Kiltale cruise to victory over Clann na nGael
John Donoghue's men didn't really need to break a sweat as they comfortably saw off the opposition
Kiltale 2-26
Clann na nGael 1-11
It was all one-way traffic for Kiltale as they cruised to the winning line in their SHC clash against Clann na nGael. It wasn't as impressive a showing from John Donoghue's side as their second-round victory over Longwood, but once they had built up a 10-point lead in the first-half there was a real sense of just "going through the motions" from both sides.
The Kiltale full-forward line was again to the fore of their performance and the combination of Peter Durnin, Jack Regan and Ross Ryan once more proved why they are such a dangerous trio. The fluency and connection that those three share in particular was really evident on Saturday.
The first 10 minutes was scrappy and the sides traded two points each with both of Clann na nGael's first scores coming from dead-ball efforts off the hurl of Joe Ennis.
Kiltale then got to grips with the contest and they hit five points on the spin. Jack Regan contributed a brace of points as Ross Ryan, Conor McNally and Mark O'Sullivan also helped Kiltale build a 0-7 to 0-2 lead after 15 minutes.
The second quarter was more eventful and Eugene Reilly hit a monster long-range point before Joe Ennis pulled another back for Clann na nGael. Regan quickly put an end to Gary Coles' side brief bright spell with three frees on the spin.
Joe Ennis hit his fourth free but late in the half, Kiltale really pulled away with five points in a row. A brace of Peter Durnin points was added to by further scores from Conor Ryan, Ross Ryan and Regan. At half-time, Kiltale comfortably led 0-16 to 0-6.
Clann na nGael got off to a good start in the second-half and they reduced the gap back to eight after Joe Ennis and Dylan Doherty split the posts.
Very quickly, through the county men, Regan and Kelly, Kiltale cancelled out Clann na nGaels' two early second-half points before they delivered the final nail in the coffin. A long ball in from Conor Ryan was gathered by Durnin and he did well with the finish to put Kiltale ahead 1-18 to 0-8 after 35 minutes.
Opposite midfielders, Joe Ennis and Brian O'Reilly traded scores before Kiltale hit another four points in a row. Peter Durnin and Jack Bannon both contributed before Kelly hit two in a row to put Kiltale 17 points clear of their opponents.
Clan na nGael supporters were afforded a brief moment of reprieve when Gerry Sullivan found the back of the net in the 50th minute. With 10 minutes left, Kiltale still led 1-24 to 1-11. Clann na nGael did not score for the remainder as Durnin struck his second goal and late on in the clash, Kelly and Hugh O'Sullivan wrapped up proceedings with two well-taken points.
Kiltale - Shane McGann; Padraig Kelly, Iarla Hughes, Jack Bannon (0-1); Conor McNally (0-1), Phillip Garvey, Conor Ryan (0-1); Brian O'Reilly (0-1), Hugh O'Sullivan (0-1); Peter Durnin (2-3), Darragh McVann, James Kelly (0-5); Mark O'Sullivan (0-3), Ross Ryan (0-2), Jack Regan (0-8 five frees). Subs - Cathal McCabe for Mark O'Sullivan 46m
Clann na nGael - Eoin Griffen; Niall O'Reilly, Jack Doherty, Cian Harmon; Gerry Sullivan (1-0), Odhran Daly, Eoin Fitzsimons; Joe Ennis (0-8 eight frees), Eugene Reilly (0-1); Diarmuid O'Donnchadha, William Gleeson (0-1), Dylan Doherty (0-1); Luke Ennis, Conor McGovern, Eoin Kelleher. Subs - Ciaran Fitzsimons for Daly, Liam Kelleher for Eoin Kelleher both 44m, Daragh O'Reilly for Sullivan 55m.