Quinn guides Athlone boys to exciting victory over Killucan

Athlone 3-12 Killucan 3-8

What began slowly turned into an action-packed and seriously competitive U14 Football Division 2 league final at Killucan on Thursday evening of last week, where the hosts were denied by a slicker Athlone outfit.

The winners recovered from being four points adrift after 19 minutes to lead by 2-6 to 2-2 at the interval and they mustered three unanswered points at a crucial stage in the second half after Killucan notched a third goal to draw level. Damien Quinn emerged as the Athlone hero with three goals from play, his third coming in the 50th minute to put the visitors six points clear.

Moments earlier, with just a couple of points separating the sides, Killucan’s Nathan Walsh was denied a goal by some fiercely determined Athlone defending. Killucan refused to wilt and both sides were relentless right to the final whistle, Athlone surviving a few major scares before the end.

Killucan’s Killian McGee saw his shot hit the upright as they went in pursuit of a fourth goal, but Athlone always seemed able to weather the storm. Having taken the lead in the 25th minute through Quinn’s second major, they were never again headed, producing some lovely passing moves when they needed to.

Goals from corner-forward Robert Rowley and midfielder James Monaghan had given Killucan the advantage at the end of the first quarter. Rowley netted after a move involving Micheál Stockil and Cillian McGee, after his initial shot was blocked. Monaghan’s effort from distance bounced and deceived the Athlone goalie before crossing the line.

Athlone replied with an unanswered 2-3, both goals from Damien Quinn in the 23rd and 26th minutes. The first, a lovely finish, followed a fine move in which Ian Bednarek, Fionn Clarke and Cillian Coughlan were prominent, while the second followed fine work by Sam Gunning, Eoghan Silke and Keni Kalombo before Quinn’s low finish went in via the post. Silke’s free off the turf put the south Westmeath side five points clear, 2-6 to 2-1, after 28 minutes as they demonstrated remarkable poise to turn things around.

Killucan’s Eoghan Heffernan converted a late free, but they trailed at the break and looked to be second best when Athlone found their flow.

The home side notched 1-2 in the first eight minutes after the restart to get on level terms - the goal eventually fisted in by Nathan Walsh after James Doherty had the initial shot and Eoghan Heffernan got a hand on the ball when it came off the Athlone ‘keeper. Athlone’s response was crucial and, by and large, the main reason why they won the title.

Firstly, Cillian Coughlan pointed to restore their lead in the 40th minute and points followed from Ian Bednarek (free) and Damien Quinn as Killucan struggled to secure possession from their own kickout. Killucan replied with a James Doherty point and, in the 46th minute, Walsh had a goal chance that was blocked, a moment that proved crucial. Athlone proceeded to add 1-1 per Quinn, his goal coming after they once again claimed possession from an opposing kickout.

It was 3-11 to 3-5 in Athlone’s favour after 50 minutes and they were firmly in control. Killucan poured forward, though, and McGee’s effort hit the upright before Athlone survived a big scare. James Leavy did grab a point for the home side, but Eoghan Silke replied with a neat Athlone score after the ball came off the upright.

Still Killucan pressed and, with four minutes remaining, Walsh shot a neat point after Heffernan’s pass. A free that was moved forward 50 metres led to sub Dan Carey pointing after the ball broke loose in the square. It was all a bit chaotic at this stage, but Athlone were still holding a four-point lead.

And that is how it finished despite further Killucan pressure. In the end, there was relief for Athlone, who had lost in the earlier rounds to the same opposition and had to cope with the absence of some big players in the final. Killucan contributed greatly to a gripping game.

Afterwards, Paul Doolin, on behalf of Coiste na nÓg Iarmhí, presented the trophy to the Athlone captain, Josh Fogarty.

Player of the match: Damien Quinn (Athlone). The elusive Athlone full-forward finished with 3-2 and his shooting was clinical whenever the opportunities arose.

Scorers - Athlone: D Quinn 3-2, E Silke 0-4 (1f), I Bednarek 0-2 (1f), F Clarke, C Coughlan, C So and M Union 0-1 each. Killucan: N Walsh 1-2, J Monaghan 1-1, R Rowley 1-0, E Heffernan 0-2 (2f), J Leavy, J Doherty and D Carey 0-1 each.

Athlone - Fionn Moran; Donnacha Harrison, Cillian Coughlan, Neil Boyle; Sam Gunning, Fionn Clarke, Josh Fogarty; Keni Kalombo, Michael Union; Donnacha Hughes, Ian Bednarek, Rory O’Connor; Cooper So, Damien Quinn, Eoghan Silke. Subs: Anthony Atendido for R O’Connor, R O’Connor for A Atendido.

Killucan - Eric Kaydanovych; Benjamin Roco, Cillian McGee, Donnacha Farrell; Padraig Higgins, Evan Boyle, Josh Carey; James Leavy, James Monaghan; Eoghan Heffernan, Micheál Stockil, Caleb Mooney; Robert Rowley, Nathan Walsh, Billy Farrell. Subs: James Doherty for P Higgins, Padraic Morley for R Rowley, Donal Carey for B Farrell, Noah Fitzsimons for M Stockil.

Referee - Michael Gordon (Shandonagh).