Kilcommon 1 - Rearcross 2

Rearcross emerged victorious by the narrowest of margins by the odd goal in three against Kilcommon in the final of the Kilcommon Festival Tournament on Saturday evening, the incessant rain didn't detract from a highly competetive affair where both sides turned in admirable performances despite the conditions and Rearcross were fortunate to just about shade this issue in the end, Rearcross were fast out of the traps and the Kilcommon netminder had to be sharp to push Robert Harrington's effort around the post after three minutes of play, a flowing move on the left three minutes later saw PJ McLoughlin poke the ball wide with a headed effort. Rearcross were enjoying the better of the early exchanges and Leo Ryan felt the brunt of Joey Nolan's rasper with a brave body block on the Kilcommon goal line in the eight minute. Kilcommon counter attacked and a well worked move saw the woodwork denying the home side midway through the half. Rearcross keeper Paudie Carey showed his worth two minutes later with a smashing save. Kilcommon then came close from a corner kick when John Carey jumped highest to head on target, however the Rearcross custodian was able to gather cleanly. Rearcross were stringing some good passing movements despite the difficult underfoot conditions and Joey Nolan linked up with PJ McLoughlin who broke through the center before unleashing a low drive, the Kilcommon shot stopper was equal to the effort and got down to make a fine save. Rearcross took the lead with five minutes remaining in the half when a long delivery from Anthony Ryan found Liam Ryan in space on the right who steadied before rifling to the back of the net. A resilient Kilcommon team came storming back and equalised two minutes later when Shane Ryan took full advantage and slotted to the corner of the net. The second half was evenly contested with both sides enjoying their fair share of possession, the crossbar denied Rearcross five minues in when Liam Ryan's effort from the edge of the sixteen yard box clipped the woodwork. It was then the turn of Kilcommon's Shane Ryan who's long range effort dipped just over the bar, this was followed by a powerful long range shot from Ger Gilmartin which was on target, however Paudie Carey got behind the effort to make the save. It was tit for tat at this stage with Liam Ryan coming close for Rearcross, Kilcommon won two successive corners and it was from the second of these that Kilcommon nearly snatch a winner, however Eamon Wade and Anthony Ryan combined suberbly to clear off the line. A Ger Gilamartin free kick was again on target two minutes later, however Paudie Carey saved. The game looked to be heading for a penalty shoot out, however an incisive run by Paul Murphy on the right flank saw the referee pointing to the spot for an infringement just inside the area, it was Liam Ryan who stepped up to send the ball to the net despite the best efforts of the Kilcommon keeper, the home side tried hard for an equaliser, however time ran out as Rearcross went on to claim the Tournament title, thanks to Kilcommon Festival Committee for the invite to play in the Tournament.

Kilcommon: TJ Quigley, Gary Ryan, Mike Carr, Leo Ryan, Shane Ryan, Paudie Carr, John Carey, Ger Gilmartin, Roger Carr

Rearcross: Paudie Carey, Eamon Wade, Robert Harrington, Anthony Ryan, Tommy Ryan Luke, Eamon Devitt, PJ McLoughlin, Paul Murphy, James Gough, Joey Nolan, Liam Ryan
Subs: Kevin Mullins for Joey Nolan, Paul Hogan for James Gough, Damien Mullins for Eamon Devitt

Referee: Jim Lees