DIVISION 1A
Knockmore 1-10
Crossmolina 0-10
Kevin Corcoran
Knockmore
KNOCKMORE couldn’t have wished for a better start to this year’s campaign than the confidence-boosting win they enjoyed over neighbours Crossmolina in a closely contested match on Easter Sunday afternoon. The game could have swung either way, but an opportunistic goal from Knockmore corner forward Ciaran Butler two minutes from time decided the tie.
It could all have been so different. Mark Leonard had his 51st minute goal disallowed due to a square ball, while another goal-bound effort rebounded off the post on 35 minutes. Crossmolina knew their luck was out when a long ball from the influential Damien Munnelly left the speedy Butler one-on-one with helpless Paul O’Donnell to decide the fixture.
Despite their loss, Crossmolina’s performance was a treat to watch at times – pacey counter attacks and linking forward play were a constant feature. Liam Moffatt’s men had star performers in Damien Syron, Mark Lenoard, Paul McGuinness and Joe Keane. Ciaran McDonald notched up five points, four coming from frees, but his deep role at centre half-forward suited Trevor Howley, who was instrumental for Knockmore.
Aidan McHale and Knockmore will be delighted with the win, especially since they were without the injured Aidan Kilcoyne. The hosts were inspired by two men, Howley and Damien Munnelly, who contributed eight points in total and continuously linked together. Howley is at the top of his game at the moment and he held Ciaran McDonald to just one point from play as well as setting up countless attacks from behind midfield. Meanwhile Munnelly was the only point scorer in the Knockmore forward-line. Brian Gibbons, Stephen Sweeney and Ciaran Butler were also key in this victory.
Crossmolina’s Brian Benson got the game going with a well-worked point inside the opening minute. Knockmore were playing with a strong wind and they took full advantage, as Damien Munnelly and Stephen Sweeney kicked two points apiece. Matters could have been worse for a rusty Crossmolina as Paul O’Donnell had to come to rescue to prevent a near-certain goal from Ciaran Butler.
Ciaran McDonald got his first point of the season after 18 minutes but Howley responded with a score of his own a minute later. Two quick points in succession from Joe Keane and Seán Kelly left the minimum between the sides but Knockmore’s own terrible twins Howley and Munnelly had the final say of the half with a further point each.
Joe Keane doubled his points tally for the day a minute after the restart before a McDonald free just left a point between the sides again. It was at this stage that Mayo star Peader Gardiner was forced to leave the field of play after an accidental clash with a Knockmore defender. The loss of Gardiner was a blow to Cross’ and the home side profited with Munnelly kicking two points on 43 and 46 minutes respectively. Gabriel Walsh responded for the visitors after a fine move before McDonald and Munnelly traded frees.
McDonald split the posts again with another free on 55 minutes to leave the one-point margin between the sides again. But Crossmolina couldn’t find the equaliser and Ciaran Butler took advantage of a loose defence at the other end to raise the green flag following Munnelly’s through ball. McDonald tapped over a free with a minute remaining to put one score back in it but it proved to be only consolation as Knockmore took the spoils.
Knockmore
N Canavan; B Gibbons, J Brogan, K McLoughlin; G O’Hora, T Howley (0-2), A Keane; J Ruddy, S Sweeney (0-2); K Langan, D Sweeney, J Noone; D Munnelly (0-6, 2fs), P Clarke, C Butler (1-0).
Crossmolina
P O’Donnell, S Duffy, D Syron, Colm McDonald; P Gardiner, J Nallen, P McAndrew; G Walsh (0-1), M Lenoard; P McGuinness, Ciaran McDonald (0-5, 4fs), J Fergus; S Kelly (0-1), J Keane (0-2), B Benson (0-1). Subs used: J O’Boyle for Colm McDonald; D Keating for Gardiner (inj); S Rochford for Kelly.
Referee: C Collins (Lacken)
