Second half surge seals crucial win for Kilmaine

INTERMEDIATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP GROUP 3

Kilmaine 1-18

Kiltane 1-12

KILMAINE

A mighty second-half display from the home side secured a hard-earned victory in South Mayo on Sunday. Kiltane were much the better team in the opening half and led by four at the break, 1-6 to 0-5, but Kilmaine clicked into gear after the resumption and eventually shook off the Erris men with a late surge.

Kiltane could have scored early goals as they cut through on a number of occasions when Darragh Carey's excellent kick-outs were the platform for their attacks. The Erris men eventually hit the net just before half time when a long delivery from Carey sent three Kiltane men through and John Ginty combined with Ben Donoghue before Charlie Ginnelly palmed home.

The second half was a different matter entirely with Brendan Sheridan, Hugh O'Loughlin and the excellent Adam Barrett putting Tom Flynn's men in front. Team captain Jarlath Mullin was inspirational for his side throughout the second half, but Kiltane refused to yield and the scores were level after 55 minutes.

The result was there for the taking at that stage and Kilmaine's wing-back stepped into the breach with a crucial point. Adam Barrett doubled the lead before Ben Donoghue halved the deficit with a nerveless free in the 58th minute.

Once again, Barrett showed his undoubted skill to nudge Kilmaine two clear as injury time arrived. Kiltane went in search of a goal to win it and powered forward, but Kilmaine caught them on a counter-attack and Barrett, Sheridan, Mullin and David Hughes combined for Tomas Fahey to bury the ball in the net and seal a crucial win for the home side. 

A full match report and aftermatch reaction will be carried in Tuesday's Mayo News