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North Schools Football Final Roinn B
By Gilbert Williams
26 October 2009

Kilruane N.S. 4-5 Templederry N.S. 1-6
Kilruane N.S. won their fifth schools football title when they overcame the challenge of Templederry N.S. on a damp day in St. Michael’s Park Toomevara. Kilruane have a great record in football finals and have won every decider they contested. The previous wins were: 1990 (captain Ruan Casey), 1999 (captain Martin Walsh), 2,000 (captain Willie Kenneally) and 2006 (captain Jack Peters). To reach the final Kilruane had comfortable wins in their group against Borrisoleigh N.S. and Youghalarra N.S. In the semi-final they drew with Ballina N.S. after a tremendous match before edging out the lakesiders by one point in a thrilling replay. Kilruane’s preparations for the final were severely hampered when four of the starting team were badly affected by a bug. However, all four played with Jake Morris and Tommy Dooley in particular defying the odds in taking their places.

Captain Darragh Peters lost the toss and Kilruane had to face the elements in the first half. Although, playing into the teeth of the wind Kilruane enjoyed plenty of possession but it was Templederry who scored first with a point. Kilruane pressure was rewarded when Craig Hilmi cut in from the left and tucked the ball into the right hand corner. It was almost a carbon copy of his goal in the hurling final against Dunkerrin. The Kilruane defence was outstanding in the first half and limited Templederry’s scoring opportunities. At the break the score was 1-3 to 1-1 in favour of Templederry. This wasn’t an unhealthy position for Kilruane considering they had the backing of the breeze in the second period.

For the second half Declan Elderfield was switched to centre forward and Conor Lillis moved to the inside line. This move helped give the attack a more cutting edge. On the resumption Kilruane achieved an early breakthrough when Craig Morgan scored a delightful goal from a tight angle. Craig Hilmi notched an opportunist goal and James Cleary raised a fortuituous green flag when his long delivery deceived the keeper and ended up in the net. To the credit of Templederry they fought to the end but couldn’t get the goals they required. Kilruane had defied the odds to claim the title. Len Gaynor presented the trophy to Darragh Peters who was emulating his brother Jack.

This was a tremendous team performance considering that four of the players should have been at home in bed. Goalkeeper Chris Donaldson had a great championship and put in another sterling performance. Jake Morris has been outstanding in all games and gave his all again in this game despite being very much under the weather. Alex Jones had his best game of the season and stood up to be counted when it was most needed. Captain Darragh Peters led by example in all games and showed great leadership once again. Lianne O'Kelly wasn’t selected for the first match but has been a revelation since her debut against Youghalarra. She gave an outstanding defensive display and was constantly in the thick of the action. Sean Quinlan had a magnificent game and revelled in the tough going. James Cleary and Cormac Mannion won the midfield battle and this ensured a liberal supply of ball to the Kilruane forwards. Conor Lillis led the attack at centre forward and brought the rest of his colleagues into the action. Tommy Dooley was another candidate for the bed but battled gamely on the right flank until his energy was exhausted. Craig Morgan was a constant threat on the other wing and took his goal very well. The elusive Craig Hilmi once again took the scoring honours and finished top marksman for the campaign. Declan Elderfield used his strength to great effect and has been an unselfish team player in every match. Ben Healy made an immediate impact when introduced and scored a delightful point. Mark O Neill saw late action and will be a regular next season.

Scorers: Craig Hilmi 2-4, Craig Morgan 1-0, James Cleary 1-0 and Ben Healy 0-1.
Team: Chris Donaldson, Jake Morris, Alex Jones, Sean Quinlan, Darragh Peters, Lianne O Kelly, James Cleary, Cormac Mannion, Tommy Dooley, Conor Lillis, Craig Morgan, Craig Hilmi and Declan Elderfield.

Subs: Ben Healy (used), Mark O Neill (used), Grace O Brien, Annalise Reilly, Arran Conroy, Sean Clarke, Christopher Moyles, Oisin O Meara, Grady Jones, Darragh Buckley, Shane O Meara, Alan Spain, Seamus O Meara and Jake O Kelly.
Referee: Christy McLoughlin Nenagh Eire Óg

Thanks to: Len Gaynor who helped on the line, Pat Quinlan and Johnny Peters who were competent umpires, M.B. Quinlan who supervised the supporters and Brid Morgan who took the photos