Kildorrery U13s match vs Ballycastle
What a battle! In our second U13 league match, Kildorrery faced neighbours Ballycastle in a hard-fought, high-energy encounter. Playing with the wind in the first half, Kildorrery used the conditions well, but Ballycastle came flying back in the second and went ahead by two points. The girls never panicked; they dug deep, showed great character and fought right to the final whistle to claim a deserved victory.
Every player gave everything. Tackles were won, runs were made, and scores were taken from all over the field, a true team performance. The jump up to the big pitch was a significant step for the squad and you could see the benefit: the girls looked more composed, covered the ground intelligently and learned during the game.
This win is a reward for continuous improvement and hard work. The team spirit, effort and development on display were excellent. Thanks to Ballycastle for a very sporting and enjoyable match.
Well done to all the girls, coaches and supporters, fantastic effort all round!
Round 3 Intermediate Hurling - Kildorrery vs Aghabullogue
A cold but clear evening in Kildorrery
There was a crisp bite in the air under the floodlights, but the hurling warmed the crowd early. A sizeable and confident travelling support followed Aghabullogue, buoyed by past success in this championship, yet it was Kildorrery who settled quickest.
First Half
Kildorrery opened the scoring through Luke, tapping over a free — the first of many on a night where his accuracy would prove invaluable. Both sides traded wides in the early exchanges before Luke struck again, this time from play.
Points followed from Dave Kelly and Dylan, as Kildorrery put together an impressive opening ten minutes. Luke added another from a placed ball, Peter clipped one, and Luke again stretched the lead. At that stage Kildorrery were very much in control, leading by six.
Aghabullogue registered their first point after 11 minutes, sparking a brief spell of momentum. They tagged on another, but Kildorrery replied instantly. Aghabullogue converted a free and moments later worked a fine move from defence that ended in the first goal of the game on 17 minutes.
Luke steadied Kildorrery with another free, though Aghabullogue answered in kind. Luke soon followed with yet another score, and Fitzy, who had been immense around midfield, drove one over after a rebound from a sharp Seán Kelly save.
However, Kildorrery were dealt a blow before the interval. A misread ball — not helped by the glare of the lights — slipped through and found the back of the net, levelling the contest. The sides traded points before the break, and Kildorrery went in a single point up, 0–12 to 2–5, despite having led by six at one stage. The wind, certain to influence matters, would blow into Aghabullogue’s favour in the second half.
Second Half
Aghabullogue burst out of the blocks with three unanswered points and three wides, seizing control of the early second-half tempo. Kildorrery struggled to settle and didn’t register a wide until the 43rd minute — followed by another soon after.
The breakthrough finally came when the returning James Keating, warmly welcomed back by the home crowd, sent one over on 48 minutes. Peter added another, leaving Kildorrery trailing 0–13 to 2–9 with just over seven minutes remaining.
Aghabullogue added a point before Dylan responded to keep Kildorrery in touch. Having allowed Aghabullogue dominate the opening ten minutes of the half, chasing the game was always going to be a battle — but Kildorrery dug deep.
Luke, as reliable as ever, narrowed the gap to one. After Aghabullogue pushed another wide from the puck-out, Kildorrery won a vital free. Luke made no mistake, levelling the contest to huge roars.
Referee Denis Motherway blew full-time from the restart. The banter from both sets of supporters said it all — a draw felt like a fair outcome.
Full-Time Score: Kildorrery 0–15 Aghabullogue 2–9