a 45’ to Kilmihil, who were expecting the award to be a penalty.
Kilmihil had, by far, the better of the first-half exchanges and would not have been flattered had they been more than four points clear at half-time.
David Ryan gave them the lead in the seventh minute and it was a further four minutes before Enda Coughlan opened the winners’ account. Kilmihil were well on top from here to the break but strong defending by Kilmurry, allied to Kilmihil taking some wrong options, ensured they did not build up a big lead. Paul Reidy, Shane Mangan and three from Declan Downes accounted for Kilmihil’s scores in this half on a day when Kilmurry struggled in the half-back line and at midfield.
When Kilmihil had the opening score of the second half, it was clear that Kilmurry had a battle on their hands. With Ian McInerney excelling at wing-forward and Peter O’Dwyer now winning a lot of ball at midfield, they were putting more pressure on the Kilmihil defence and full-forward Enda Coughlan was causing problems for Kilmihil. Coughlan kicked three points from play in the second half and these scores proved crucial in helping his side to victory. Shane Hickey was another to do well for the Kilmurry side on the day.
Mark O’Connell was prominent throughout for Kilmihil, while Keith Considine had a tremendous first half. Declan Downes and Timmy Ryan, until his dismissal, were others to do well for Kilmihil.

Kilmurry Ibrickane: Peter O’Dwyer (junior); Declan Callinan, Darren Hickey, Martin McMahon; Shane Hickey, Paul O’Connor, Evan Talty; Peter O’Dwyer, Seamus Murrihy; Ian McInerney, Mark McCarthy, Stephen Moloney; Michael Hogan, Enda Coughlan, Noel Downes.
Subs: None.
Scorers: Enda Coughlan (0-4), Ian McInerney (0-3, 2f, 1 45’), Noel Downes (1-0), Stephen Moloney and Peter O’Dwyer (0-1 each).
Frees for: 20; wides: 7; 45s: 1
Bookings: Darren Hickey (18 minutes), Mark McCarthy (31 minutes), Martin McMahon (40 minutes), Noel Downes (57 minutes) and Seamus Murrihy (59 minutes).
“We prepared well for this game. You would have to give huge credit to Kilmihil. They were up for it and gave everything. We got a break for the goal. We are delighted to get a win as we had to work all the way to the line.” Patrick Murrihy, Kilmurry Ibrickane.

Kilmihil: Christopher Donnelly; Laurence Murray, Keith Considine, Stan Lineen; Eamonn Ryan, Mark O’Connell, Derek O’Connell; Timmy Ryan, Shane Mangan; Philip Ryan, Paul Reidy, Noel Downes; Declan Downes, David Ryan, Enda O’Halloran.
Subs: Shane Egan for O’Halloran (46 minutes) and Daniel Blake for P Ryan (inj, 60 minutes).
Scorers: Declan Downes (0-5, 4f), Shane Mangan, Noel Downes, Paul Reidy and David Ryan (0-1 each).
Frees for: 21; wides: 3; 45s: 2
Bookings: Timmy Ryan (15 minutes and 42 minutes), Mark O’Connell (23 minutes), Derek O’Connell (49 minutes) and Noel Downes (57 minutes).
Sent off: Timmy Ryan (42 minutes).
“There was a very strong breeze and we should have got more scores in the first half. We went in as massive underdogs. The players gave it 100%. Everything I have asked of the players, they have done. They are a great football club.” Kilmihil.
Referee: Tom Stackpool, Ennistymon.