Intermediate Football League - Round 4
In a repeat of last year’s championship clash, Kildorrery and Dromtariffe met again in Kildorrery under wind‑ and rain‑swept conditions that ensured a physical, hard‑fought encounter. What unfolded was the definition of a game of two halves.
Pre-Match Notes
One notable adjustment for Kildorrery saw Anthony Crowley lining out between the posts, a move that immediately paid dividends. His composure and clear communication aided a much-improved kick‑out strategy, helped significantly by the excellent work of the midfield pairingFitzy and Dylan, who were industrious throughout. Seán O’Grady added crucial energy, particularly around the breaks.
First Half
Dromtariffe settled quickest in the difficult weather.
- They registered an early wide on 4 minutes before pointing in the 5th and 8th minutes.
- Kildorrery’s first clear opportunity came after a well‑constructed move from the back led by Brian Mullins, but the pressure didn’t yield a score.
- Dromtariffe pushed further ahead on 14 minutes with a free.
Kildorrery struggled to convert their own periods of possession, hitting two wides before James Keating finally opened their account with a well‑taken free—Kildorrery’sonly point of the half.
Dromtariffe punished further lapses, adding points in the 23rd and 28th minutes, leaving Kildorrery trailing 0-5 to 0-1 at the break.
Second Half
The second half was transformed by the breeze, renewed aggression, and leadership from Kildorrery’s key men.
Within three minutes, James Keating announced the comeback with a superb two‑pointer, only for Dromtariffe to hit back immediately. But Keating—through determined leadership—responded in style, gathering possession and landing an audacious second two‑pointer to ignite the crowd and the team.
With momentum surging, the supporting cast stepped up:
- Seán Watson, not to be outshone, added another two‑pointer,
- and moments later Luke struck an excellent score of his own.
In an electrifying seven‑minute blitz, Kildorrery had racked up six points, turning the game on its head.
Dromtariffe halted the run with a point before Kildorrery created a major goal chance on 40 minutes—a high ball flicked goalward but drifting narrowly wide.
A Dromtariffe free momentarily stemmed the tide, but newly introducedplayer‑manager Peter O’Brien announced himself with a point on 51 minutes just afterFurther scores from Seán Watson and James Keating had already widened the margin.
The half was capped when Luke fired over another exceptional two‑pointer following a brilliant defensive interception by Cian Coughlan, who launched a flowing move through the lines.
Full-Time
Kildorrery 14 – 10 Dromtariffe
Kildorrery closed strongly, and when refereeAidan Hyland of Kilworth sounded the final whistle, there was no doubting the deserved result. From a sluggish first half to a dominant, clinical second, Kildorrery showed character, adaptability, and leadership.
A vital win for the lads—and one that firmly cements their place near the top of the league table.
Condolenses
Everyone at Kildorrery GAA would like to extend our sympathies to the Family of Michael O Regan.