St. Vincent’s and Killoe draw

A tremendous second half performance from St. Vincent’s ensured them a draw against Killoe Og in Round 1 of the Minor Football Championship at a rain soaked Monaduff on Monday evening of last week. 
Trailing by nine points at the end of the first half, the Drumlish/Ballinamuck side came storming back on the changeover to close the gap and the sides ended up all square at the final whistle.
 Killoe, a side that many fancy to reach this year’s minor final, stamped their authority in the latter stages of the first half. Roving full-forward Paddy Kiernan had a terrific opening quarter and registered five points while also providing a number of assists throughout the first half.
Straight from the start of the second half, St. Vincent’s staged their recovery and three successive points without reply from Gary Connolly gave them a big boost while centre-half-forward Emmet Noonan also figured prominently in the gritty comeback.

With two minutes of stoppage time played St. Vincent’s snatched the equalising point when Gary Connolly kept his nerve to convert a free. 
Killoe Og had an opportunity to grab a late winning score from a 35-metre free but place kicker Seamus McCormack pulled his shot wide.

ST. VINCENT’S: Michael Heslin; Ruairi Carthy, Daniel Gorman, Jason Nertney; Gavin Quinn, Paul Hughes (0-1), Mike Kiernan; Gary Connolly (0-5, four frees), Mark Breslin; Emmet Noonan (0-1), Paul Donnelly (0-1), Neil Connolly; Scott Howe, Martin Cassidy (0-2, one free) Anthony Keane (0-1).
Sub:- Sean Breslin for J. Nertney (injured, 64 mins). KILLOE OG; Shane Fitzpatrick; Darragh Gilna, Damien Bennett, Ryan Moffett; John Lynch, Shane Clarke, Shane Tully; Cian Farrelly, Brian Finnerty; Seamus McCormack (0-2, one free), Jamie King (0-2, one free), Luke Mahon; Ciaran Donohoe (0-1), Paddy Kiernan (0-5), Stephen Duke (0-1). Referee: Ned Monaghan (Ballymore).