Kilmeena denied in Tuam thriller

Connacht Intermediate Football Championship semi-final

Monivea Abbey 1-8 Kilmeena 0-10

Michael Gallagher in Tuam

“THIS is why we love football.” The words of Kilmeena manager John Reilly echoed around Tuam Stadium on Sunday as the famous old stadium still throbbed in the aftermath of an epic game of football. Reilly’s team had come out on the end of a 1-8 to 0-10 scoreline but he still appreciated the thriller which had been played out in front of him.

The Mayo champions had been poor in the first half and there were times in the third quarter when it looked as if they might limp out of the championship somewhat tamely, but a Lazarus-like revival took them to the edge of glory before a late penalty save denied them a place in the Connacht final.

The first half wasn’t beautiful for Kilmeena. Their handling was poor, they looked tentative, and chances were being missed. The Monives men had the bit between their teeth.

Their running off the shoulder was cheered to the echo in the creaking old stand, they looked assured, confident and dynamic. In truth, they were Kilmeena in disguise and the Mayo men were still trying to find themselves.

Johnny McGlynn got the scoring started with an early free and Caolach Halligan popped over another, but Monivea were playing all the football. They were driving into the cross-field wind and it seemed to suit them as their extra physicality paid dividends.

A goal from Paddy Mulliins after 14 minutes and points from sharp-shooter Glenn Kelly left the Galway men 1-3 to 0-3 clear at the break.

They moved five clear in the third quarter as Kilmeena continued to turn over ball and one wondered would Reilly’s men depart the scene serenely but nothing could be farther from the truth.

They poured forward time and time again as their huge following roared them on and the scores began to come. Darragh Keaveney, Caolach Halligan and Sean Ryder closed the gap to one going down the pipe and they seemed destined for parity but a punched effort from Monivea’s impressive Trevor Mullins put two between them again after 59 minutes.

Kilmeena refused to give up. They drove forward and Keaveney showed nerves of steel to kick a long-range free as the old stand rocked with noise and emotion.

Then, a Kilmeena move saw Sean Ryder pulled down in the goalmouth and a penalty was awarded. Keaveney stepped forward but Denis Farragher saved it and the follow-up was driven across the face of goal and wide.

The next attack was stifled by Monivea and the final whistle brought scenes of elation and devastation in equal measure before Reilly told the world how wonderful Gaelic football is.

He was, right of course.

There truly is nothing like the wonderful old game and there truly is nothing like the wonderful old stadium where memories have been made for generations.

A full report plus reaction will be carried in Tuesday's print edition of The Mayo News.