Kilcoo’s late burst too strong for Carryduff

17 July 2013

CARRYDUFF looked set for a Connolly Cup final spot with just over five minutes to go in Monday’s first semi-final at Ballykinlar but two late opportunistic goals saw Kilcoo pull off a dramatic victory.

The final takes place on Friday night when Kilcoo will take on either Darragh Cross or Saul, who were meeting in the second semi-final last night.

The Magpies went into an early lead courtesy of three points from Donal Kane, Dominic McEvoy and Michael Kane after their goalkeeper Daniel Lennon had pulled off a great save from Joe McFlynn in the second minute.

With 10 minutes gone Carryduff grabbed their first score when Kilcoo had problems clearing the ball and McFlynn redeemed himself for the Belfast side. This galvanised the Carryduff team and they went ahead with three quick points from the boots of Andy Moorehead, Rory McGrath and McFlynn again before Michael Kane levelled matters with a point for Kilcoo.

Carryduff opened up a two points gap after McFlynn and Ronan McGrady joined forces to create a scoring opportunity for Rory McGrath which was quickly followed by a converted free from the industrious Andy Moorehead.

Back came Kilcoo through Dominic McEvoy and young Eugene Brannigan who raced ahead of Ryan Forrest before grabbing hold of the ball and turning sharply en route to sending the leather over Mark Hynes’ crossbar. A converted free from Donal Kane gave Kilcoo the lead and with only seconds left of the half they went four points up when Dominic McEvoy lashed the ball past Hynes after bursting through a couple of Carryduff tackles as he barged towards goal.

Carryduff introduced Ruairi McKay and Johnny Henry for the second half and the duo had an immediate impact on the game. Within six minutes they had drawn level through two points by Michael Ennis and one apiece from Joe McFlynn and Andy Moorehead.

At this stage of the game Kilcoo were struggling to get decent control of the ball and Carryduff pressed ahead with Ennis sending them in front.

Urged on by Donal Kane and Dominic McEvoy Kilcoo dug deep and went ahead once more through minor scores by Michael and Donal Kane.

Carryduff looked to have booked their place in the final when points from Moorehead, Johnny Henry and Neil McGowan saw them lead entering the final five minutes.

Kilcoo are renowned for their never-say-die spirit and when Michael McLoughlin flicked the ball past Hynes they sensed an upset was there for the taking. In their next raid into Carryduff territory Michael Kane sealed the win when he got on the end of a high ball into the square to deflect the ball past Hynes.

Kilcoo: D. Lennon, D. Morgan, J. Devlin, S. Greenan, G. O’Hare, A. Morgan, D. Grant, D. McEvoy (1-2), D. Kane (0-4), P. Kane, M. Kane (1-3), P. McEvoy, E. Brannigan (0-1), M. McLoughlin (1-0), G. Kane.

Carryduff: M. Hynes, R. Forrest, C. McFlynn, C. McCrory, D. Lavery, R. McGrady, T. Arthurton, M. Ennis (0-3), P. Lavery, M. McGrath, G. Kelly, A. Moorehead (0-5), L. McGowan, J. McFlynn (0-3), R. McGrath (0-2). Subs used: R. McKay, J. Henry (0-1), C. Rooney, N. McGowan (0-1), B. O’Neill.

Carryduff 0-15

Kilcoo 3-10

CONNOLLY CUP SEMI-FINAL

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