In spite of playing against a very strong wind in the first half, some outstanding defending by the youthful Clonmore rearguard meant that we led by 1-4 to 0-4 at half-time. Our points were scored by Con Murphy, David McCarney, Niall Humphries and John McGrath while the crucial goal came on 25 minutes from a clever lob by Gavin Byrne who spotted the keeper off his line and had the skill to execute the shot from an awkward angle and into the wind. A Kilbride forward tried something similar late in the game which, fortunately for us, came back off the crossbar. Although we had the wind in the second half, it took us all our time to keep our noses in front as Kilbride's big players, Darragh Foley and Seamus Gray, began to dominate midfield and they came back to within a point or two on several occasions. But the lads showed great heart and commitment to keep out the Kilbride men and, although we missed a couple of goal chances, a series of well taken points from Dale, Gavin, Niall and Paddy Gahan (2) saw us home.
The next game will be another big test away to our neighbours and Junior "A" Champions, Grange, on Sunday next 17 April at 6pm.
Teams: Paddy Byrne, John Kelly, Sean Doyle, Andrew Byrne, David McCarney (0-1), Jordan Kane, Willie Byrne, Anthony Byrne, Con Murphy (0-1,f), Paddy Gahan (0-2), Gavin Byrne (1-1), Larry Doyle, Niall Humphries (0-2), John McGrath (0-1), Dale McNamara (0-1). Subs: Adam Byrne for Dale, Daniel Quigley for John McGrath. Not used: Martin Byrne, Cian Heffernan. Kilbride: Tomás Gray, Michael Browne, James Foley, Colin O'Toole, Jason Carroll, Mark Curry, John O'Neill, Darragh Foley (0-3, 2f)) John Farrell, Alan Reamsbotom (0-1), Stephen Curry (0-1), Mitch Kelly, Padraic Nolan (0-1), Kevin O'Brien, Seamus Gray (0-3). Referee: Pat Murphy (Fenagh).
PHOTO: Paddy Gahan had an outstanding game against Kilbride, acting as an extra defender in the first half and covering every blade of grass in the second half during which he also managed to score a couple of vital points.
