Corn An Duin Final
Cill Chua 3-11 Cumann Pheadair Naofa 1-7
By Michael Kane
The first silverware of the 2021 season was handed out on Sunday and it had a familiar feel, when Kilcoo took home the inaugural Corn an Duin cup after comfortably defeating Cuman Pheadair Naofa in Pairc Esler.
The pre season tournament gave many teams the opportunity to get their squad game time but in the end the team with the best strength and depth came out on top as attention now turns to the all county league division one.
Both sides took a while to settle into the contest but on the 8th minute a fine move initiated by a mazy Ryan Johnston run led to Ceilum Doherty fisting to the net which gave his side a lead they would never relinquish. Fine scores from impressive defenders Niall McEvoy and Callum Rogers kept the score board ticking before the water break, an Aaron Magee mark all the point could muster in this period.
Another fine team move, resulting from a Miceal Rooney turnover on the 18th minute lead to his bother Crissy getting the magpies second major and points from Marty Devlin and man of the match Aaron Morgan ensured the magpies led by 8 at half time, Ross McGarry kicking a close range free before the break.
Shane Mulhollands side improved after the interval and were the better side for much of the third quarter, Boyle, McGarry and Magee all on target as the deficit was five points with 15 minutes to play.
It was as good as it got though for the Seasiders, with Mickey Morans charges upping it a gear as the game progressed. Jerome Johnston came off the bench to bag 1-1, with a dubious Ross McGarry penalty mere consolation for the blues. Late scores from Morgan, Dylan Ward, Eugene and Aaron Branagan and Donal Kane left the final score Kilcoo 3-11 CPN 1-7.
An impressive all round team performance by the magpies with 12 different scorers over the hour.
County chairman Jack Devaney presented the Corn an Duin cup to Aaron Branagan at the games conclusion.
Kilcoo scorers: Jerome Johnston 1-1, Crissy Rooney 1-0, Ceilum Doherty 1-0, Aaron Morgan 0-2, Nial McEvoy, Callum Rogers, Aaron Branagan, Ryan McEvoy, Dylan Ward, Eugene Branagan, Marty Devlin and Donal Kane 0-1 each.
CPN Scorers: Ross McGarry 1-3, Aaron Magee 0-2, Ryan Boyle and Ruairi McCormack 0-1 each.
Referee: Brian Higgins (Annaclone)
