Keane’s goals prove decisive for Killimor

Killimor 2-5

Ardrahan 1-6

AFTER a three year gap, Killimor returned to the winner’s enclosure last Sunday as two Susan Keane goals ensured them a fourth county senior camogie title.

In difficult weather conditions, a low-scoring encounter was inevitable with green flags the priceless currency and the Killimor corner-forward was perfectly positioned in both halves to give her side a 2-4 to 0-2 lead on 31 minutes.

Despite the stop-start nature, spectators braving the elements were treated to a dramatic final 20 minutes that saw Ardrahan storm back with a Rebecca Hennelly goal after their manager Mike Carr was sent to the stands.

A tough battle was always on the cards and the heavy rain and winds increased that prospect further.  After being postponed two weeks ago, the ground staff at St. Brendan’s Park deserve immense credit in getting the pitch playable, but nature would still take its toll.

From the tracks left by the St. Ita’s Band in the parade, a fluid final was never likely on the soft turf and referee Conor Quinlan would have to restart proceedings with throw-ins on multiple occasions.

Ardrahan won the toss and opted against the wind that blew towards the town goal but swirled regularly. It looked the wise decision as they opened the scoring on four minutes when Ava Lynskey set up Denise Diviney. It was one of just three white flags from play as rucks and scrums dominated with both teams packing the middle in search of possession.

An Aoife Callanan free made it 0-2 to 0-0 on six minutes before Killimor started to get a handle on affairs but were guilty of three early misses. However, Brenda Hanney’s wide on eight minutes was just a precursor to her deadly impact in creating the first goal on 10 minutes.

When either team managed to string a quick combination of passes down the central channel, they usually caused consternation in the opposing defence. Killimor moved quickly with a long delivery in Hanney’s direction. Again, she took the ball first time before striking at goal. Her fierce effort beat Roisin Gardiner and rattled the crossbar but it was Keane who made sure they didn’t go unrewarded, helping the sliothar over the line for a 1-0 to 0-2 lead.

Full match report in this week’s Connacht Tribune