Massive congratulations to the Intermediate 2 squad yesterday on their win against Kilmacud Crokes. Haven been beaten by Crokes in the earlier round robin game, the south inner girls went in as slight underdogs, a tag that the club usually responds well to!
The Kevins girls got off to a great start and led by 1-2 to 0-0 after 15 minutes with the goal coming from full forward Emma Young. The Crokes girls found their rhythm midway and started to nudge themselves back into the game with some excellent points from play. A powerful display from Aisling Fitzgerald at full back with Jenny Kearns and Holly Corrigan in both corners thwarted a number of Crokes attacks during their dominant phase keeping them goalless at halftime.
Kevin’s held a narrow lead of 1-3 to 0-3 at half time having played with a breeze to their backs so it was important to get off to a good start. But it was The Crokes who came out of the traps the fastest with 2 points bringing the Kevin’s lead back to 1. It was all Crokes and then skipper Meadhbh Hicks broke through the ranks and was bearing down on goal when she was bundled over. The Kevins line cheered, but much to our surprise the referee blew for a free out as Meadhbh was blown up for catching the ball 3 times.
The large blue sideline were beginning to get a touch nervous as The Crokes had the run of play, but then the feisty Muireann O’Mahoney slotted home a goal from corner forward. And just like Dublin Bus, we waited around for 1 then 3 all came in quick succession. Kevin’s led 4-3 to 0-5!
The Crokes weren’t giving up though and gained momentum, as they pumped balls into the corners and responded with 3 points. Hard work from Louise Brennan, Chloe Kearns and Emma Young around the centre field area kept us ticking over, but Kilmacud kept the pressure on and were going for goal at every opportunity. Cara O’Leary was solid between the posts and at one stage stopped a full force blast of a shot from the left corner forward, which was followed by what appeared to be some form of inner city haka dance that buoyed on her team mates and bemused supporters.
Possession had evened out with opportunities for both sides going astray. Meabh Ramos Finnegan had been introduced for the hard working Aedín Murphy and was causing havoc with The Crokes defence, winning lots of ball and running at their defence who hunted her down as she navigated her way through a barrage of bodies and swinging hurleys.
The Crokes breakthrough eventually came with a goal in the last 5 minutes, but it was followed by a few wayward strikes to the left and right of the Kevins posts, much to the relief of our supporters who were now enquiring about how much time was left. In the dying minutes Jenny Kearns was replaced by Julia O’Loughlin Hendricks who also stood firm under pressure. The Kevins attack composed themselves as the clock wound down and a point from play by Rachel Sheehy and a 65 from Meadhbh Hicks put the game out of reach for the hard working opposition. All we needed now was the ref to blow his whistle and that he eventually did, much to the relief of Kevin’s girls, mentors and supporters. Kevins will play in Intermediate 1 Championship in our 125th Year and going up as Intermediate 2 Champions will be a great boost.
Match scorers: Muireann O’Mahony 2-0, Meadhbh Hicks 1-3, Emma Young 1-2, Rachel Sheehy 0-2, Louise Brennan 0-1.
