Kilmainhamwood hold on for hard-earned victory

Seldom can any team have worked so hard to win an IFC semi-final as Kilmainhamwood have. Seldom can a team have sailed so close to the edge in the drawn game before claiming victory the second time around. Granted a reprieve first time out Kilmainhamwood were determined to take full advantage of their second chance in Sunday's IFC semi-final replay at Pairc Tailteann and push on to book a place in the final. After forging ahead early on Kilmainhamwood remained in front throughout an intense and entertaining contest. They led 1-9 to 0-6 at the interval and while Nobber came within a point they couldn't take the next step against a doughty, dogged Kilmainhamwood outfit who showed oceans of self-belief and desire. This was a typical, demanding, highly physical north Meath derby and when it was all over it was Kilmainhamwood who were left standing and how the players, management and supporters savoured the moment. One of the reasons for Kilmainhamwood's victory was the effectiveness of their full-forward line particularly Ray Magee and Stephen Kiernan, two players at the opposite ends of their playing careers. Magee has been there, done that and he rolled back the years in this match. He produced a top-notch performance that was reminiscent of him at his best when he was able to force his way on the Meath team and pick up All-Ireland medals. Magee wore number 14 on Sunday however, he spent most of his time foraging outfield looking for possession. He picked up a lot of loose ball and was involved in many of his team's best moves. Four of his six points came from play with Magee latching onto a pass or a loose ball before using his cultured left foot to split the posts. A typical score came just before the break when Magee took a pass from Michael Shankey and slotted over from about 35 metres out with all the assurance of old. Then there was Kiernan, a young player on the foothills of his career. His youthful appearance belies his strength and he had to be sturdy to score a highly impressive 1-4 against a Nobber defence that was disinclined to concede much space or time. All of his points came from play and a measure of how good he was at taking his chances could be seen in the way he lofted over two points in the second-half from a very meagre amount of ball sent into him. With the help of a strong breeze Kilmainhamwood started the game in a rip-roaring pace and points from Magee (four), Padraig Owens, Kiernan and David Russell put them 0-7 to 0-4 ahead after 17 minutes. Then they conjured up the only goal of the game and it came partly from their ability to move the ball at pace, something that stood to them all afternoon. A Nobber attack broke down close to their opponents goals. Kilmainhamwood swiftly moved the ball forward. Russell won the ball around midfield passed to Magee who did a little shimmy to take three Nobber players out of the equation passed to Francis Owens who in turn set up Kiernan and he rifled a low shot to the net from the edge of the square. It was to prove so crucial at the end. "I just hit it and it went in," said a modest Kiernan afterwards. At times Kilmainhamwood were fortunate to survive without conceding a goal. Late in the opening half Nobber put together one of their best moves. Andrew Hayes, Alan Farrell and Niall Farrell were involved in moving the ball deep into the opposition half. Niall Farrell set up Brian Farrell a few metres out and he looked certain make the net ripple. Instead Philip Moran did just enough to put Brian Farrell off and the ball hit the post before going wide. Then there was an incident in the second-half when Brian Farrell sent a racking pass to Niall Farrell who looked odds on to find the net. Padraig Barber bravely dived to divert the ball away. Nobber's Brendan Heffernan also had a close range shot blocked by Stephen Smith. It was another escape for Kilmainhamwood who appeared willing to endanger life and limb if it meant preventing their opponents from scoring. Nobber were far more wasteful with the chances that came their way. They clocked up 10 wides while Kilmainhamwood were far more economical. Niall Farrell showed the way with five points and while Gavin Farrelly, Andrew Hayes, Brendan Heffernan, Brian Farrell and Jamie Owens all broke forward to score good points, the failure to take chances was to prove costly. Nobber's best spells was in the third-quarter when they scored four points without reply including a spectacular soccer-style volley from Heffernan that flew over the bar. With 17 minutes remaining Nobber reduced the deficit to the minimum. It wasn't enough as Kilmainhamwood remained composed and pushed on to win and ensure their place in the final. Kilmainhamwood - M Clarke; P Barber, S Smith, D Cunningham; P Moran, S Mulligan, M Shankey; A Farrelly, D Russell (0-2); P Owens (0-1), F Owens, H Corbally; R Madden (0-1), R Magee (0-6), S Kiernan (1-4). Sub - C Gilcreest for Corbally half-time, L Shankey for M Shankey 40 mins; C Shankey for Smith 44m; A Crosbie (0-1) for P Owens 48m. Nobber - C O'Reilly; P Weldon, B O'Reilly, A O'Brien; P McEntee, P Clarke, R Shiels; A Farrell, G Farrelly (0-1); G Campbell, A Hayes (0-2), B Heffernan (0-2); N Farrell (0-5, three frees), B Farrell (0-4, two frees), C Clarke. Subs - M O'Halloran for O'Brien 16mins; J Owens for Campbell 25m; G Weldon for Hayes 55 mins. Referee - Jack Gordon (Walterstown).