Under 18's

Manager: JJ Ahern Hurling
Manager: Art Coughlan Football

Kiltha Og Footballers Capture Eastern Minor Football Championship Title With Outstanding Second Half Show

Kiltha Og 1-17 Erin's Own 0-7
Kiltha Og produced an outstanding second half performance to romp to an impressive victory in last week's Rebel Og Eastern 2 Football Championship Final in Ballynoe. It was a night to remember for the Castlemartyr/Dungourney based outfit as they recovered from a rather slow start and the set back of being reduced to fourteen players before half time, to comprehensively outplay opponents Erin's Own with a power packed second thirty minutes.
Having conceded the opening two points of the match, the winners began to gain control of the game as the first half wore on and they retired deservedly leading by 0-7 to 0-4. The numerical advantage failed to help Erin's Own after the break, due to Kiltha's outstanding work rate and their smart mix of using the long and short ball
There were heroes all over the field in what the was the team's best performance of a season that has seen them defeat Glenville, Bride Rovers and Killeagh/Ita's en route to the decider. A good run of early season League results laid the foundations for the championship summer (and autumn) and now Kiltha have both a County Championship Semi Final against Killavullen and a League Semi Final on the horizon. Of course, the panel has also the forthcoming glamour Premier 2 Hurling Championship Final against Blackrock at Pairc Ui Rinn on Monday next October 7th as their forthcoming priority.
But, back to the big ball and the stats behind the commanding football Final triumph. Following the concession of two early points, Kiltha opened their account in the 11th minutes with a lovely crafted score from the reliable boot of Andrew Kelly. His fellow corner forward Eoghan Martin squared the match within sixty seconds and the same player edged their side ahead by the mid way point of the half with his second point. The duo proceeded to torment the Erin's Own defence for the remainder of the hour, with the intelligent pacey runs and scoring ability, proving a constant threat.
Martin added another point in the 21st minute either side of a trio of white flags (including two 45's) from the influencial Jack McGann with his powerful right boot. At this stage McGann had become a major ball winner from the opposition kick outs, whilst both Mike Leahy and Daire Coughlan were also winning the midfield exchanges. Allied to hard work of wing forwards Ronan Hayes and Conor Ronayne, the winners had now definitely established a template for success. - And that was going forward.
Behind, the defence who had carved out a very solid reputation all season, were now also on top, as reflected by the concession of just one more first half point, a 30th minute free which ended a 20 minute Erin's Own barren spell without a score. The short whistle sounded with Kiltha 0-7 to 0-3 ahead, but also a man down following a second yellow card late on.
Despite Ronan Blackton opening the scoring for Erin's Own with a very well taken point on the resumption, the Kiltha reaction was superb. The hugely energetic Conor Ronayne (2), Jack McGann (2), Andrew Kelly and Eoghan Martin all raised white flags before Erins's Own tallied again on 45 minutes. At this stage Kiltha led 0-13 to 0-4.
The winners were on top all over the field. Daire Coughlan and Darragh Cashman, following his move from full forward, were now bossing midfield, mixing the long and short ball to ensure that the lively forward five were always on the front foot. Behind the defence again to continue to excel. Team captain Niall Flynn was doing his usual superb job, marshalling events from centre back whilst the energy and pace of wings backs Ciaran Joyce and Ben Napier was a key factor all through. This very talented duo continued to defend superbly, but also set up attacks with their intelligent play.

Zak McAulliffe, Rob Cahill and Odhran Cantwell were all superb in the full back line.. In fact it's fair to say that Rob and Odhran both produced their finest ever hour in a Kiltha Og football jersey, whilst Zak was again razor sharp. Goalkeeper Peter Fleming was also an inspiring figure all through with his excellent kick outs a key component in setting up many attacks.
With such all round dominance, there was to be no change in the trend in the remainder of the contest. Daire and Darragh (Coughlan and Cashman) continued to impress at midfield whilst Eoghan Martin, Jack McGann, and Andrew Kelly were still tormenting the Erin's Own rearguard creating and scoring. The ice on the celebration cake was when Conor Ronayne embellished his usual all action hour with the game's only goal on 59 minutes. The only disruption late on was an injury to the hard working Ronan Hayes, but substitute Niall McGrath along with his other colleagues who came off the bench, all played their part to see out what was comfortable win on a famous night for the football wing of Kiltha Og.
Congratulations to all involved – roll on the P2 Hurling Championship decider on Monday next October 7th at Pairc Ui Rinn. - Best of luck lads!
Kiltha Og v Erin's Own
Peter Fleming, Zak McAuliffe, Rob Cahill, Odhran Cantwell, Ciaran Joyce, Niall Flynn (capt), Ben Napier, Mike Leahy, Daire Coughlan, Ronan Hayes, Jack McGann, Conor Ronayne, Andrew Kelly, Darragh Cashman, Eoghan Martin.
Subs – Niall McGrath for Ronan Hayes (49th minute), Luke McGovern for Ben Napier and Killian Meeaney for Darragh Cashman (both 57) Liam Padden for Eoghan Martin and Shane Rohan for Zak McAuliffe ( both 58).
Ciaran Flynn, John Morgan, Alex Costigan and Shane Moriarty.