Kildangan seniors set out in round 2 of their championship campaign against Suncroft last Wednesday evening. Although being round 2 it was Kildangan’s first game of the championship having received a walk over from neighbouring side Monasterevin which was a shame considering Kildangan’s readiness and eagerness to play the game. Despite the weather there was a considerable crowd along the sideline for Wednesday’s game.
The ball threw in and 2024 championship football had finally commenced for Kildangan. Kildangan played in the opening 5 minutes as they planned to go on. 1.02 from Mark O’Donovan in the first 5 minutes showed what he is capable of as one of the best young prospects in South Kildare football at the moment. He gained possession of the ball right out in the sideline at our 65 and in classic Mark O’Donovan fashion he made a B Line for the goal, beating 7/8 Suncroft defenders along the way before drilling it in on the near post. Points from Oisin Irvin, Daniel Gilbert and Alan Donoher really settled Kildangan. Despite some great defending by Alex McCann and Stephen Murtagh a Suncroft penalty showed they were well and truly still in the game. Kildangan responded in excellent fashion though. Another Mark O’Donovan goal followed by a rocket of a goal by Daniel Gilbert really pushed Kildangan’s lead out before half time.
Suncroft came back into the game scoring a couple of points after the half time break but Kildangan saw it fit to put their foot on the pedal once again. Cian Murtagh and Daniel Gilbert scored some excellent points and a penalty from Oisin Irvin really sealed the deal for Kildangan.
Some great performances by a Kildangan side that were missing several players proved to be a promising result for the championship campaign. Luke McKenna and Stephen Murtagh both played a stormer as corner backs coming up the pitch occasionally. Cian Murtagh picked up an immense amount of hall around the middle of the field and distributed some great passes setting up several scores. Mark O’Donovan and Oisin Irvin both played excellently games in the half forward line whilst Daniel Gilbert really stepped up to the mark in midfield alongside Liam Kehoe who had his game of the year.
Moment of the match: Mark O’Donovan’s solo run from the 65 beating 7/8 Suncroft defenders before roofing it in the top corner.
Man of the match: Daniel Gilbert. Daniel played exceptionally well in midfield and really stepped up to the occasion of championship football setting a great captains example for the younger players. Daniel has had a great year and has definitely showed he was the right pick for captaincy in 2024. Honourable mentions for man of the match just go to Mark O’Donovan and Stephen Murtagh.
Kildangan’s next championship game is away to St. Kevin’s on Monday 16th at 8pm. We sit top of the table at the moment and a win should guarantee us a home semi final spot. It is looking likely that either Kilcullen or Straffan will be our opponents should we reach a semi final spot as Castledermot look likely to take top spot in their group.
For more photos please head over to Kildangan GAA on instagram.
For more photos please head over to Kildangan GAA on instagram.