Borris-Ileigh GAA Club Match Report
Borris-Ileigh vs Kilruane MacDonaghs (North Junior A Championship)
27th August 2021
Borris made their return to competitive Junior A action on the 27th of August with a matchup against Kilruane MacDonaghs in Roscrea. Borris were looking to build on a first round win against Roscrea and to better the disappointment of a last minute draw in their previous matchup against the evening’s opposition. Borris started the game well by creating back to back efforts at goal which required two fantastic saves from the goalkeeper from close range but Borris were still able to score the 65’ thank to Micksie Carey. This was the sole highlight for a number of minutes for Borris as Kilruane started to win most contests around the middle of the field which allowed the set up of scoring chances. Kilruane were able to put together a tally of 5 points in the first quarter only offset by Carey scoring his first free of the game thanks to a well won Cathal Hogan free in the middle third to finish the quarter on a scoreline of Kilruane 5 points to Borris’ 2 points. Borris were unable to get possession in the attacking third during the quarter, perhaps the extended break from action the primary reason. Borris came out at the beginning of Q2 still struggling to get clean ball and progress down the pitch with Thomas Fahy and Bill O’Connell to thank for keeping the defensive lines safe and secure. Borris then made some positional changes in the forward line which seemed to coincide with an increased intensity in the 50:50 balls which allowed Borris more of a foothold in the game. They then put together a nice scoring patch to reward the work rate with first DOC scoring his first free after another Hogan foul before Cathal again got on possession and ran down the sideline past multiple defenders aswell as showing great skill to earn his and the team’s third point scoring free of the half. Borris finished the half on top with another DOC free, his second of the contest to give Borris huge momentum leading into the half time break with a scoreline of Kilruane 7, Borris 5. Borris showed a clear adaption to the pace of the competition in the last 10 minutes of the half, they were far closer to their markers and better in the contest which allowed players like Cathal Hogan and DOC to get on ball and create score making chances.
Borris started the second half just like they finished the first with a very quick score creation thanks to excellent 3 man passing leading to Shane McCormack scoring off his left hand side near the sideline to continue Borris’ control of the game. DOC, now in the half forward position was able to get into a nice pocket of space to score his first from play to even up the scores quickly into the half but Kilruane reacted well with two scores to retake a lead but scores from Carey after good Holland hustling and another DOC free evened up the scores . Seamus Ryan was replaced by Dan Ryan with Carey relocating to the wing back position before Fintan Holland made a super catch from a Carey long ball to give Borris their first lead of the game and a great boost going into the second water break with the scoreline reading Borris 10 to Kilruane’s 9 points. Danny Ryan replaced Adam Galvin at the break with the substitute getting right into action by assisting DOC to extend Borris lead before the number 11 replicated the same action to add to his personal tally for the game and the lead to 3 which was led by great team intensity in the tackle, good batting down of high balls to negate MacDonagh’s aerial threats and good selfless teamwork in passing to the better positioned man. Fintan showing increased confidence added point 2 and 3 of his half alongside Hogan’s first of the game which was just reward for his efforts on the Kilruane centre back who’s impact was negated as the game went on. Borris’ lead had extended to 5 before Jack Fitz showed great footwork to score his first of the game before DOC finished proceedings with another to give Borris a very well deserved win on a scoreline of Borris-Ileigh 17 points to Kilruane MacDonagh’s 11.
This game had a very similar feel to the league game against Roscrea in it being a very slow first quarter but 3 excellent quarters to follow. The key difference this time around was the lack of goal chances conceded thanks to the aforementioned Thomas Fahy and Bill O’Connell in particular with very solid support. The first quarter can definitely be attested to the long break aswell as physical Kilruane play but once Borris got adjusted, they played very well. They were able to shut down clear chances for the opposition as emphasised by only 6 scores post 1st water break for MacDonaghs and Borris looked like they had clear idea up front to pass the ball to a man in a better position which made scoring chances easier. DOC and Fintan Holland deserve mention for 7 points combined from play in the second half and young players such as Cathal Hogan and Jack Fitzgerald putting in the hard yards to aid the team. Borris now look forward to a matchup with Nenagh Eire Og but will be buoyed by the start with a 2 from 2 record showing significant improvement from a one loss, one draw against the same oppositions mere weeks ago. Best of luck to players and management.
Team and Scorers:
Jack Bourke
James Kelly, Thomas Fahy, Jack Prior
Maurice Ryan, Bill O’Connell, Seamus Ryan
Cathal Hogan (0-01), Shane McCormack (0-01)
Matthew Stapleton, David O’Connor (0-07(0-03fs)), Jack Fitzgerald (0-01) Micheal Carey (0-04 (0-03fs)), Fintan Holland (0-03), Adam Galvin
Subs:
Dan Ryan for Seamus Ryan
Danny Ryan for Adam Galvin
