Shels take Kilanerin in Senior Football

A self assured performance from our senior footballers see them beat Kilanerin 2-9 to 1-7 today in Bellefield.

Our senior footballers met Kilanerin today in Bellefield in the Tom Doyle Senior Football Championship. The on form Aidan Cash set the ball rolling for Shels with a well-executed point. Kilanerin took the next 4 points before Aidan Murphy pointed from close range. Kilanerin replied with 2 points in quick succession – 06- to -02 but corner forward Craig McCabe ended the half with a brace (1F) to leave the half time score at a respectable 06-04 in favour of Kilanerin. On the resumption it was Shels all the way. Shels goaled (Eoghan Nolan) and pointed Brian Doyle in the opening minute. 1-5 to -06. Kilanerin converted a free moments later. Shels goaled immediately after with Alan Griffith finding Brian Malone who took Shels second major of the day.  A free for Kilanerin was well read by keeper Padraig McMahon who made a great save on the goal attempt. Ciaran O’Shaughnessy having a great game was keeping Matty Forde well away from scoring chances.  Brian Doyle added another point from distance. Aidan Cash who was having a fantastic game stopped a Kilanerin charge and made a great block. On the return run of play up the field speedy young wing forward Eoghan Nolan took a heavy tackle and Derek Walsh calmly pointed the resulting free. Kilanerin was working very hard and looked very dangerous but time after time Shels intercepted and turned the ball over in their favour. Tommy Barron and Aidan Cash combined to put Eoghan Nolan through for a point with Derek Walsh who was enjoying a lot of ball time pointed well into injury time. 2-9 to 0-07. However into the 4th minute of injury time referee Justin Heffernan deemed Matty Forde had been fouled after a shot on goal and awarded a penalty. Keeper Padraig McMahon had little chance to save the power shot. The final whilst was blown straight away to the great delight of Shels supporters. Final score 2-9 to 1-07. To say that we had kept Kilanerin scoreless from play for the entire second half was an achievement not many teams can boast. We had heroes everywhere. Keeper Padraig 2 good saves, Cathal Gaule who doesn’t know the meaning of give up, Darren Malone ( Jack) a power house for us in defence batting down ball after ball and having the confidence in this crucial position. Ciaran O’Shaughnessy who had the most difficult of task ok keeping the renowned Matty Forde extremely quiet, a task he did brilliantly. Andre O’Brien and Tommy Barron gave no quarter and coupled with the excellent Brian Malone (Jack’s brother) shored the defence staunchly. Brian responsible for the second goal. Ibar Murphy and Aidan Cash were a tower of strength in mid field, Alan Griffith was responsible for the two passes for both goals, Stephen Banville was winning the high balls and sent a good supply to the forwards, Eoghan Nolan, the youngest man on the field was a power house, running for ever, got Shels first crucial goal. Brian Doyle and Aidan Murphy with some important points at pivotal times and the man who kept us alive going into half time Craig McCabe. Subs Barry O’Connor, Derek Walsh, Neal Rossiter and Feargal Hynes hit the ground running and added new impetus to the team when most needed.
Team: Padraig McMahon, Cathal Gaule, Darren Malone, Ciaran O’Shaughnessy, Andre O’Brien, Brian Malone (1-0), Tommy Barron, Ibar murphy, Aidan cash (0-1), Alan Griffith, Stephen Banville, Eoghan Nolan (1-1), Brian Doyle (0-2), Aidan Murphy (0-1) Craig McCabe (0-2,1F). Subs introduced. Barry O’Connor, Derek Walsh (0-2,1F), Neal Rossiter, Feargal Hynes.