Senior Footballers beat Kilanerin

Despite a late charge by Kilanerin, our senior footballers held on for a good win in Hollymount this morning, 2-11 to 1-10.

In a game of two halves, and with a stiff cross wind, Shels were the quickest out of the blocks and systematically set about amassing a commanding lead. Early points from Stephen Banville, Craig McCabe, Neal Rossiter and a great goal by Aidan Cash meant we led 1-4 to nil inside the opening ten minutes. Rossiter introduced after 5 minutes for the injured Emmet O’Leary.  Eoghan Nolan added another major and the on form McCabe added a point before Kilanerin registered what was to be their only score of the half. Kilanerin were denied twice for goals first when Barry O’Connor cleared the ball off the line and moments later keeper Shane Birney had to have his wits about him to make a fine save. Shels tagged on 2 more points to leave the half time score 2-7 to 0-01.

After the break Kilanerin took the first 3 points before a Tommy Barron  shot hit the crossbar and went over to secure the point. Barry O’Connor pointed from a free but it was Kilanerin all the way for the next 10 minutes, score now 2-9 to 0-8. Alan Griffith pointed to stem the flow once more but Kilanerin replied with 1-1. There were only 4 between the sides now but time was almost up. Both teams traded points inside the dying moments with Neal Rossiter pointing after a powerful run by Brian Doyle. Final score 2-11 to 1-10. A strong team performance with Ibar Murphy, Aidan Cash, Brian Doyle and Barry O’Connor amongst those to shine. Shels were unlucky to lose 3 influential players through injury, Wing Back Emmet O’Leary was injured after 5 minutes, Centre back Aidan Murphy and ace free taker and nippy corner forward Craig McCabe all had to be replaced.

Team: Shane Birney, Cathal Gaule, Barry O’Connor (0-1F), Andre O’Brien, Tommy Barron (0-1), Aidan Murphy, Emmet O’Leary, Ibar Murphy, Brian Malone (Capt.), Brian Doyle, Alan Griffith (0-1), Eoghan Nolan (1-0), Aidan Cash (1-1), Stephen Banville (0-1), Craig McCabe (0-4, 2F). Subs introduced Neal Rossiter (0-2), Darren Malone and Derek Walsh.