The Intermediate squad welcomed back a number of players who missed last year's campaign and, even with a few absentees, we still had 25 players togged out for this game which is very encouraging for the year ahead.
Clonmore opened brightly and the tactic of moving the ball quickly into the full forward line worked well as Niall Humphries, Gavin Byrne and Conor McCarney had the beatings of their men and each kicked a point before Kilbride opened their account.
Showing superior speed and fitness, Clonmore were on top in most areas of the field and if we had made better use of our chances would have been out of sight at half-time. We kicked a few bad wides and somehow managed to hit the post with two goal chances – the Humphries brothers the culprits – but it was great to see Niall and Alan back playing together for Clonmore for the first time in 10 years.
Showing well at full-forward, Gavin Byrne converted a goal chance on 17 minutes and further points from Con Murphy, Niall and Enda A McGrath gave us a deserved lead of 1-6 to 0-3 at half-time.
Kilbride came more into the game in the second half and they made good use of their size advantage in vital areas such as midfield and full-forward where Seamus Grey and Jim Fitzpatrick were prominent along with Stephen Curry at centre forward. When Fitzpatrick goaled on 44 minutes, it signalled a spirited fightback by the home team and they reduced the arrears to a single score by the 57th minute – 2-9 to 1-9.
But Clonmore's backs defended bravely and late points from Gavin (free) and two cracking scores from subsitute Darren McGrath, secured the League points and ensured a winning start for the visitors.
This was a solid all-round team performance from Clonmore. Well done to the lads and mentors – John, Conor and Dermot.
The next game is at home to St Andrews on Easter Sunday at 6.30pm (subject to change).
Clonmore: Paddy Byrne, David McCarney, John Kelly, Paul Hogan, Paddy Gahan, Shane Murphy, Bobby Rooney, David Mulvany, Alan Humphries, Enda A McGrath (0-1), Con Murphy (1-1), Conor McCarney (0-1), Pauric Lawlor (0-1), Gavin Byrne (1-4, 3f), Niall Humphries (0-2). Subs: Anthony Byrne for Alan, Adam Byrne for Conor, Andrew Byrne for David Mulvany, Darren McGrath (0-2) for Enda A.
PHOTO: Goalmouth action from the Clonmore V Kilbride Div 2 game on 21/3/15 – Paddy Byrne, Shane Murphy and Paul Hogan seem to have the situation under control.
