There was a welcome return to action in the idyllic conditions of Páirc Naomh Chiarán as Carnaross and Kilbride served up an entertaining draw in the opening round of the Tailteann Cup.
Tailteann Cup (Round 1)
Played in Carnaross – 9/6/2021
Carnaross started strongly with points from play from Paddy McDermott and Pierce Fleming. The next ten minutes belonged to Kilbride who kicked over 3 scores in a row. Paddy McDermott was proving a handful and accounted for a quick-fire brace to keep Carnaross in front by the minimum. Pierce Fleming then dispossessed a Kilbride defender before releasing Frank O’Reilly to fire to the net.
Kilbride’s response was emphatic as they broke through the Carnaross rear guard only to be denied by a low save by Shane McNiffe in goals. Kilbride didn’t have to wait long for a second goal opportunity as 90 seconds later they made no mistake when presented with the same opportunity. Carnaross finished the half with two converted frees from Frank and Paddy with Kilbride finishing stronger giving them a 2 point interval advantage, 1-8 to 1-6.
The second half continued in the same vain for the home side who continued to misfire in front of the posts missing numerous chances. Kilbride were more clinical and hit a purple patch registering 3 points in a row to extend their lead to 5. The turning point came with 10 minutes remaining when Kilbride were reduced to 14 men due to a black card. Cormac Yore converted a free and the Ross upped the intensity.
They utilized the extra man and sent in direct ball to Frank O’Reilly who began to cause consternation for his markers. He rounded his two men before smartly finishing to the back of the net reducing the gap to two. In fact, O’Reilly had the chance to grab a hat trick but sent his penalty wide after a goal bound attempt was deemed to be a foot block. Kilbride were now struggling to keep tabs on the re-energised forwards from North Meath and started to concede frees. Carnaross converted two out of four to nab a draw which was probably the fairest outcome on the night.
This error ridden contest was an intriguing encounter as both teams enjoyed periods of dominance before referee Barney O’Rourke brought a halt to proceedings with the points being shared.
Congratulations to James O’Connor who impressed at centre back in his first game in the Carnaross colours after transferring from the Johnstownbridge club in Kildare.
Carnaross will face St. Brigids away on Wednesday the 17th of June in Round 2 of the Tailteann Cup.
Carnaross: Shane McNiffe, Ian Donoghue, Cormac O’Reilly, Seán Carpenter, Jack Roche, James O’Connor, Pierce Fleming(0-1), Cillian Comaskey, Tomás Plunkett, Frank O’Reilly(2-3), Cian O’Reilly, Odhrán Farrelly, Shane Casserly, Paddy McDermott(0-4), Cormac Yore(0-1) Subs: Niall McDonnell, Peter Carpenter and Dean Connell.
