Senior Challenge
8/2/26
Kildangan 2-16 Annanough 1-8
Our senior team opened their 2026 season with an encouraging display against our near neighbours from across the border in Laois on Sunday last in Kildangan. Annanough ply their trade in the Intermediate grade in Laois so a stern enough test was expected. With a greasy and heavy More O Ferrall Park, those in attendance were still treated to an open and entertaining game of football.
Annanough opened the scoring in the opening minutes which was quickly answered by Cian Reilly for Kildangan. Annanough edged a point in front again as both sides slowly came to terms with the conditions. Kildangan's possession around the middle third began to tell and we hit a purple patch midway through the first half and reeled off points from Eanna Sherlock, Mark O Donovan (2) and Oisin Irvin to extend the lead. Annanough were dangerous off frees and kept in touch with two points to bring it back to a one point game nearing the break. The Kildangan full forward line were carrying a threat and this was emphasised by points by Cian Reilly (2) and Devon Abbey which left the half time score Kildangan 0-8 Annanough 0-4.
Annanough started the second half with an increase in intensity, particularly in the middle third, and outscored Kildangan by three points to one in the opening minutes of the half. A Cian Reilly free being Kildangan's only reply in this period. A reply was needed from Kildangan and it came in a point from Luke McKenna. Eanna Sherlock followed up with a long range score of his own before Devon Abbey on his senior debut got his second point of the game. Mark O Donovan added his second point to stretch the lead out to six points. A mix up on the Kildangan goal line led to a goal for Annanough and when they followed up with a point it was back to a two point game again, despite Kildangan's dominance. When a response was required, several Kildangan players came to the fore in the closing ten minutes with Bryan Adams, John Kelly, Killian Scully, Paddy Neary and Killian Reilly prominent. Cian Reilly and Alan Donaher replied with points. Ryan Moran showed his experience and had a hand in two Kildangan goals that were scored by Luke McKenna and Devon Abbey to put the game to bed. Annanough had a solitary reply but Eanna Sherlock knocked over his third point of the game to leave the final score Kildangan 2-16 Annanough 1-8.
Both sides will be pleased enough to get their seasons underway despite being short several players. Kildangan showed promise after the effort of some early season training and will be out again next Saturday in Ballykelly in round one of the Dowling Cup. Please come along and support the team.
8/2/26
Kildangan 2-16 Annanough 1-8
Our senior team opened their 2026 season with an encouraging display against our near neighbours from across the border in Laois on Sunday last in Kildangan. Annanough ply their trade in the Intermediate grade in Laois so a stern enough test was expected. With a greasy and heavy More O Ferrall Park, those in attendance were still treated to an open and entertaining game of football.
Annanough opened the scoring in the opening minutes which was quickly answered by Cian Reilly for Kildangan. Annanough edged a point in front again as both sides slowly came to terms with the conditions. Kildangan's possession around the middle third began to tell and we hit a purple patch midway through the first half and reeled off points from Eanna Sherlock, Mark O Donovan (2) and Oisin Irvin to extend the lead. Annanough were dangerous off frees and kept in touch with two points to bring it back to a one point game nearing the break. The Kildangan full forward line were carrying a threat and this was emphasised by points by Cian Reilly (2) and Devon Abbey which left the half time score Kildangan 0-8 Annanough 0-4.
Annanough started the second half with an increase in intensity, particularly in the middle third, and outscored Kildangan by three points to one in the opening minutes of the half. A Cian Reilly free being Kildangan's only reply in this period. A reply was needed from Kildangan and it came in a point from Luke McKenna. Eanna Sherlock followed up with a long range score of his own before Devon Abbey on his senior debut got his second point of the game. Mark O Donovan added his second point to stretch the lead out to six points. A mix up on the Kildangan goal line led to a goal for Annanough and when they followed up with a point it was back to a two point game again, despite Kildangan's dominance. When a response was required, several Kildangan players came to the fore in the closing ten minutes with Bryan Adams, John Kelly, Killian Scully, Paddy Neary and Killian Reilly prominent. Cian Reilly and Alan Donaher replied with points. Ryan Moran showed his experience and had a hand in two Kildangan goals that were scored by Luke McKenna and Devon Abbey to put the game to bed. Annanough had a solitary reply but Eanna Sherlock knocked over his third point of the game to leave the final score Kildangan 2-16 Annanough 1-8.
Both sides will be pleased enough to get their seasons underway despite being short several players. Kildangan showed promise after the effort of some early season training and will be out again next Saturday in Ballykelly in round one of the Dowling Cup. Please come along and support the team.
