Kildangan had a very useful challenge game against Naas under lights in Ballykelly last friday night in preparation for their upcoming Championship Semi-final against Monasterevin. Despite being short a few regulars Kildangan settled well and opened the scoring in the opening minutes with a point from midfielder Jack Fitzpatrick. With the team acquitting themselves well we had further points on the board from Oisin McWey and Niamh Gleeson. With Cameron Kavanagh and Sophie Murray proving a handful, Niamh Gleeson had her second point of the half after a storming run through the middle to put us four points up. Sam Worrell and Jack Fitzpatrick were doing well around the middle ably assisted by Sophie Stynes, Daragh Coughlan, Annabelle Torpey and Sean Casey in the middle third. Naas were finding it hard to deal with Kildangan's direct running and gave away several free before half time which were converted by Josh O'Rourke and Jack Fitzpatrick. This brought us into half-time with the score Kildangan 0-6 Naas 0-0.
Aidan Casey was replaced in goals for the second half. Naas stung by Kildangan's strong display in the first half, rang the changes themselves at half-time. They had 2-1 on the board in the opening 10 minutes of the second half to hit the front. Kildangan ran their bench also with Ross Kenny, John Gargan, Eva-Rose Connell, Jack Ryan, Oscar Law, Tommy Donaher and Julianne Moore all making appearances and showing very well. Josh O Rourke kicked a nice point to open Kildangan's second half account. Naas were now showing very strongly and added 1-1 in quick succession. Jack Fitzpatrick answered with a nice point for Kildangan. Kildangan's defence were being worked hard but Seamie Fitzpatrick, Alice Mahon, Jake Curran and Abigail Fenlon were holding their own. Naas came back with 1-1 but Sean Casey had the final say with a goal before the final whistle to leave the final score Kildangan 1-8 Naas 4-3.
Both sets of mentors were delighted with the workout they got on the night. We sought out a challenge against a Naas team several grades higher than ourselves who are preparing for a semi-final of their own. Both sets of mentors gathered the teams together on the field after the game and wished each other well in their respective semi-finals. The Naas mentor, who coaches their U12 Division 1 team was generous with his praise, singling out several of our players for particular praise, and noting he had never come across such a tough bunch of girls playing underage football in Kildare.
Kildangan play their U12 semi-final this Friday 15th at 6.30pm in Ballykelly. The support of as many Kildangan supporters as possible on the night will be a huge help to the team.
Training continues tomorrow Monday 11th in preparation for the game.
