Kiltimagh 1-10 Mayo Gaels 0-10
The last round of the Intermediate Championship group stages saw Mayo Gaels travel to Kiltimagh in hopes of securing two points. Despite losing, the Gaels pulled off a hearty performance which was noted by all in attendance.
The first half started off in Kiltimagh’s favour, with a goal in the opening 40 seconds of the half. Either side failed to record another score for nearly 10 minutes when Kiltimagh shot the ball over the black spot to put them four points clear. Cathal Vahey soon got the Gaels moving with a point from play. Kiltimagh soon got moving again with three points in quick succession. On the 14th minute of the half the Gaels soon showed their determination with a series of points in a matter of 10 minutes. Danny Burke put his name on the score sheet with a point from play, Johnny Griffin worked hard to win possession and offload to Damien Quinn for a point. Shane Vahey, playing a stormer in the defence, burst through Kiltimagh backs to open his account of the day. It was long before Neil McGurrin (1), a superb point from Mally Byrne and a free from Danny Burke brought the Gaels level with the home side. Kiltimagh added another point to their tally before Johnny Morrin got one more in the Gaels to level it all square between the sides come halftime with a score line of Kiltimagh 1-5 Mayo Gaels 0-8.
The second half saw the Gaels emerge strong and upbeat, getting the first score of the half with Danny Burke pointing with a free. It was from this point on Kiltimagh took a hold of proceedings with five unanswered points. After numerous controversial refereeing decisions, the Gaels were reduced to 14 men after Bryan Adams was sent off after only coming on the pitch five minutes previously. Sean Boyle pointed for the Gaels on the 29th minute of the half, to leave a full-time score line of Kiltimagh 1-10 Mayo Gaels 0-10.
Each player contributed greatly to the game in particular, Johnny Morrin who had an outstanding performance at midfield as did Shane Vahey in the heart of the Gaels defence. Despite the loss, it was a very good performance from the Gaels side and hopefully they will continue to produce such passion in the games to come.
Mayo Gaels Team: Paul Mannion, Noel Quinn, Adrian Heneghan, Martin Connor, Niall Brett, Anthony Byrne, Shane Vahey (0-1), Johnny Morrin (0-1), Sean Boyle (0-1), Mally Byrne (0-1), Danny Burke (0-3, 2 frees), Neil McGurrin (0-1), Damien Quinn (0-1), Cathal Vahey (0-1), Johnny Griffin. Subs: Bryan Adams for Shane Vahey, Noel Morris for Niall Brett.
