Knockavilla Donaskeigh Kickhams claim West Junior A Football Championship title
Maria Marron Palmers Hill Stud West Junior A Football Championship Final
Knockavilla Donaskeigh Kickhams 1-8(11)
Arravale Rovers 0-4(4)
Knockavilla Donaskeigh Kickhams claimed a first Maria Marron Palmers Hill Stud West Junior A Football Championship title since 2021 when dethroning defending champions Arravale Rovers in Clonoulty on Wednesday evening. Arravale Rovers were aiming for back-to-back titles for the first time since 1988 when they completed a three in a row. Kickhams on the other hand were appearing in a first final since their 2021 penalty shootout victory over Sean Treacys.
Played in excellent dry conditions and not a puff of wind the game never really reached any great heights. Jamie Duncan had an early goal for Kickhams and they led in a game that ultimately, they controlled but didn’t pull clear until the closing stages of the final quarter. Arravale had their moments but struggled to make any inroads against a well marshalled Kickhams defence who got big numbers behind the ball when Arravale did pose a threat. Too often Arravale ended up in the corner and then had to recycle the ball back out in an attempt to make inroads. Kickhams on the other hand looked dangerous in attack though their finishing will certainly need work. Arravale survived on two occasions in the first half with two late blocks. Kickhams would lead 1-3 to 0-2 at the interval though could easily have had another two or three goals along with a higher points tally having worked themselves into good positions only to see their radar leave them down.
The second half would see Kickhams slowly pull away with Arravale failing to score in the third quarter. Kickhams on the other hand could have had another goal or two and certainly finished with a higher points tally but for some erratic shooting. Arravale on the other hand rarely troubled Declan Ryan in the Kickhams goal only for a point effort to drop short but Ryan was well alert. Johnny Lowry had a late goal chance but it was kicked at Ryan at a perfect height for the goalkeeper.
The game was only in the second minute when Kickhams had the ball in the Arravale net. Joe O’Dwyer passed to the in running Elliott Thompson who cut in on goal before sending the ball across for Jamie Duncan to palm home. Thompson would get on a huge amount of ball over the hour and was ably assisted by Adam Daly, Walter O’Carroll, Sean Cannon and Jamie Duncan while Conor Farrell and Lorcan Carr led the defence. Arravale set up with Roger O’Connor as a sweeper while David Kelly and Shane Quigley manned a two-man full forward line. Shane Farrell then became the spare man for Kickhams. David Kelly who was one of the major threats for Arravale replied with their opening score in the sixth minute. John Paul Lohan along with O’Mahony and the aforementioned Kelly tried hard with Lohan’s paces causing problems but too often with Kickhams getting numbers back Arravale were forced into the corner. Joe O’Dwyer would add three second quarter points with David Kelly doubling his Arravale tally into the dressing room end just before the break where Kickhams led 1-3 to 0-2. Both sides shared six wides in that half but it was Kickhams who probably had the better of the chances with Arravale often having to shoot from distance.
It took twelve minutes for the second half’s opening scoring with Elliott Thompson adding his name to the score board. Just before the third quarter ended Walter O’Carroll put six between the sides. While it may not have shown on the scoreboard Kickhams always looked in control. The only thing that may catch them was probably the concession of a quick goal or two through that never really threaten to happen. Sean O’Mahony ended Arravale’s scoring drought with a point after seventeen minutes but Kickhams saw it out and finished with a well taken point from Conor O’Mahony.
Following the game West Board Chairman Tommy Hayes presented the Rev. A Tobin Cup to Kickhams captain Elliott Thompson with John O’Shea representing the sponsors.
Scorers and Teams: Kickhams: Jamie Duncan (1-0), Joe O’Dwyer (0-3, (0-2f)), Walter O’Carroll (0-3, (0-2f)), Elliott Thompson (0-1), Ben Ryan (0-1), Conor O’Mahony
Arravale Rovers: David Kelly (0-2), Sean O’Mahony (0-1), Johnny Lowry (0-1)
Kickhams: Declan Ryan, Shane Buckley, Conor Farrell, Shane Farrell, Aidan Duggan, Lorcan Carr, Eoin McCormack, Adam Daly, Elliott Thompson, Walter O’Carroll, Jamie Duncan, Sean Cannon, Joe O’Dwyer, Stephen Browne, Mark Furlong
Subs Used: Ben Ryan, Conor O’Mahony, Conor Farrell
Arravale Rovers: Marcus Kinane, Evan Carrie, Sean Spillane, Jack English, Peter Ryan, Odhran O’Dwyer, John Paul Lohan, Shane Maher, Evan Ryan, Sean O’Mahony, Cormac Maher, Micheal Sharpe, Shane Quigley, David Kelly, Roger O’Connor
Subs Used: James Hogan, Johnny Lowry, Sean Lewis, Luke Walsh, Noel O’Mahoney
Referee: Seanie Peters (Aherlow)