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By: Michael Gallagher in Milebush Park, Castlebar
Tonra Cup Final
KILLALA AFC 2 BALLYGLASS 1
THE rain may have taken up permanent residence in our sky during this summer season and our coastal scenery may have been shrouded by clinging fog, but the seaside was the place to be last Sunday evening when Killala brought home the Tonra Cup.
The beach boys were in celebratory mood following their exploits in Castlebar earlier in the day and the silverware in their midst was rich reward for a fine display.
Killala had started the final impressively and seemed to be coasting to a comfortable win when two goals clear midway through the second half before Ballyglass launched an almighty comeback that almost forced extra-time.
The first half had been largely uneventful despite fine play and commendable effort from both sides. Killala deservedly took a one-goal lead to the break, and smashed home a second early in the new half before missing a penalty, conceding a goal and living on their nerves until the final whistle unleashed scenes of wild celebration.
The first quarter was largely devoid of goalscoring opportunities and the more prominent players were Killala’s Rory Gallagher, who looked lively and decisive, and Brian Keane from Ballyglass, who produced superb deliveries from setpieces.
Killala almost opened the scoring in the 22nd minute when Gallagher and Ian McNulty had shots blocked by desperate defenders and Gallagher sent a screamer just wide five minutes later as the Blue and Gold poured forward.
The North-Mayo men made the breakthrough in the 31st when Gallagher made his own sweet music by clipping the ball over Ballyglass goalkeeper, Paul Mannion and into the corner of the net.
The beach boys took that advantage to the break and went in search of another goal immediately on the resumption. Ian McNulty sent a shot screaming by the butt of the upright in the 47th and three minutes later he was on hand to send a screamer into the roof of the net from the edge of the box.
It was a superb goal and seemed to have secured the silverware because Ballyglass had shown very little attacking flair up to that point. The leaders had a wonderful chance to extend their lead even further when they were awarded a penalty in the 63rd minute.
A long ball over the Ballyglass defence was chased down by John Clarke. Paul Mannion raced off his line and seemed to get to the ball before Clarke barged into him but the goalkeeper was penalized and a spot kick was signaled. Kevin Whyte stepped forward but Mannion produced a great save to keep his side in the game.
That seemed to inspire the Red and White and they hit the net five minutes later. Daniel Burke made ground down the left and when his cross arrived at the back post, Dean Connolly was on hand to rattle the ball to the roof of the net.
Suddenly, the whole atmosphere of the game changed as Ballyglass sensed a comeback and Killala became a little nervous. The chasers pushed forward incessantly and caused panic in the leaders’ goal-mouth but they couldn’t find a way past Sean McHale.
The closest they came to an equaliser arrived in the 85th minute when Johnny Morrin gained possession 20-yards from goal and laid the ball into the path of Kevin Burke. The midfielder drove a first-time shot towards the roof of the net but McHale pulled off an acrobatic save to divert it over the bar.
Both sides had half chances to alter the scoreline in the closing moments but all came to nothing as the Seasiders readied themselves to celebrate a famous victory.
KILLALA: Sean McHale, Matt Webb, Kevin Whyte, Eamon Knox, Aidan Ferguson, Ian McNulty, Mark McDonnell, Brendan Ryan, Rory Gallagher, Micheal Noone, John Clarke. Subs: David Lowther (for McDonnell 37-inj), Alan Murphy (for McNulty 76).
BALLYGLASS: Paul Mannion, Keith Brett, PJ Gibbons, Darragh Ruane, Daniel Burke, Kevin Burke, Dean Connolly, Niall Sheridan, Alan Plunkett, John Noonan, Brian Keane. Subs: Gerard Mahon (for Keane 50), Gary Loftus (for Plunkett 51), Johnny Morrin (for Sheridan 74).
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Clew Bay 4 Killala 1
Killala made the long trip to Louisburg on Sat. and came home empty handed. A goal after a minute by Rory Gallagher preceeded a good first half performance but the homeside equalised on the stroke of half time after a defensive mix up. Two early second half goals sealed it for the winners and Killala must sort out the defensive problems soon as they now drop into the relegation zone. Team, Sean McHale, Ian McNulty, Eamon Knox, Noel McLeish, Marl McLoughlin, Marc McDonnell, David Cadden, Alan Murphy, Richard Lynn, Brendan McNulty, Rory Gallagher Sub used Kenny Sheridan
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Killala 2 Achill Rovers 5
Yet again at Courthouse St on Sunday defensive blunders handed the 3 points to the opposition. Killala started brightly and attacked Achill at every opertunity but in the 13th Minute a poorly attempted clearance gifted the ball to a Rovers striker and he wasnt going to miss from 12 yards.this didnt seem to put the homeside off their stride and their constant probing paid off when Rory Gallagher was put through on goal only to be hauled down by the Keeper for a penalty. The referee made the first of his many bizaar decisions when only showing the goalie yellow . Mark McLoughlin dispatched the spot kick and Killala were back in it. Ten minututes later though it had all gone pear shaped.The Referee made a match changing decision when he decided Brendan Ryan collision with an Achill player in the torrentional rain warranted a second yellow and another crazy decision had Killala down to 10 men. Killala upped their game after this with the midfield quartet of Clarke, McDonnell ,McNulty and Lynn all putting in trojan work only to see it all go out the window when definsive blunder number two handed Achill the lead just before halftime. A long ball from the back was contested by Eamon Knox but the ball broke in behind him where there was no covering player and Achill were in front after a marvelous finish. Two early second half goals again from poorly cleared attacks put the visitors in command but despite a late rally and a Jonny McNulty goal the points were heading for Achill. Marc McDonnell went close with a stinging drive that was well saved, Rory Gallagher had a header just over and the ever dangerous Richard Lynn caused bother throughout. Sean McHale in the Killala goal once again was outstanding saving at least 3 certain goals.Overall though Killala must sort out the defensive hiccups that have dogged them all season or will find themselves at the wrong end of the table come September. Team Sean McHale, Matt Webb, Eamonn Knox, Noel McLeish, Mark McLoughlin, Marc McDonnell, John Clarke , Brendan Ryan, Jonny McNulty, Richard Lynn , Rory Gallagher Subs, Kenny Sheridan, Alan Murphy , David Cadden, Anthony Gallagher, Brendan McNulty
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Killala 0 Glenhest Rovers 2 In this cup tie played at Glenhest on Saturday evening Killala left out a number of regulars and gave first starts of the season to Kevin Whyte Matt Webb, David Cadden, Marc McDonnell, Richard Lynn and Brendan McNulty. The visitors set the early pace but the in-cohesion of the team was evident as they consistently gave away good possesion in the final third. The loss of Rory Gallagher on 44 mins through injury who was a constant threat to the Glenhest defence handed the initiative to the home side and there more determined second half performance was rewarded with two late goals. Jonny McNulty had a shot off the bar and Alan Murphy had his chip cleared off the line as Killala fought to get back into the game. Team Kevin Whyte, Mark McLoughlin, Matt Webb, Noel McLeish, Jonny McNulty, Marc McDonnell, Ronan Heffron, David Cadden, Ritcie Lynn, Rory Gallagher, Brendan McNulty Subs Used Lee Cummins, Alan Murphy, Stephen Hannick and Martin McLoughlin
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Killala 6 Glenhest Rovers 2 The mens team got their first win at home to Glenhest today in fine fashion. First half goals from Lee Cummins (3) Rory Gallagher,and Ronan Heffron had the homeside home and dry by halftime . Glenhest got their act together second half and managed to pull back 2 goals but Lee Cummins netted his fourth late on to make it six for his side . Team:Danny Gallagher, Kevin Murray, Noel McLeish, Eamon Knox, Mark McLoughlin,John Clarke, Jonny McNulty, Dean Fielding,Ronan Heffron,Rory Gallagher,Lee Cummins Subs Used Matt Webb Richie lynn, David Cadden
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The Mens team have a make or break game this Sunday (2.30pm) at Courthouse St. against former Superleague side Glenhest Rovers. Both teams have had the worst possible start to the campaign losing their opening two games . Killala will be looking to new signing Dean Fielding and under 18 player Lee Cummins to score the goals that will kick start thier season in what promises to be a cracker of a match. Good luck to Kenny , Mark and the lads.
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Ballyglass 1 Killala 0 Killala crashed to their second succesive defeat in Ballyglass today. In a game withvery little goal mouth action the visitors looked to have ironed out their defensive frailties of last weekend until a 25 yard shot came back off the bar and was swept home to give Ballyglass the points and top spot in the division . Killala however, were unlucky not to have a share of the spoils that their neat play and midfield dominance deserved. Killala team: Sean McHale, Ronan Heffron, Eamon Knox, Noel mcLeish,Mark McLoughlin, Rory Gallagher, Jonny McNulty, Michael Noone, John Clarke, Dean Fielding, Lee Cummins, Subs Used Marc McDonnell and Alan Murphy
