Having played with a strong wind in the first half Clonmore should have been more than 0-6 to 0-3 ahead at half-time as we were playing well but missed a few good chances.
Early in he second half, Kilbride had a man sent off for a heavy tackle on Ronan Doyle. But having an extra man doesn't always work to a team's advantage and Kilbride's former county players Joe Waters, Seamus Grey and Stephen Curry used their experience to push their team over the line. The game was always close and it took Kilbride till the 54th minute to take the lead even though they had a strong wind at their back. A few things went against us in our last desperate attempts to get an equaliser – we narrowly missed a kickable free, Collie McGrath appeard to be fouled in the act of kicking for a score and Kilbride's last point was carried by the wind and bounced over the bar.
But there was plenty to admire in Clonmore's play – Paddy Byrne continues to impress in goal, there was some very good defending from John Kelly, Paddy Gahan and Gavin Byrne (who is growing into his new role as an attacking centre-back), the usual 100% committment from Ronan and Enda at midfield and clever forward play from Shock, Owen and Niall. Collie McGrath is providing the physicality at centre forward with young Adam Byrne showing great potential on the wing in his debut season with the Intermediates.
The All County League has proved to be useful preparation for the League proper, especially the last two games against teams who were senior last year. Lots of players have been been given opportunities and some tried in different positions. Next Saturday the serious business starts with a visit to Woodside from our old adversaries Ballinabranna in the Ist Round of the League at 6.30pm.
TEAM: Paddy Byrne, Pauric Lawlor, John Kelly, Willie Byrne, Paddy Gahan, Gavin Byrne, PJ Byrne, Ronan Doyle), Enda McGrath, Dale McNamara, Colin McGrath, Adam Byrne, Niall Humphries (0-3, 1f), Owen Coleman (0-3, 1f) Shane McGrath (0 4, 3f), Subs: Paul Hogan for PJ, Con Murphy for Dale, Mick Smith for Willie (all HT), Enda A McGrath for Adam, 55mins)
PHOTO: John Kelly turned in another impressive performance at full back against Kilbride.
