Kildangan got their summer league campaign off to the best possible start on Friday last in More O Ferrall Park with a convincing win against Naas. An early goal by Tommy Donaher got Kildangan out of the blocks early. Naas replied with a point to cut the gap. Jack Ryan making his debut as an U12 won a free for the home side, which he pointed himself. Naas then rocked Kildangan back with a goal and a point which then put them ahead. Luckily for Kildangan Jack Fitzpatrick brought his shooting and put over a point, followed by another good point from Josh O Rourke. Kildangan backs began to tighten up with Jake Curran going to full-back and Abigail Fenlon and Sophie Murray marking very tightly. Alice Mahon, Sophie Stynes and Senan O Tuama began to control the half-back line and were the platform for some lovely attacking play. Jack Fitzpatrick kicked a monster "45" and added a further point coming into half-time to leave the score at half-time Kildangan 1-5 Naas 1-2.
Kildangan began the second half where they left off in the first playing some lovely football. Points by Jack Fitzpatrick and Jack Ryan stretched the lead out to five points. A Naas goal brought them back into the game and Naas looked like they were about to make a game of it. Our worries were put to rest however with Niamh Gleeson and Jack Fitzpatrick completely taking over against a strong Naas midfield. Sam Worrell began to dominate the Naas no.11 who had been one of their main threats and Sean Casey was setting up many opportunities up front. Key clearances were being made by Daragh Coughlan and debutant Sarah-Jane Moore around the Kildangan goalmouth with Abigail Fenlon tigerish in bringing the ball out of defence on several occasions. Points by Oisin McWey and Jack Fitzpatrick stretched the lead and as Kildangan hit a purple patch. A goal by Niamh Gleeson sparked a goal rush. This was followed soon after another when a shot from Julianne Moore rattled the cross bar only to fall Aidan Casey who palmed the ball to the net. A fourth Kildangan goal followed soon after when Jack Fitzpatrick carried the ball from deep in the Kildangan defence before unleashing a shot into the top corner. With the game well over as a contest Naas added two consolation points to leave the final score Kildangan 4-9 Naas 2-4.
This was the U12s third win on the bounce and all despite being short about a half dozen players due to holidays. Kildangan seem to be coming into form at the right time with Championship approaching. Special mention must be given to two young players making their debut for the U12s, Sarah-Jane Moore in defence and Jack Ryan in attack who scored 0-2 points.
