Killoe triumph in action packed Longford Junior ‘A’ Championship decider

Killoe claimed their 6th Junior Championship after a titanic tussle with neighbours Clonguish in a most entertaining curtain raiser to the senior final on Sunday last. 

Killoe Emmet Og . . . 1-17   Clonguish . . . 0-18  

Killoe and Clonguish played out undoubtedly the game of the weekend for those who camped out in Pearse Park for the entirety of the weekend’s action. The game was played at a great pace helped by the officiating of Ballymahon’s Michael Farrell and the crowd really got into the football on display.
Killoe and Clonguish last played each other in the 2018 final where Killoe claimed their most recent Junior title in a 4 point victory. Gary Connell, Niall Finneran, Eugene Clarke were the only 3 remaining in the side from that victory whilst Clonguish welcomed back James Tormey, Anthony Watters, Eimhin Glacken, Benny Devine, Michael McCann, Liam Sheridan and Niall O’ Reilly.
Seven years later, O’ Reilly was the star forward on show with 9 points to his name but just as in 2018 a sole goal which fell Killoe’s way was the difference in the end.
Killoe were the better side early on and eased into a 0-4 to 0-0 lead with man of the match Jack Fitzpatrick opening the scoring, followed by further points from corner forwards Shane Dooner and Eugene Clarke as well as a single from Cormac Harte who could’ve netted a goal moments after.
Clonguish settled with points from Darran Quinn and Josh Sorohan who were both wing backs when Clonguish played Killoe in the 2023 senior final. Michael Glennon could have shot Clonguish ahead but he was denied by the Killoe keeper Oisin McManus.
Centre-half-back Killian Feeney then went on a marvellous run and kicked over terrifically at full speed. Darran Quinn was the outlet for Clonguish’s attack and he fired over again after taking on his man before another score from the Killoe half-back-line through David Moorehead.
Glackin and Glennon shot over to reduce the gap to one but Mark Rowley restored Killoe’s two point lead at the break, 0-7 to 0-5, though Cormac Harte had another goal chance denied to put Killoe further ahead.
On the restart, the excellent Jack Fitzpatrick kicked Killoe’s sole two pointer with a superb strike after the throw-in. Cormac Harte shot over either side of a Shane Dooner brace as Killoe built up a cushioned advantage. Niall O’ Reilly fired over his first two pointer to give Clonguish a much needed reprieve.
Though, just as Clonguish cut the lead, David Barden’s side would be reeling as Gerard Keogh finished a goal line scramble to net from close range. Shane Dooner followed with another free to extend the lead to 9 points as we entered the final quarter.
The modern game hinges so much on the midfield battle and this game often ebbed and flowed with the victors of the kickouts as both teams were blessed with the forwards to cause damage once primary possession was secured.
Player-manager David Barden threw himself into the fire and he reignited his troops with a score. Niall O’Reilly would then go on a remarkable run of shooting, adding 3 further two pointers and a single as Clonguish fired 10 unanswered points to take the lead. Eimhin Glacken also raised an orange flag with probably the point of the game and the score sat at 0-17 to 1-13 with 5 minutes of normal time to play.

Though, just after Niall O’ Reilly’s two pointer free took the lead for Clonguish, Killoe won their first kickout in some time and Leinster Minor winning defender Conor Doherty pointed next to level.
Just as he did in the Junior C final, Doherty made a terrific impact off the bench and it showcased the arsenal of Killoe that they could hold him in reserve.

Killoe’s bench were making hay on the break and Mark Rowley, who was reintroduced, pointed after receiving a pass from another substitute Enda Quinn. Doherty pointed again and then goalscorer Gerard Keogh punched the ball over the bar when he could have opted to go for another major.
Killoe turned the screw to shoot 4 unanswered points just when they needed or did Clonguish slightly step off once they took the lead but 5 minutes additional time were announced and this action packed affair was due more twists in the exciting finale.
Though, Clonguish who got great joy from two pointers in their miraculous comeback, swerved away from what served them well as they went in search of a goal.
Leinster minor winning full-forward Josh March was sent into the square and he received a wonderful long pass from David Barden in their best chance for a goal but Killoe defended well to evade trouble. Clonguish had to settle for a single point free from Barden as Killoe emerged victorious.

KILLOE EMMET OG: Oisin McManus; Niall Macken, Gary Connell, Shane Clarke; Paul Eivers, Killian Feeney (0-1), David Moorehead (0-1); Mark Rowley (0-2), Paddy Thompson; Niall Finneran, Gerard Keogh (1-1), Jack Fitzpatrick (0-3, 1 two-pointer); Cormac Harte (0-2), Eugene Clarke (0-1, f), Shane Dooner (0-4, 2f). 

Subs:- Conor Doherty (0-2) for E Clarke (37 mins); Enda Quinn for M Rowley (46 mins); Francis Rowley for D Moorehead (50 mins); M  Rowley for C Harte (55 mins); David Mimnagh for J  Fitzpatrick (first minute of stoppage time). 

CLONGUISH: James Tormey; Michael McCann, Adam Shields, Brendan Devine; Ryan McHugh, Cormac Flynn, Darragh McLoughlin; Packie Molloy, Dan Crossan; Darran Quinn (0-2), Niall O’ Reilly (0-9, 4 two-pointers, 3 frees, 1 play), Michael Glennon (0-1); Eimhin Glacken (0-3, 1 two-pointer), Josh Sorohan (0-1), Aidan O’Ceallaigh. 

Subs:- Anthony Watters for Adam Shields (injured, 34 mins), David Barden (0-2, 1f) for D Quinn (injured, 34 mins), Liam Sheridan for A O’Ceallaigh (37 mins), Robert Smith for D McLoughlin (42 mins), Josh Marsh for J Sorohan (56 mins).

Referee: Michael Farrell (Ballymahon).