CUSHENDUN EMMET’s 3-26 KICKHAM’s CREGGAN 0-4
By Denis O’Hara
THE half-back brilliance of Sean McKay, Donal O’Hara and Callum Kilgore laid the foundation to this canter in the sun for the Emmet’s, recording a facile league victory at The Riggs.
Centre half O’Hara was at his imperious best – and tied man-of-the match accolade with livewire forward Conor ‘Smiley’ McHugh.
Kickham’s, who were light some key players – were never at the races and had to endure a slamming at the seaside.
They had a few individual players to impress, especially midfielder an skipper Sean Maguire and an excellent goalkeeper in Michael Corey-Small.
However, from early in the game it became obvious the Cushendun class and overall excellent clinical stickwork would prove too much for the visiting players.
The Emmet’s struck early and often, featuring some fascinating passing and running off the ball.
New manager Rory McQuillan must have been quietly chuffed with the compact teamwork- the understanding shown by a very organised side.
When Kickham’s threatened up-front there was the cat-like cover by Emmet’s veteran goalkeeper Gareth McGee.
He had good protection – including ever reliable full back Aidan Corbett, flanked by Mark McSparran and Sean Hamilton.
Generally,.very little Kickham’s threats passed the stonewall defending of O’Hara and McKay.
Sporting the number 14 jersey ex-county hurler Conor McHugh ran riot – and all over the pitch.
Indeed, when the host outfit had midfielder Conor Bannon red-carded by Glenariffe referee Shane McDonnell moments into the second half
mercurial McHugh, who plundered six points was alert to slipping in behind the midfield and cutting off Kickham’s attempts to make use of their extra man.
Following a convincing 2-16 to 0-10 against St Gall’s at Milltown a week earlier, the latest test was much too simple for a team that is growing in stature.
The confidence is swelling through a side that is blending into full use of the wings – and making the most of open spaces.
Apart from one silly reminder of past mistakes, when a suicidal cross-field pass in the first session went straight into hand of the Kickham’s leggy winger Morgan Nelson, the Antrim coast side cantered to what must rank the easiest examination of the season, so far.
Still, you can only perform to your best against whatever the opposition brings to the pitch.
Always on the cards was that first goal, and it arrived two minutes from the interval, thanks to a rocket volley by James Morgan.
The Emmet’s turned 1-11 to 0-2 in front. but then lost midfielder Conor Bannon to an early bath.
It made the home boys all the more determined – and flying winger David Kilgore’s superb goal after 12 minutes virtually slammed the door on Creggan.
The home bench was fully used, including Connlaoth ‘Loaf’ McNeill coming into the action, and picking off a trademark over-the-shoulder point.
Thirteen minutes from time David Kilgore breezed in on the mesmerised Creggan backs to drill home another spectacular goal.
All the while the crisp striking and speedy movements of vastly improved players a such as Dominic McQuillan in centrefield, comebacker Sean Hamilton and Mark McSparran in the defence provided a further boost.
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Scorers:
Emmet’s-D Kilgore 2-4, J Morgan 1-0, H Kilgore 0-7, C McHugh 0-6, C McKeegan, D McQuillan 0-2 each, F McQuillan, C Bannon, C McNeill, D O’Hara, T Scally 0-1 each.
Kickham’s-M Nelson 0-2,J McAleer, N McAuley 0-1 each.
Teams:
Emmet’s-G Magee, McSparran, A Corbett, S Hamilton; S McKay, D O’Hara, C Kilgore, D McQuillan and C Bannon; F McQuillan, J Morgan, H Kilgore; C McKeegan, C McHugh, D Kilgore.
Subs-T Scally, A Breslin, A McSparran, C McNeill, P Bannon.
Kickham’s:-M Corey-Small; A Maguire, S PO’Boyle, P McGuckian; L McCann, J McAleer, S Maguire; N McAuley and S Maguire; M Nelson, K Rice, D Mulholland; C Rice, M Moran, D O’Hara.
Ref: S McDonnell (Glenariffe).
