Borris-Ileigh GAA Match Report
Under 21 North Championship Group Stage- Game 2
November 13th 2022
Borris-Ileigh Starting Lineup
Paudie Stapleton
Harry Gould Cathal Hogan Johnny McGrath
Mikey Kennedy Kevin Maher (1pt (1f)) Colm Boyle
Adam Galvin James “JD”Devaney(2pts)
Dan Ryan Eddie Ryan (8pts (7fs) (1 65’)) Paddy McCormack(1pt)
Jack Fitzgerald Fintan Holland (1-1) Sam Patton
Borris-Ileigh’s under 21 panel played host to Kiladangan on Sunday, the 13th of November in game 2 of Group A of the North U21 Championship. Having secured victory the last day out with an impressive away victory against Ballina, Borris knew two fold that a victory would secure top position and passage into the semi final but also a tough contest against an ever competitive outfit in Kiladangan. Borris were forced into a change when Harry Gould had to relocate to corner back showing his versatility whilst Sam Patton returned to the team in the corner forward position. Borris had a very strong wind behind their backs in the first half with the weather starting to change and a tough physical battle expected, a long ball delivery to full forward Fintan Holland resulting in the first score of the game courtesy of a left sided strike, a sign of danger up front throughout the half to come. A Kevin Maher free soon after landed right at the goal mount with an impressive deflection via the goalkeeper before Eddie Ryan stepped up to finalise the 65’ and the beginning of an efficient day out for the number 11 from placed ball. Kevin again stepped up with a long range free mere moments later with the result differing and a white flag getting raised and an indicator of accuracy and support from the elements as Borris led 3 points to 2 after 8 minutes. Kiladangan were sticking around however and utilised a short passing play around the 10th minute which led to a drive towards goal that required excellent hooking from Borris backs and the snuffing out of a goal chance, vital when playing with the wind. Eddie then opened up his free taking duties with a smooth finish before Borris again availed of a long delivery and a goal thanks to Fintan Holland who brought doubt around the goal area and a stick finish and the first green flag of the day. Paddy McCormack then retrieved aerial possession in the wing forward role and duly slotted the corresponding attempt as Borris began to get a hold of the game with a 1-5 to 2 point advantage after 13 minutes. Eddie then finished his second free as the weather began to deteriorate further, JD adding to Kiladangans problems with a direct run and point finish as Borris maintained a savage work rate which was rewarded with scores on the board and an ascending advantage they knew they would need going into the second half. Eddie continued his free scoring with number 3 before JD scored the point of the half with an individual score from the stand side that showed his footwork and cool head with a tough finish as Borris were creating a large gap, the JD/Eddie combo coming up trumps again when JD won a foul from a dangerous looking area before Eddie routinely finished his fourth free. The half looked like it was going to end with Borris well on top with an 8 point advantage before Kiladangan manufactured a goal out of nowhere and breath life into their comeback, a blow to the hosts as the half finished on a scoreline of 1-10 to 1-5 in favour of Borris, the feeling of not enough given the conditions but all to play for in the second half.
The conditions didn’t subside as both teams emerged for the second half, Kiladangan looked threatening via their goalkeeper and a long puckout strategy that led to 3 free attempts for the away team that went by the wayside which was surprising given efficiency in the first half. Cathal Hogan deserves credit for a rearguard performance in the full back line throughout the game and a defensive action led to offense when a short passing game led to Jack Fitz generating a foul, Eddie’s 5th free and a stop to the drought of scoring for Borris. Eddie then showed excellent fielding in the half forward position to both generate and finalise free number 6 but scores for both teams few and far between with the tough conditions leading to a battle everywhere and anywhere courtesy of dropped possessions. A big event occurred in the 45th minute when play was stopped with the sliotar at the other end when a Borris player was sent off for striking a Kiladangan player, the atmosphere both in the stand and on the pitch turned and a very physical contest ensued with both shoulder and hurley, this no more evident when Kiladangan went down to 14 soon after. Borris had dropped back significantly to negate the conditions and although this shored up the middle third, it did lead to little threat up front with Jack Fitz ever running. Borris’ work rate never dropped throughout the game which resulted in lack of Kiladangan surge on the scoreboard for large periods but this changed when a long ball led to confusion, a mixup and a goal for Kiladangan and confidence from a deficit within a goal. Bryan Murray replaced Sam Patton soon after but Kiladangan were sniffing a win and put together a 1-2 surge without reply and within a solitary point as the final moments arrived. Borris were showing confidence in possession with Kevin Maher, Colm Boyle, Mikey Kennedy and Paddy McCormack prime examples but little optimism of a further score until Jack Fitz showed a quick turn of foot to generate a free, number 7 for Eddie and a need for a goal for Kiladangan. The away team had one final long free and the aforementioned goalkeeper produced the goods with an extremely dangerous delivery that landed right at goalkeeper Paudie Stapleton’s feet and a quick reaction led to a save, a departure from danger and a victory for Borris in a tough battle in miserable conditions on a scoreline of 1-13 to 2-8.
The main themes of the game have to be the highly impactful weather which had a telling on tactics in the second half, the work rate of the Borris boys which was relenting and a tough physical battle that boiled over in the second half but Borris kept their heads and continued to attempt a positive approach to play. Borris have now won their two group games and await results in the other group which consists of Toomevara, Nenagh and Roscrea which will decide our semi final opposition. Best of luck to players and management in preparation.
