SHC semi-final: Champions too strong for Kilmessan
September 16, 2017
Kiltale's Conor Shiren with Eoin marsh Kilmessan during the Meath SHC game at Pairc Tailteann.
Kiltale ran out decisive winners over Kilmessan in the second Ted Murtagh SHC semi-final at Pairc Tailteannon Saturday
Kiltale ............ 2-17
Kilmessan ......0-15
Kiltale laid the foundations in the first-half. A nine-point interval advantage allowed them to withstand a strong Kilmessan rally that trimmed the lead to three on two occasions
Cathal Sheridan's side reasserted itself in the final quarter when outscoring Kilmessan by 1-4 to 0-2.
One of the scores came from a 51st minute penalty (awarded for a foul on James Kelly) which the game's top scorer Jack Regan skied over the bar. He put 0-11 to his name, almost half of Kiltale's tally.
Time was almost up when sub Adam Murphy diverted James Kelly's delivery into the net at the town end. No doubts remained.
There was time for Kilmessan midfielder Kevin Reilly to post a point that softened the scoreline slighty.
Scores were tied twice in the opening nine minutes. During that time Darren Reilly put Kilmessan in front briefly when landing a free from his own 65.
With gradual regularity, Kiltale opened up a gap between the sides. Regan led the way but one of Ross Ryan's efforts was particularly noteworthy.
The champions moved 0-8 to 0-4 clear after 22 minutes following a trio of points on the spin from Regan. Two from frees were complimented by an excellent effort from play.
The the opening goal arrived with Ross Ryan providing the assist for Mark O'Sullivan to net.
While Darren Reilly chipped in with a brace of pointed frees for Kilmessan, Kiltale tagged on four from play with Peter Durnin getting two. Ross Ryan and Cathal McCabe also contributed in this phase.
By half-time it was 1-12 to 0-6. The ground was noticeably slippy from the drizzle but there was no significant breeze.
Kilmessan doubled their tally in the third quarter to move within four points of Kiltale. During this phase Kevin Keena was wide with a goal attempt. A Regan free was Kiltale's only addition during this phase of the game.
Kilmessan had the gap down to a goal by the 47th minute, 0-13 to 1-13. Paddy O'Rourke had just been introduced. A goal wasn't forthcoming on this occasion. The sides exchange scores before Kiltale kicked-on, starting with a Regan pointed free from near the middle of the field.
Kiltale - Shane McGann; Anthony Donnelly, Phillip Garvey, Ciaran Ennis; Ronan Ryan, Stephen Donoghue, Conor Shirren; Anthony Forde, Padraig Kelly; James Kelly, Cathal McCabe (0-2), Mark O'Sullivan (1-0); Peter Durnin (0-2), Ross Ryan (0-2), Jack Regan (0-11, 7fs, 0-1 pen, 1 65). Subs - Fearghal McCabe for Durnin (42), Adam Murphy (1-0) for P Kelly (51), Shane Lenehan for McCabe (60), Brian O'Reilly for Regan (60).
Kilmessan - Sean Power; Martin Horan, Shane Brennan, Peter Farrell; Padraig Burke, Charlie Keena, Mark Munnelly; Kevin Reilly (0-3), Alan Kelly; Eoin Marsh, Joe Keena (0-1), Stephen Clynch (0-1); Declan Smith, Kevin Keena (0-2), Darren Reilly (0-8, 7fs). Subs - Sean Doyle for Marsh (37), Paddy O'Rourke for C Keena (46), Paddy Lally for Horan (54).
Referee - Martin Bartley (Trim)
