Moynalty 2-17  Kilmainham 2-11

Kilmainham and Moynalty produced an exciting and closely contested Tailteann Shield Final, with both sides enjoying spells of momentum and plenty of scores throughout.

Kilmainham won the throw-in and struck for an early goal straight away to get off to the perfect start. They looked dangerous again shortly afterwards, but Moynalty goalkeeper Johnny Lynch came to the rescue with two excellent saves to prevent Kilmainham from adding another goal.

Moynalty responded well and opened their account through Sean McMahon. Points from Bryan McCormack and Paddy Byrne helped Moynalty settle into the game, while Kilmainham replied with two quick scores of their own around the eighth minute to keep the sides level. Moynalty were dealt a setback ten minutes in when Pauric O’Connor was forced off through injury and replaced by David Daly.

A strong spell of play from Moynalty followed. Joey Gilsenan & Dylan Farrelly started winning a lot breaks around the middle and this gave the Moynalty men the platform to build attacks. A Joey Gilsenan shot dropped short but was worked back through the hands for Sean McMahon to finish with a well-taken point from play. Kilmainham continued to respond as the sides traded scores during a tight first half. Johnny Lynch produced another fine save during the half, while Paul Lynch nearly found the net with a powerful effort kicked from the ground that instead sailed over the bar for a point. Moynalty also won a key kick-out through Joey Gilsenan, allowing Paddy Byrne to drive forward and add another score.

Kilmainham finished the half strongly with a free to draw the game before converting a two-point free to edge ahead before the break. Just before half time, Niall O’Connor produced a superb block that prevented what could have been a Kilmainham two-pointer.

HALF TIME SCORE:   Moynalty 0-08  Kilmainham 1-07

Kilmainham again won the throw-in at the start of the second half, but Moynalty soon found their rhythm. Five minutes in, Paddy Byrne stepped up to convert an excellent two-point free from outside the arc, bringing the sides level once again.

The game continued to flow from end to end. Bryan McCormack added a point following a Moynalty kick-out, with Kilmainham responding to keep the sides level. Moynalty then came very close to a breakthrough when Dylan Farrelly delivered an excellent pass into Bryan McCormack, but the Kilmainham goalkeeper reacted quickly, racing off his line to gather the ball just before the chance could develop into a goal opportunity. Moynalty then enjoyed a strong spell of attacking play. Points from Paddy Byrne and Paul Lynch were followed by a major moment in the match when Cathal Donoghue finished to the net to give Moynalty a crucial boost.

Kilmainham fought back midway through the half with a goal and a two-pointer to narrow the gap to just three points with around ten minutes remaining. However, Johnny Lynch produced another outstanding save late in the game to deny Kilmainham a vital goal chance.

Moynalty pushed on in the closing stages and were awarded a free outside the arc, which Paddy Byrne converted for a two-pointer. Shortly afterwards, Moynalty were given another free from distance. From where it was struck it looked as though the effort was heading over the bar for another score, but instead the ball dipped under the crossbar and finished in the back of the net for a goal, sealing victory for Moynalty in an entertaining Tailteann Shield Final. 

 

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