Kilmainhamwood 1-10 Dunsany 0-10

In perhaps the biggest shock result in the championship so far, Kilmainhamwood defeated Dunsany by a gaol in Carlanstown on Monday the 14th of August.

The Woods manager was unable to make the game due to work commitments and a game plan was made on the fly two minutes before throw-in in a movement of player power reminiscent of the 2011 French rugby world cup team. The Wood had lost in the league to Dunsany of a score line of 2-27 to 1-3 in one of the clubs worst ever defeats, so a sweeper was to be deployed in the form of Michael Shankey while wing-forward Paul Carolan would also track back for much of the game.

The tactic got off to an instant success as some short hand passing lead to an excellent opening score from midfielder Harry Corbally. The Wood continued to dominate as their defence forced Dunsany into turnovers and frees one by the forwards lead to two Steven Kiernan frees which put the Kilmainhamwood three points to nothing in the lead. Dunsany took got their opening score ten minutes in from a free and the teams began to trade point for point as patient forward play saw Alan Carolan point a long-distance shot, while David Russell finished of two other fine moves for scores. Steven Kiernan kicked another free before Dunsany kicked their final free before half-time to leave the Wood 0-7 to 0-4 up at the break.

The second half got off to a scrappy start as a Kiernan free was cancelled out by a Dunsany free. The game started to become increasingly bad tempered and a very late and dangerous tackle reduced Dunsany to 14 but Kilmainhamwoods best player on the night Michael Shankey limping for the rest of the game. There were many breaks in play as both teams became heavy legged but Dunsany started to slowly etch their way back with a score every few minutes until they lead with seven minutes to go by ten points to eight and the Wood also saw their captain black carded on what looked like a harshly awarded free kick.

However this would be as good as it got for Dunsany and a long ball into the forwards was flicked on by Paddy Carolan before Damian Russell finished the ball soccer style by the keeper to put the Wood back in front with five minutes to go. The Wood had most of their team back at this stage but every time they won the ball they kept good possession and wing-back Cathal Bennet stormed up the pitch to put two between them late on. Steven Kiernan kicked his first point from pay late on to leave three between the sides and Dunsany were unable to mount another come.

The result means the Wood finish fourth in the group and avoid relegation while Dunsany still qualify. However, in terms of being a confidence booster for the North Meath men, it felt crucial for in terms of giving self-belief for a team that has been under a lot of pressure for the entire year.

Best for the Wood was Michael Shankey and Cathal Bennet in defence and Damian Russell up front, but in truth any of the 16 players who played on the night could have been given this accolade.

Kilmainhamwood: Padraig Carolan, Richard Corbally, Padraic Barber, Philip Moran, Alan Carolan (0-1), Emmett Clarke, Cathal Bennett (0-1), Harry Corbally (0-1), Gary Yorke, Paul Carolan, Michael Shankey, Damian Russell (1-0), David Russell (0-2), Paddy Carolan, Steven Kiernan (0-5). Subs Andy Farrelly for Emmett Clarke

 

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