The Cusack cup was on the line when Kilmeena took on their neighbours Westport just down the road at Burrishoole's home ground.It was an 8 o clock through in on the 12th of July on a wonderful evening for football. There was no wind and it was pretty warm. A large crowd had come along anticipating a good game with plenty of young talent on show in both sides. You felt there was more than the Cusack cup on the line as this cup traditionally brought together great rivalries of the past. When the ball was thrown in Westport started the stronger, running hard at kilmeena's defence and drawing frees for Westport. Westport were also kicking scores from play with ease and ran into an early 4 point lead. Kilmeena were struggling to get a foot hold in the game and finding it difficult to score, taking the wrong options on many occasions. When the game settled down kilmeena taged on a few scores and looked to be in control for a period at 0.03 to 0.05. Westport showed a great display of free taking and finished the first half strongly. When Westport score a goal at the end of the first half putting them 7 points clear at the break you could not but think this was going to be Westport 's day.
Kilmeena looked shell shocked as this was not the plan. We had not performed in the first half. Half time score 1.08 to 0.04. This was going to be an uphill battle for our lads as Westport had a spring their step going into the dressing room.There was a lot of soul searching at half time and kilmeena were either going to come out fighting or crawl into their shell. They were in a dark place but had a wonderful opportunity to come out and show all what they were made of.As the second half started and Westport started as they finished the first half with a monster free from away out the park. Eight points down kilmeena started a come back and within an 10 minute spell were level. 2.07 to 1 .10. Game on!! Westport scored the next two point and had a great goal opportunity blocked on the line. The game was in the melting pot and kilmeena push on. All the hard work from the previous months paid off. We hit 1.06 in the last 10 minutes to seal the victory by 7.
This was a hard fought win and both teams deserve great credit for serving up a very entertaining game. Kilmeena lads will enjoy this one but know they will have to improve if they have any chance of challenging for county honors.Final score 3.13 to 1.12
KILMEENA ABU
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