Kilconieron make no mistake this time in joining senior fold

Kilconieron 2-27

Moycullen 0-10

ALL good things come to those who wait and, for a Kilconieron side appearing in their third consecutive Galway intermediate hurling final, that was certainly the case in this one-sided decider at Kenny Park, Athenry, on Sunday.

Having lost finals to Oranmore/Maree and Kinvara in 2018 and 2019 respectively, Kilconieron were determined not to let a third opportunity to claim the Mick Sylver Cup – and by extension, promotion to senior – slip in this rescheduled 2020 showpiece.

After a year of lockdowns and unknowns, Kilconieron arrived at Kenny Park full of purpose, their focus on the big prize unwavering. By half-time, they led 1-12 to 0-7 and, once Cormac Dillon grabbed their second goal on 46 minutes to extend their lead to 14 points, 2-18 to 0-10, the celebrations began in earnest.

The only time the result was in any doubt was in the first quarter when, early on, Ollie Bergin’s charges spurned a couple of goal opportunities to infer that Lady Luck may, on nothing more than a whim, leave them jilted at the altar for a third year running.

Yet, it was clear vows were already made coming into this fixture and once Sean Connaughton netted their opening major on 18 minutes, to put them 1-6 to 0-4 in front, Kilconieron well and truly kicked on.

It was as if that score gave them permission to throw off the shackles and hurl – and this they certainly did. Over the remainder of the half, they out-scored Moycullen six points to two, with Colin Curley (2), Brian Hickey (an outrageous effort from out near the sideline), Shane Caulfield (two frees) and wing-back Conor Caulfield all on target.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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