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North Tipp Primary School Final :
Kildangan National School won their first ever primary schools final, when they overcame Ballina in the 13-a-side final at
MacDonagh Park last Friday. The Kildangan team gave an excellent performance all through from goalkeeper, Brian McGahy to
Eanna Dooley at top of the left. Kildangan were worried going into the final. They had an easy run in the early rounds,
so they were worried about a stronger opposition. In addition, Kildangan had lost to the same Ballina side in the football
equivalent two months earlier and indications were that the opposition were a formidable side. Both teams showed some signs
of nerves at the opening stages. But Ballina could find no way through a well organised defence. Aisling Gleeson, Alan Flynn
and Andrew Harty were excellent in the half backline, while the full back duo of Tom McLoughlin and John Hayes gave the Ballina
danger men no lee way and made many clearances in the process. While the backline deserve fulsome praise, the midfield and
attack were the real thorn in the Ballina's side and their speed of the min, the ark and accuracy, as the blue and white had
no response and so the game was beyond doubt, long over before the final whistle. Paul Flynn led the way from the forty and
had the games opening score. Eanna Dooley secured the second point before the excellent Andrew Nihill scored two very good
points from midfield. Two David Sweeney gems had Kildangan six ahead after 19 minutes and when the wing forward added a goal,
the half time score of 1-6 to nil was well deserved. Ballina had Kildangan under a lot of pressure early in the second half.
Kildangan replied and a Johnnie Horan point four minutes after the restart, helped ease the pressure. One minute later,
a sixty five by team captain, Alan Flynn, went all the way to the net. The same player added a free with six minutes remaining.
Ballina came back again, but Kildangan goalkeeper, Brian McGahy made two good saves. But Kildangan were always good for
a score and they finished the last few minutes with a flourish. David Cawley, a half time replacement for the hard working,
Darren Moran, scored from a distant free and Andrew Nihill finished off a great performance with a goal, finishing his teams
joint top on 1-2 along with David Sweeney. Full Time Score Kildangan 5-8 Ballina 0-0. All roads now lead to the county final
in two weeks time.
Team ands scorers: Brian McGahy; Tom McLoughlin 1-0, John Hayes, Aisling Gleeson, Alan Flynn 1-1 (gl =65 and pt = f),
Andrew Harty, Cathal Hayes, Andrew Nihill 1-2, Johnnie Horan 0-1, Paul Flynn 0-1, David Sweeney 1-2; Eanna Dooley 0-1, Darragh
Moran.
Subs used- David Cawley 1-0, Jim Minehan, Robyn Bowler and Denis Flannery.
Team Management: The club would like to thank the team management of Paul Dooley, school principle, along with Mike Flynn,
Martin McLoughlin and Liam Minehan for their coaching and managing of the team. The team received support from some of the
parents who have children in the Carrig National School. Thanks also to the many parents and club officials who lent their
support in attending the game. And last, but by no means least, great credit and thanks must go to Christy McLoughlin for
his experience and time that he has give to Kildangan NS.
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