Mayo GAA News 9 July 1997
Kiltane 6 - 12 Claremorris 1- 1
Lambs to slaughter as what came to mind as a young Claremorris side was ravaged by a strong, mobile and clinically finishing Kiltane outfit.
Kiltane showed that they will not be any pushover in this years senior championship following their big win over Claremorris in the first round which was played at Bangor Erris on Sunday last. The result raised a few eyebrows in Castlebar, as the Mitchels, who had bye on Sunday, now face the daunting journey into the heart of Bangor, for what is sure to be a quarter-final; cracker on August 10th.
In fairness to Claremorris, eight of their starting fifteen played in this years under-21 championship. They were overpowered by a far stronger and seasoned Kiltane team.
Kiltane although playing against a strong breeze in the first-half were first to settle and quickly into their stride. Edward McDonagh opened the scoring with a point and this was quickly followed by a David Sweeney goal. On top in most areas of the field Kiltane continued to press forward and Ciaren Carey added on three more points. A David Sweeney point was followed by Kiltane's second goal from Paul Conmy after twenty minutes. This left them 2 - 5 to 0 - 0 in front.
The introduction of James Quinn for Claremorris had immediate effect with James Horan sending over a point. This was quickly followed by a good goal >from James Quinn. Claremorris were unlucky not to get a second goal when a powerful shot from John Hession hit the post and bounced into the hands of the Kiltane goalie, the evergreen, Richard Cosgrove. That was the last action of the first half which saw Kiltane in front by 2 - 5 to 1 - 1.
With the wind behind Kiltane in the second-half it was all one-way traffic. Further goals from James O'Donnell, David Sweeney and Ciaren Carey put them in a commanding position as the game entered the last quarter.
In the last quarter, Kevin Barrett, dispatched a penalty, James O'Donnell sent over three points and substitute, Adrian McDonagh sent over two wonderful points to leave the final score - 6 - 12 to 1 - 1.
This game was way to easy for Kiltane and they will find it much more difficult in the quarter-final when they entertain Castlebar. However, they are a good strong team and it will take a very brave effort from Castlebar Mitchels to deny them a semi-final spot.
For Claremorris this was a very unhappy day to say the least. They were never allowed settle and once Kiltane got ten points clear early on there was no way back for them. With the fine young talent in the town there is no doubt but Claremorris will bounce back and will be a force in the future.
Kiltane: R. Cosgrove, E. Nyland, J. Sweeney, M. Coyle, P. Conmy (1-0), M. McAndrew, P. Sweeney, J.O'Donnell (1-3), J. Conmy, D. Sweeney, (2-1), C. Carey (1-4), D. Carey, S. Carey, E.McDonagh (0-1), K. Barrett (1-1).Subs. A. McDonagh (0-2) for S. Carey and O. Munnelly for C. Carey.
Claremorris: M. Keane, A. Joyce, K. Beirne, N. Doherty, D. Whittle, C. Casey, R. Charles, D. Mahon, J. Hession, N. Higgins, P. Costello, J. Horan (0-1), B. Fitzpatrick, C. Boyle, B. French. Subs. J.Quinn (1-0) for Higgins, R. Hession for Mahon and P. Grogan for Joyce. Ref. M. Daly (Ballyhaunis).
Ref: J. Reynolds-Westport
