10 September 1997
by Jonathan Mullin
All the K's . . .
Reigning champions Knockmore established themselves as firm favourites to retain the Moclair Cup, when they impressively defeated Crossmolina in the big double-header at James Stephens Park, Ballina on Sunday.
Although the final margin of victory might only be a single point, Knockmore led from the second minute onwards, and never looked like relenting to an off-colour Crossmolina, who relied heavily on the scoring prowess of Kieran McDonald.
Corner-forward Padraig Brogan meanwhile, produced an exhibition of scoring, notching up eight points over the hour.
Knockmore were beaten All-Ireland Finalists last St. Patrick's Day, when they fell to the power of Crossmaglen Rovers. Despite being without the injured Kevin O'Neill, they will be hoping for a return to the big stage.
Crossmolina on the other hand will appreciate some time to regroup. Bar McDonald and a few others, they had many players who played within themselves and never threatened to excel. Besides, with just two players getting on the scoreboard (McDonald and Johnny Leonard), they were always going to find it difficult to cope with Brogan and Co.
Kiltimagh effected the shock of the round, if not the entire championship, when recording a narrow victory over Kiltane in the opening semi-final.Despite not having any county players in their side, Kiltimagh have showed that spirit and unity count for quite a bit in club championship games.
Their over-zealous nature again reared its head on Sunday, when they had a further two players being sent to the line. But apart from one or two challenges not for the faint-hearted, the remainder were merely carelessly high and overly-passionate, rather than malicious.
Kiltane will be bitterly disappointed with their showing, while Kiltimagh go forward to contest their first ever County Senior Football Final. Reports by Jonathan Mullin inside.
. . . .And all the B's
There was another shock, although hardly of the same tremblings, in the Intermediate semi-finals. Bonniconlon, under the guidance of Donie Tuohy, easily outclassed Louisburgh, winners of the competition in 1995.
Bonniconlon have been progressing nicely all year and Sunday was the day when it all came together for them. All this despite influential midfielder Seamus Foody being ruled out through injury.
Awaiting Bonniconlon in the County Intermediate Final will be Jimmy Lally's Ballintubber, who are final ridding themselves of their bridesmaid' tag and are proving that when it comes to the crunch, they are there to be counted.
County star James Horan was the impetus for their terrific one point win over Kilmeena. Horan lined out at midfield in this match and, by controlling centre-field, was able to pick out his forward division who racked up the scores that counted. Noel Mulroe, with six points before being replaced through injury, was another Ballintubber hero. Aiden Henry was in Islandeady and he files the reports inside.
