As Kildangan lined out for their 8pm throw in against Raheens last Friday evening, they were noticeably light several key players. That this was likely to bridge the gap between the sides as Raheens faced the league leaders Kildangan.

One would have thought….

Kildangan opened proceedings with a goal and a point from none other than Mark O’Donovan. Kildangan would not stop there and had a field day in the next 10 minutes, with Kevin McNally and Cian Murtagh both scoring goals of their own, Killian Scully scoring two points from wing back and Allan Donoher kicking a free and a point from 40 yards out off the outside of his boot earning him his weekly standing ovation. After 20 minutes or so, Kildangan were leading an incredible 3.06 to no score. A well worked Raheens point seemed to show they still had some fight left in them. However Kildangan responded exceptionally. Oisin Irvin bagged a goal of his own and Kevin McNally and Cian Murtagh would both slot over points also. Raheens scored a second point right on the verge of halftime leaving the score 4.08 - 0.02 at the break.

Some teams might take their foot off the pedal with a lead like this, but not Kildangan. The second half would prove to look much like the first opening with a Kildangan score, this time a Daniel Gilbert point. Raheens answered with a point of their own. Joey Walsh was then subbed on after his “career break”. Much like after Michael Jordan’s hiatus, Joey Walsh returned in form, beating defenders left, right and centre and scoring a point just minutes back in action. Oisin Irvin couldn’t get anyone to set him up for his second goal, so he took matters into his own hands and assisted himself by finishing a rebound off the crossbar from his own shot. Joey Walsh scored his second point of the game followed by fellow returnee Josh Burns. Raheens scored a 4th point of the game before Joey Walsh well and truly marked his return with a 3rd point. Raheens scored 3 points in the final minutes as a conciliation, however they were cancelled out as the final score of the game came as Cian Murtagh palmed in his second goal of the game. It’s hard for the Kildangan defenders to get much of a look in with a scoreline of 6.13 but a congratulations must go out to Alex McCann, Eoghan O’Fearghaill and Joe Broughall who all played exceptionally well.

Full time score: Kildangan 6.13 - 0.07 Raheens

Moment of the match: Joey Walsh’s return. Massive boost for the team to see Joey Walsh back in action in the Kildangan jersey. The lads are delighted to have him back and we’re sure he’ll be right back in the starting 15 in no length.

Man of the match: Cian Murtagh. Scoring 2.03 from play was an excellent performance topped off with some great link up play throughout the game. Honorable mention must go to Oisin Irvin who also had an exceptional game.

Seán Fitzgearld, Joe Broughall, Eoghan O’Fearghaill, Damian Cairns, Killian Scully (0.02), Alex McCann, Alan Donoher (0.02, 1f), Daniel Gilbert (0.01), Dermot Hickey, Mark O’Donovan (1.01), Oisin Irvin (2.00), Rob Bocotan, Cian Murtagh (2.03), Kevin McNally (1.01), Kian Murray. 

Subs; Josh Burns (0.01), Joey Walsh (0.03).