Kilclief are champions

Kilclief are champions

3 November 2021

THIS final was low scoring, but certainly not low on quality or drama.

East Belfast, unbeaten all year and Dean Davies Cup winners, were victors against Darragh Cross in the semi final, whilst Kilclief overcame a strong Ballela outfit to set up a fascinating showpiece final between two sides at opposite ends of their development spectrum. 

Kilclief’s strong heritage and championship know how, versus an energetic East Belfast side, that has had the most remarkable two years.

In a very cagey opening quarter, tackles were flying in, Bernadette Convery, Ciara Mathers and Jane McErlain formed a strong defensive barrier in front of an impressive full back line of Aine Moynan, Clare Kelly and Shannon McWilliams.

Ben Dearg, have the most potent and dynamic of forward lines, with Eimear Breen, Nora Maguire and the lethal Zara Burns. 

The aforementioned trio have wreaked havoc on defences all season, but the Belfast Gaels stayed resolute and organised, with the scores level at 0-3 to 1-0 at the first water-break. 

The historic goal for East Belfast came from Aoife McGrenaghan who somehow forced the sliotar under Ben Dearg netminder Jordan Hynds. 

It was an impressive score, given that Aoife was surrounded by Kilclief defenders. Hynds produced a peerless display aside from that concession, a former Poc Fada competitor, her restarts were struck with precision to wing forwards Katie Black and Niamh Galloway, who in turn fed team captain Joanne Sloane. 

Straight away, Sloane would angle deliveries into the mobile Maguire. Sloane’s slick stickwork was impressive, and she had a fine contest versus Bernie Convery throughout.

The key battle however, was the dual between Dearg centre back Grainne Glendenning and Belfast’s Jessica Rush. 

With her luminous green boots and helmet, Rush would stand out in any game, but she has the class to back up the bright colours. 

Winning a huge amount of primary possession, Jessica ‘s jinking, probing runs and vision to find Nicole Clerkin and Niamh Dolan was causing huge headaches for an experienced Ben Dearg defence. 

Kilclief’s breakthrough goal came in the 16th minute with Burns finishing brilliantly past Lara O’Hare. 

Clare Kelly and Áine Moynan made timely and brave blocks from Nora Maguire’s goalbound efforts. The midfield battle was an intriguing and crucial one. 

Dual star Cara Doran has been on a scoring spree in the football championship this year and she continued her hot streak, with some exceptionally well taken scores from tight angles. 

Eimear Dorrian was everywhere, covering every blade of grass, never static, always roving, trying to create and make things happen. Dorrian’s dynamism and Doran’s deadliness contributed hugely to the green and reds display.

Niamh McGuigan produced an equally impressive display for the Belfast side. McGuigan’s magnetic ability to gain possession in the tightest of spaces is remarkable. 

Never rushed, despite the chaos around her, she has that precarious talent of always having time, allowing her to scan and assess options, a luxury that only the very top operator’s have. 

All season, Niamh Daly has also operated at centre field, but cruelly missed out on this final through injury.

Brigid Scullion cleverly ped deep to forage for possession, picking up loose ball and linking well with half backs McErlain and Mathers. Kilclief thundered into action with another brace of points from deadly Doran. 

Her score in the 51st minute was worthy of the admission fee. Still only 18 years of age, a career in county colours surely beckons for this gifted young 

Gael. 

Eimear Breen was a constant outlet for her defence to hit, a player who uses her pace effectively at the right times.

With 20 minutes remaining, Kilclief were edging the contest with a five point cushion. Management Brendan Breen and Seán Paul Doran made 

tactical tweaks to thwart the increasingly dangerous Clerkin and Dolan axis up front. 

A double sweeper system was swiftly put in place, Cliona Shields and Catherine Deegan were tasked with shutting up shop forming a highly effective shield in front of Ballinascreen stalwart Nicole Clerkin. 

Nicole’s space was greatly reduced, but still she battled as hard as possible to cut the deficit.  McMullan and Masterson’s masterclass in creating space for goalkeeper Hynds to aim towards, were significant. 

McMullan typified the fight and character within the Ben Dearg outfit, as did the industrious Catherine Deegan. Yet, East Belfast pressed with an astounding intensity and relentlessness. 

That huge work rate comes from having dual players with fierce commitment and blocks of fitness from constant competing, but also from their Bainisteoirí Ciaran Hughes and Seán Coulter who encourage their team to play with flair, and they certainly do that, but intense work ethic is paramount if you are to retain a place in this highly motivated team. 

That competition for places has ensured consistent performance levels all season.

Niamh Dolan cleverly created precious space in the congested final third in the 54th minute, but her angled drive was superbly blocked by Cliona Shields, then swept up bravely by the heroic McMullan, who swiftly transitioned to the always available Dorrian. 

Testament to the synchronisity that is within this Ben Dearg side, Dorrian didn’t have to look up to spot the expertly timed run of Burns who showed a deftness of touch to control the sliotar and sail it straight over the black spot. 

It was a score that comes from playing/training together over many seasons. At the other end Áine Moynan and Shannon McWilliams made important blocks, just as Joanne Sloan and Niamh Galloway were about to raise green flags. 

Clodagh Hanvey made a strong contribution after entering the fray. Maguire’s maturity and decision making is exceptional for a Gael just turned 18. 

With Cara Doran the same age, the future is bright for this Kilclief team.  Breen too, displays a shrewd tactical brain, dropping into spaces, covering runs, causing havoc. 

Doran was awarded player of the match, for her scintillating display, though a case could also have been made for East Belfast’s Niamh McGuigan. 

Niamh’s link up play with Jessica Rush was a joy to watch, but equally impressive was her willingness to help team mates in trouble, a true team player.

With both teams featuring strong and dynamic forward units, this game was always going to be decided by which defence came out on top. 

Ultimately, the craft, guile and experience of the Kilclief reargaurd ensured that they closed the game out and got the Championship title they so craved, especially after last year’s heartbreaking defeat to Attical. 

Euphoric scenes and emotions were unleashed as referee HP McCusker blew his final whistle. 

Team captain Joanne Sloane spoke from the heart, with a speech that did her club proud. A huge roar went up from the Ben Dearg support whenever she lifted aloft the Liam Mac An Ri championship trophy. 

Each age group at juvenile and now senior level has collected silverware this season, testament to the solid work taking place at their fantastic new facilities in St Malachy’s Park. 

Lorraine MacCartan’s priceless contribution in the development of players at the club was highlighted, and deserved praise was duly given to this exemplary East Belfast side. 

The Ulster Championships now beckon for Kilclief.

Referee: H P McCusker (Ballela Éire Ógs)