A slow start but a big finish powers Kilmeena to victory

It took them a long time to find their rhythm but a powerful late surge powered Kilmeena to victory in the opening round of the intermediate championship on home soil on Saturday afternoon. The Clew Bay boys ran out 1-13 to 0-7 winners but the scoreboard does little justice to a determined Ardnaree outfit who were within reach of the hosts for long periods.

Only two points separated the sides after 40 minutes but that's when John Reilly's men took charge and reeled off a further eight points with only one white flag being raised by the guests in that period.

Ardnaree were backed by the stiff breeze in the first half and looked to build a lead with Jonathan Doherty, Séaghan Duffy and Martin Rafter kicking points but Kilmeena's dynamic duo John McGlynn and Caolach O'Halligan were very impressive at the other end.

Then, seven minutes before the break, Jack Carney and Ronan O'Donnell combined for Joey Smyth to blast home a goal and Kilmeena ended the first half with a 1-4 to 0-4 lead.

Ardnareee began the second half on the front foot with Stephen Jackson and his defensive colleagues carrying the ball up the pitch. The Moysiders were two behind, 0-6 to 1-5, after 40 minutes but that's when Kilmeena began to roll.

Darragh Keaveney, Liam Moore, McGlynn, O'Halligan and Smyth all kicked points while Andrew Grealis, Ciaran Kilcoyne and the home defenders only conceded a Jason Crean point in the final 20 minutes.

Keith Joyce made a big impression off the bench and the home side finished strongly to get their championship campaign off to a solid start.

A full match report will be carried in Tuesday's Mayo News.