Drumconrath 1-12, Kilmainham 3-6 

Our second team began their championship campaign with an away match to Drumconrath on Fri 14th August 2026. This was a brilliant achievement for us as a club to field two championship teams with 34 players putting on the Kilmainham jersey over the past two weeks. Something everyone in our club can be proud of. The lads had a solid league campaign, finishing mid table and were looking forward to this match with lads looking to impress to get a call up to the first team. Kilmainham had edged the league match between the two sides, with a point separating the teams a few weeks ago. 

Kilmainham started the match brightly, gaining plenty of possession through the midfield pairing of Conor Kilgallen and Andy Arkins. Both players covered every inch of grass in Drumconrath. Both sides were guilty of missing scorable chances, but Kilmainham did rattle the Drumconrath net through goals from the goal hungry duo of Dean Peppard and Adam McManus. Both players again showing that they know where the goals are. Jake O’Rourke, Tom Monaghan and Paul Daly were having fine matches in the Kilmainham full back line, keeping the Drumconrath forwards out. Kilmainham took a deserved 3-point lead at half-time. 

Half-time score: Kilmainham 2-2, Drumconrath 0-5. 

Kilmainham were looking to push on for victory. We welcomed Johnny Quinlan back for his first appearance of the year. He kicked a nice point but unfortunately, he had to leave the field due to a hamstring injury. Perhaps he should have used more WD40 before the match! His exit saw another return. This time it was Denis Newman who made a return to the field since god only knows how long. He showed he had not lost it and kicked what was described as an outrageous two pointer. Dean Peppard scored his second goal in the match. Trevor Lynch in the Kilmainham goals was called into action on several occasions and was equal to the test. Drumconrath were awarded a controversial penalty when Trevor was tackled and put into his own net. Everyone expected a free out for a foul on the keeper but unfortunately the referee pointed to the spot. Drumconrath scored and this score kept Drumconrath in the match. Our lads kept battling and had chances to win it but lacked composure at key times and paid the price for it. When the referee blew for full-time, both sides had to settle for a point. While our lads are understandably disappointed not to have won, they can be happy with their performances. Each player gave it everything on the night and can be proud of themselves. 

Next up for the lads in round 2 is a home tie against Nobber on Saturday 29th August at 6pm in Kilmainham. A big thank you to everyone that made the trip to Drumconrath to cheer the lads on. It gives them a lift having your support there! 

Best for Kilmainham were: Dean Peppard, Conor Kilgallen, Andy Arkins, Paul Daly and Tom Monaghan. 

Kilmainham Team: Trevor Lynch, Paul Daly, Tom Monaghan, Jake O’ Rourke, Troy Flanagan, Richie Brady, Fergal Black, Conor Kilgallen, Andy Arkins, Dean Peppard (2-0), Scott Lynch (0-1), Matthew Mullen, Johnny Quinlan (0-1), Adam McManus (1-0), Shane Butler (0-2). 

Subs: Denis Newman (0-2) for Johnny Quinlan, Sean Smith for Adam McManus, Brian Black. 

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