24th September 2005 AFL Division 4 League Final - Walterstown : Kilbride vs. Rathkenny

Rathkenny 0-11
Kilbride 1-7

Pictures to follow

Rathkenny importantly, won the toss and decide to play with the strong breeze in the opening half. Kilbride started nervously and Rathkenny had their first point on the board in the opening minute. It was a lead they would not surrender for the match. After ten minutes, Rathkenny were 4 points up with Kilbride yet to score.

Kilbride finally got on the scoresheet with a free from David Harford on 12 minutes. Rathkenny replied before Finbar Clarke added Kilbrides second point on 19 minutes, to leave three between the teams.

Rathkenny were causing Kilbride trouble and they tagged on 2 points after a series of wides. Dermot White then started to exert an influence on the game, winning another free which was converted to leave it 0-7 to 0-3 in Rathkenny’s favour at the interval.

Rathkenny having registered 5 wides to Kilbride’s one in the opening half needed to get an early score after the break. It was Kilbride who got it on 34 minutes from a Harford free. Rathkenny then added two quickfire points.

Both teams then got two scores apiece in the following four minutes. This left the score 0-11 to 0-6 going into the final 15 minutes. Kilbride rallied but after much pressure could only register a free on fifty minutes. Kilbride were finding it hard to get up the pitch, resulting in the full forward line dropping deep and wide, so by the time they got the ball, they were a long way from goal. Rathkenny were also superior at winning breaking ball, which allowed them to pump good balls into their forwards, who were always willing runners.

Kilbride were to rue three wides in as many minutes as on 57 minutes a high ball into the Rathkenny full back line bounced in front of keeper John Martin whose momentary hesitation was enough for the onrushing Cormac Holland to punch it over him and to the net. This left the minimum between the sides. To their credit Rathkenny defended suberbly in the final few minutes marshalled by Donal Curtis and Kilbride could not get that elusive score.

It was a fine all round performance from Rathkenny whose captain Thomas Rowan accepted the "Malachy Thompson" cup from County Board Secretary Barney Allen. Kilbride were left to ponder the reasons why they had not performed better on the big day. It was also hard on the Kilbride support who travelled in great colour and numbers. However they can take consolation from the fact that Division 3 awaits next season.

Kilbride - Emmett Farrell, Niall Farrelly, Conor Rennicks, Robert Bruton, Paddy O'Neil, Eddie Gallagher, John Smith, Andrew Rennicks, John Bruton, Finbar Clarke, Dermot White, Ollie Nolan, Cormac Holland, Brian White, David Harford.

Subs - Joe Barron, Neil Keoghan, Craig Sheridan

Rathkenny - John Martin; Tommy McKeever, Matthew O’Brien, James Macken; Ronan Martin, Donal Curtis, Ronan Curtis; Brian Meade, Derick Smith; Darren Barron, Thomas Rowan, Owen Elliot; John Curtis, Richie Timmons , David Donegan . Subs - Emmet Martin for Barron, Michael Macken for McKeever, John Donegan for Smith

04th September 2005 AFL - Kilbride : Kilbride 1-15 , Curragha 0-05

Kilbride earned a promotion to division 3 for next year with a comprehensive win over Curragha at the second time of asking, following the abandonment of the original fixture.

20th August 2005 AFL - Duleek : Kilbride beat St. Mary's

Kilbride went into this match at the rearranged venue of Duleek knowing that there season would be over if they didn't beat a St Marys team who narrowly edged them out in the championship earlier in the year. Having suffered late withdrawals due to injury. Kilbride where down to the bare 17. Conor Rennicks made his competitive return having spent the last 9 month down under. Kilbride were up for this one and was inspired by the display of the fluent scoring Brian White. Finbar Clarke opened the scoring as Kilbride settled but Marys hit back with two quick scores and they found themselves in arrears after 10 min after Marys worked a well taken goal.

Kilbride's patients told and quickly erased the early St Marys scores to lead at the break,with scores from Brian White Ollie Nolan and Robbie Rooney. The fluent Brian White found his rhythm and was well supported by his brother Dermot. Kilbride tightened up all around the field to secure the win.

This was an exceptional all round display by Brian who had a personal tally of 2 - 6 for the evening. Eddie Gallagher, Paddy O' Neill, Dermot & Brian White were best for Kilbride....

One more win will promote Kilbride to division 3 next year... Curraha awaits......

Team:

E. Farrell, N. Farrelly, C. Rennicks, R. McKiernan , J. Smith, E. Gallagher. P. O'Neill, C. Holland, A. Rennicks, F. Clarke, D. White, K. Donnellan, R. Rooney, B. White, O. Nolan.

Subs: J. Barron, C. Sheridan

11th August 2005 AFL - Ardcath : Kilbride 2-12 , St. Vincents 2-07

Kilbride earned a sweet victory in Ardcath over bitter rivals St. Vincents to keep up the pressure in the current league campaign. St. Vincents had the better of the opening patch and were 3 points ahead after 10 minutes courtesy of a fortuitous goal. However Kilbride then upped a gear with a succession of points from Brian White. Andy Rennicks then had to retire injured and was replaced by veteran Robbie Rooney who roled back the years with a powerful performance. Eddie Gallagher was rock solid at centre half back ably assisted by a hard working defence. John Bruton and Cormac Holland took a grip at midfield, while the half forwards won plenty of breaks. After the initial setback , Kilbride managed to take a 3 point lead into the break helped by further points from Brian White, David Harford and a goal by Robbie Rooney. .

The second half started much like the first with St. Vincents plundering a sloppy goal and Kilbride responding with some incisive football. St. Vincents found it hard to cope with the increased pace of Kilbrides' football. Local man David Harford had a penalty saved to keep St. Vincents alive. However Robbie Rooney got 1-2 in the space of a few minutes midway through the second half to effectively seal the win. St. Vincents rallied but Kilbride worked incredibly hard to keep them out in the closing stages and record a satisfactory victory.

Team:

E. Farrell, N. Farrelly, R. McKiernan, R. Bruton, J. Smith, E. Gallagher. P. O'Neill, J. Bruton, A. Rennicks, F. Clarke, D. White, C. Holland, D. Harford, B. White, O. Nolan.

Subs: R. Rooney

6/08/05 - JFC - 8.00 - Ratoath, Kilbride 1-14, Dunboyne 1-09

Kilbride kept their best championship performance for last in this local derby. A rousing first half performance was the key as Dunboyne were beaten by five points. Points from Brian White, Andy Rennicks, David Harford and a Finbar Clarke goal paved the way. Kilbride seemed to thrive in a match where there was nothing at stake except local pride and led 1-07 to 0-4 at the break.

To their credit, Dunboyne staged a rally with a goal just after half time, but Kilbride didn't buckle and displayed a resolve that has been lacking thus far in the championship. Crucially Kilbride managed to tag on scores at crucial times to stay in front of a spirited Dunbone team. Ironically, other results went Dunboyne's way in the group but this loss put then cruelly out of the championship.

Team:

B. Reilly, N. Farrelly, R. McKiernan, R. Bruton, J. Smith, E. Gallagher, P. O'Neill, J. Bruton, A. Rennicks, F. Clarke, D. White, O. Nolan, D. Harford, B. White, J. Sheridan.

Subs: K. Donnellan,

15th July 2005 AFL - Kilbride : Kilbride 0-16 Moylagh 0-12

Kilbride reignited their league campaign against a competitive Moylagh outfit last Friday evening. Kilbride supremo Eamonn Clarke laid it on the line to the players during the week in training. Kilbride went out with a clear gameplan to feed direct low ball to the 2 man full forward line and this tactic paid dividends as Kilbride registered 16 points for the first time this year. The team looked a more cohesive unit, with the backs defending tightly, midfield holding their own and the half forwards working hard. In the first half, pionts from Brian White, Cormac Holland and David Harford edged Kilbride in front after Moylagh had been wasteful while enjoying a purple patch.

Encouragingly Kilbride did not fold in the second half and managed to keep tagging on scores. Moylagh didn't lie down and some great defending from the Bruton clan of Richie, John and Robert , Ronan McKiernan, John Smith and Niall Farrelly kept them at bay. Andrew Rennicks lorded it at midfield with good support from Pat McDonagh. If Kilbride win their last three matches, they have a good chance of promotion.

Team:

E. Farrell, R. McKiernan, J. Bruton, N. Farrelly, J. Smith, R. Bruton, J. Bruton, A. Rennicks, P. McDonagh, F. Clarke, D. White, C. Holland, D. Harford, B. White, J. Sheridan.

Subs: O. Nolan, K. Donnellan,

10th July 2005 JFC - Kilbride : Kilbride 0-11 St. Mary's 1-11

Kilbride went into Sunday’s penultimate Championship game needing a win to have any chance of progressing to the knockout stages. Kilbride welcomed Dermot White back to fold following suspension & started the stronger of the two teams with points from Jeff Sheridan, Brian White & David Harford. However, as the half went on, Kilbride’s way-ward shooting that had haunted them in previous games, started to resurface & St Marys kicked some wonderful points. The teams were level at half time, with both sides registering 5pts each, even though Kilbride had enjoyed a much healthier share of the ball than their opponents.

The second half started much the same as the 1st, with Kilbride taking an early lead through Jeff Sheridan. Brian White pointed from a free but from there on St Marys took full advantage of Kilbride’s inaccuracy in front of goal & scored the all important goal 10 minutes from time, which ultimately sealed Kilbride’s fate. With league honours still very much there for the taking with four games remaining, Kilbride must learn from this defeat & take every opportunity handed to them to ensure their season ends on a high.

Team:

E. Farrell, R. McKiernan, J. Bruton, N. Farrelly, J. Smith, R. Bruton, J. Bruton, A. Rennicks, P. McDonagh, J. Sheridan, D. White, C. Holland, E. Gallagher, B. White, D. Harford.

Subs: O. Nolan, R. Rooney, F. Clarke

17th June 2005 AFL - Kilbride : Kilbride 1-9, St. Brigids 4-9

Kilbride made a positive start to the game and looked by far the superior team to St. Brigids in the first half. Playing a good brand of football, Kilbride were 7 points to the good just before half time. However 2 Goals, each a minute either side of the break ensured St. Brigids a lifelin, which they duly took with both hands. From there St. Brigids owned the ball and ran out worthy winners as Kilbride folded all over the pitch.

Team:

E. Farrell, R. McKiernan, J. Bruton, R. Bruton, J. Smith, B. White, P. O'Neill, A. Rennicks, P. McDonagh, J. Sheridan, D. Harford, E. Gallagher, F.Clarke, R. Rooney, C. Sheridan

Subs: O. Nolan, J. Barron

17th June 2005 AFL - Kilbride : Kilbride 2-10, Drumbaragh 2-12

Kilbride came up short for the first time in this league campaign against a sprited Drumbaragh outfit last Friday evening. Disapointingly so, as a win would have propelled Kilbride 2 points clear at the top of the division. The game was lost in the first half, when Kilbride failed again and again to turn good possession into scores. Indeed, some of the approach play was among the best Kilbride have played this year, with quick ball being played into the forwards, who seemed to have left the shooting boots at home.

Drumbaragh went 3 points to nothing up against the run of play before Kilbride eventually scored a point. Kilbride continued to be wasteful, including 2 one-on-ones put wide, before eventually scoring a fortuitous goal. So fortuitous that the Drumbaragh umpire denied it had crossed the line on it's way to hitting the net. Despite having much the better of the play, Kilbride went into the break only a point ahead.

In the opening 10-15 minutes of the second half, Drumbaragh hit a purple patch catching everything at midfield and picking up all breaks. In this period they tagged on score after score, including a well worked goal to go 7 points up at one stage. Kilbride were really up against it, but amazingly rallied through points from David Harford, Finbar Clarke and a Brian White goal to draw level. However Drumbaragh had a sting in the tail as they regained the lead immediately and then added a point on the final whistle. If Kilbride could have put scores on the board early, this game would have been won.

Team:

E. Farrell, R. McKiernan, J. Bruton, R. Bruton, J. Smith, B. White, P. O'Neill, A. Rennicks, P. McDonagh, C. Sheridan, D. Harford, E. Gallagher, F.Clarke, J. Barron, J. Sheridan

Subs: O. Nolan, C. Holland

12th June 2005 Championship - Dunsany: Kilbride 1-15, Clann na Gael 1-05

On a warm sunny Sunday afternoon in Dunsany, Kilbride kept their championship hopes alive with a comprehensive if not efficient victory over Clann na Gael. Although losing the first score of the match to the Athboy outfit , Kilbride quickly replied and enjoyed domination for most of the first half. In this period points from David Harford, Brian White and Finbar Clarke were the pick of the scores with a fortunate goal for Kilbride also after Robbie Rooney applied great pressure in around the square. On the defensive end, some excellent saves from Emmett Farrell were equally crucial for Kilbride and contributed to ensure a half time lead of 5 points.

The second half started with Kilbride resuming where they left off, dominating the game with a lot of possession and registering 3 scores early in the half including fine points from Andy Rennicks and Finbar Clarke, both from play. Clann na Gael did start to apply the pressure to Kilbride in last 15 minutes particularly. This effort yielded 1-2 in the closing 10 minutes and some cracks began to appear in Kilbride's midfield and defence.
The team held on to record only the second victory in the current championship campaign.

Whilst not an inspiring victory, a victory nonetheless. Kilbride notched up 14 wides during the match and this will be an area that management will put particular focus on improvement. Kilbride have started a winning stretch again and must work on this match's failings to have repeat success against the more competitive opposition to come.

Team:

E. Farrell, R. McKiernan, J. Bruton, R. Bruton, J. Smith, B. White, P. O'Neill, A. Rennicks, P. McDonagh, J. Barron, J. Sheridan, E. Gallagher, F.Clarke, R. Rooney, D. Harford.

Subs: C. Sheridan, O. Nolan

02nd June 2005 - Rathkenny - Kilbride 1-10, Rathkenny 0-12

Kilbride registered a cherished, albeit late win over hosts Rathkenny to head the division four table after five rounds. This was a keenly contested tie between two evenly balanced teams played in the right spirit. Kilbride had to restructure due to the loss of talisman Dermot White ( suspension / retirement ? ) and Ollie Nolan ( holidays ), with Joe Barron and Pat McDonagh coming in.

Kilbride started well, enjoying good possession, but Rathkenny scored first. A mighty score from in-form Robbie Rooney got Kilbride off the mark, with physio Sean Clarke taking much credit for patching Robbie together and Robbie was to go on and roll back the years with a sterling performance. David Harford pointed from a free, before Rathkenny had a good patch and notched several points. Kilbride were starting to fade before a long ball from Joe Barron picked out Robbie Rooney who expertly finished to the back of the onion sack. At half time the game was finely poised with Rathkenny a point up.

In the second half the rain set in and this contributed to a lot of fumbled ball and mistakes. Rathkenny tagged on some more points, however the Kilbride backs started to win their battles with some tight marking and some great block downs. This laid the platform for the rest of the team to start to perform which they did and a mini resurgence set in with points added by Finbar Clarke, Jeff Sheridan and David Harford. Kilbride were still a point down, but got a great breakaway point when Andy Rennicks made ground and then fed Craig Sheridan who stroked it over to level. Robbie Rooney then won a vital free which David Harford converted under pressure, just before the whistle blew. Kilbride are in pole position now in the league with five games gone and six to go.

Team :

E. Farrell, R. McKiernan, J. Bruton, R. Bruton, J. Smith, B. White, P. O'Neill, A. Rennicks, P. McDonagh, D. Barron, J. Sheridan, J. Barron. F. Clarke, R. Rooney, D. Harford.

Subs: E. Gallagher, C. Sheridan

14th May 2005 - Kilbride 0-10, Dunsany 1-08 ( click on pictures to enlarge )

Kilbride gave their best performance of the year on a "balmy" evening in Dunshaughlin last Saturday. Having underperformed in all areas of their game last week, Kilbride had to drastically improve against last year's finalists who are unbeaten in this years championship. The team was restructured, with John Bruton moving to full back, Brian White moving to centre back and Dermot White moving to the "40". Robert and Richard Bruton came into the side to complete a new structure in the team.

Kilbride started brightly enough with points from David Harford and Robbie Rooney. However Dunsany countered with a point and the crucial score of the match - a goal after the ball broke kindly to Dunsany's corner forward who crossed it soccer style to their full forward who gladly tucked it away. This was a sucker punch to Kilbride, however they continued to play with a high work rate and a commitment that was lacking last week. Dunsany were never allowed to settle on the ball, with great pressure put on them by Kilbride starting with the forward line. This pressure led to Dunsany putting a lot of bad ball into their forwards. When their forwards did get the ball, Kilbrides backs were always tight and tackled hard. Before the half was over Kilbride added some well worked scores from Finbarr Clarke, David Harford and Jeff Sheridan. The one area of concern for Kilbride was the amount of breaking ball that Dunsany picked up from kickouts. At the break Dunsany led by 1-05 to 0-6.

The second half was played at a similar pace to the first, except that Kilbride were more urgent in their play, chasing down Dunsany's lead. Unfortunately despite a huge effort, Kilbride just could not tag on the scores that should have won the game. Dunsany had a man sent off but Kilbride could not make the extra man pay, until they were also reduced to 14 men. As the game wore on Kilbride became more urgent and direct, however the Dunsany full back had a powerful game and continued to catch high ball after hight ball to relieve the pressure. Even when the ball broke, it seemed to break to a Dunsany man, when all Kilbride needed was a couple of points to win. Alas the scores did not come and despite deserving the win, Kilbride came away empty handed and hanging on by a thread in this years JFC.

Team :

E. Farrell, R. McKiernan, J. Bruton, R. Bruton, J. Smith, B. White, P. O'Neill, A. Rennicks, R. Bruton, J. Sheridan, D. White, D. Barron. F. Clarke, R. Rooney, D. Harford.

Subs: O.Nolan, C. Sheridan

7th May 2005 - Kilbride 1-06, Simonstown 1-15

Kilbride came into their 3rd Championship match on Saturday evening with high hopes after defeating Curragha in the last round. However, the team were dealt a blow before the throw-in when Kevin Mulligan was ruled out through illness. Jeff Sheridan moved to half-forward & Kevin Quinn came in instead of the stricken Mulligan at full-forward.

Kilbride started the brighter of the 2 teams & took the lead with a point from Kevin Quinn, albeit with the aid of a strong wind. Simonstown soon settled & both teams exchanged points with Brian White & David Harford getting on the score sheet for Kilbride. As the half wore on, Simonstown began to get a foothold on the game & went in at half time leading 8 pts to 4pts.

Kilbride began the 2nd half the better of the 2 teams but couldn’t put the scores where it mattered & as in the 1st half, Simonstown began to take a hold of the game. Kilbride were playing second fiddle to their opponents in every position but were given a glimmer of hope went Simonstown were reduced to 14 men for a high challenge by their fullback on Brian White. But unfortunately Kilbride couldn’t take advantage & Simonstown opened up a commanding lead. Kilbride did rally late on with a goal from David Harford but it was to no avail. Simonstown ran out easy winners on a score line of 1-15 to Kilbride’s 1-6. Kilbride now face Dunsany in the next round & will need to greatly improve on their performance in every area of the field. Having now lost 2 games, Kilbride cannot afford to loose again if they have any aspirations of reaching the knock out stages of this year’s championship.

Team :

E. Farrell, P. O'Neill, D. White, R. McKiernan, S. O'Sullivan, J. Bruton, J. Smith, C. Holland, A. Rennicks, J. Sheridan, D. Harford, O. Nolan, F. Clarke, Kevin Quinn, B. White.

Subs: D. Barron, R. Rooney, R. Bruton

23rd April 2005 - Kilbride 0-10, Curraha 0-07

This was Kilbride's second outing in the Championship with a better return beating Curraha by a score line of 10 pts to 7 pts. This was a match that both teams had to win after both losing their first round match's. The match started off at a good pace with Kilbride winning most of the procession but again not putting the scores up. Curraha got off the mark first with a point from play, Kilbride came back with 2 points in a row. Again the Kilbride defence worked hard to keep the Curraha attack at bay with John Bruton, Dermot White and John Smith showing well.

Then came a blow to Kilbride when their towering Midfielder Pat McDonagh had to leave the field with a dead leg. On came Neill Keoghan at wing back and Cormac Holland went to Midfield. Kilbride were playing direct football with Jeff Sheridan and Finbarr Clarke working hard in the inside line which was paying off. The move of Brian White to the 40 worked well with him getting on the ball more and winning some frees. Kilbride when in 5 Pts to 3 at Half time and should have being move with Dave Harford missing some kick- able frees.

The second half started well for Curraha and they were back on level terms in the first 5 mins. John Smith was moved from corner back to the wing to counteract the threat of the Curraha Sub who was winning a lot of ball, this worked well and Kilbride started to get on top again and moved 2 pts ahead. Curraha were not finished yet and they came back level again but again Kilbride showed some character and scored some good pts to move clear.

This was a better response from Kilbride and there overall work rate was good throughout the field.
They still have a lot of work to do if they are to reach the knockouts stages even at this early stage of the Championship. Scoring 10 pts in this match and 9 pts in there last match is not a good return with the amount of procession they are getting.

Team :

E. Farrell, R. McKiernan, D. White, J. Smith, C. Holland, J. Bruton, S. Sullivan, P. McDonagh, A. Rennicks, J. Barron, D. Harford, O. Nolan, J. Sheridan, F. Clarke, B. White.

Subs: N. Keoghan, C. Sheridan

10th April 2005 - Kilbride 0-9, Skryne 1-12

Kilbride started off very well in this the First round of the Junior A Championship against Skyrne in Ratoath. We had 70% of the ball in the first 20 mins but could not capitalise on this and put the scores on the doors.Dave Barron and Pat Mcdongh missing good changes to move ahead of Skyrne.With good play from Brian White and John Burton on the half back line we continued to push forward, but then came a hard blow a break out from there corner back who moved the ball quickly to there half forward line committing our backs out to cover thus leaving a man inside who received the ball and obliged by put it to the back of the net. This left it 1.3 to 3 pts at half time in favor of Skyrne.

Again at the start of the second half Kilbride worked very hard to try and close the gap but just could not get it back. We can within 3 pts when a free kick from John Bruton came into there square and Eddie Gallagher got a touch on it but unfortunately the ball just past the post. We made some changes with Ollie Nolan,Andrew Rennicks and Kevin Quinn getting a run but not even the mighty Quinn could save the day.

Brian White,Dermot White,Cormac Holland,Pat Mcdonagh and John Bruton worked hard for Kilbride. But the forward line had a bad day at the office.
Final score Skyrne 1,12 KIlbride 0.9

Team :

E. Farrell, R. McKiernan, D. White, N. Keoghan, J. Smith, J. Bruton, B. White, P. McDonagh, C. Holland, S. Sullivan, D. Harford, E. Gallagher, J. Sheridan, F. Clarke, D. Barron.

Subs: O. Nolan, A. Rennicks, , K. Quinn

03rd April 2005 - Kilmainham 0-9, Kilbride 0-9

Kilbride dropped their first point in the league on a wet day in Kells last Sunday. The quality of the football on show is reflected in the low score, with the vast majority of scores from both teams on the day coming from dead balls. On a bad day, Kilbride will still be glad to at least take one point.

Kilbride started like a train, with quickfire points from Joe Barron and David Harford. Soon Kilmainham settled and kept Kilbride in their own half for most of the first period. Kilmainham's midfielder Barry Lynch started to impose himself, catching a lot of ball and setting up good attacks. Kilbride's backs were under a lot of pressure and when the ball did go forward it seemed to come back as quick. Kilmainham were unlucky with a goal chance, but kept tagging on scores, many from free's to go into half time 5 points to 3 up.

Kilmainham continued where they left off in the first half and with 15 minutes left were 4 points ahead and coasting. The referee had let quite a bit go and gave the Kilmainham no. 9 a second chance when already booked, but he committed another bad foul and the referee had no option this time but to send him off. This finally swung Kilbride into action, even if they did not fully utilise the free man. Scores were added by David Harford and Jeff Sheridan along with a couple of well taken free's by David Barron which levelled the game with a couple of minutes left. In the last few minutes, both teams missed some good chances before the referee seemed to blow up the game prematurely. Kilbride had been sluggish until the final 15 minutes, and although they did finish the stronger, they will need to be a lot more lively against Skryne in the championship opener next week.

Team :

E. Farrell, R. McKiernan, D. White, S. Sullivan, J. Smith, J. Bruton, B. White, O. Nolan, C. Holland, J. Barron, D. Harford, K. Mulligan, E. Gallagher, J. Sheridan, D. Barron.

Subs: N. Keoghan, K. Quinn

06th March 2005 - Kilbride 2-08 Meath Hill 0-09

Kilbride kept their 100% record going in the league with a laboured win over Meath Hill in perfect weather last Sunday. The pitch was in bad condition after recent bad weather but even taking this into account, this match was by no means a classic.

Kilbride notched up first half points from new captain David Harford, Cormac Holland, Eddie Gallagher and Finbarr Clarke. Kilbride were ahead early until Meath Hill settled down and started to move the ball well from their back line all the way up the pitch. Fortunately for Kilbride, the Meath Hill forwards were somewhat wayward and wasted some good possession. The Kilbride backs kept them a distance from goal and most attempts went wide or into Emmett Farrell's hands. Before half time Kilbride dealt Meath Hill a cruel blow, David Harford finishing to the net after good work from Brian White, Finbarr Clarke and Joe Barron.

The second half was a lacklustre affair with neither time reaching fifth gear. Meath Hill never led and only one result looked likely when Meath Hill continued to be wasteful. The highlight of the second half was a well taken goal by Eddie Gallagher, finished to the top corner. 6 points from 3 games puts Kilbride in a good position in the league with Kilmainham and Rathkenny up next.

Team :

E. Farrell, N. Farrelly, D. White, R. Bruton, J. Smith, J. Bruton, B. White, O. Nolan, P. McDonagh, J. Barron, D. Harford, E. Gallagher, J. Sheridan, F. Clarke, C. Holland.

Subs: R. McKiernan, S. Sullivan

20th February 2005 - Kilbride 3-09 Moynalty 0-10

Kilbride started very poorly in this match played in perfect conditions in Moynalty. Moynalty were 5 points to 1 up after about 20 minutes and in cruise control. Kilbride eventually got going, kickstarted by a well worked goal, setup by Finbar Clarke and Joe Barron and finished clinically by David Harford. This seemed to demoralise Moynalty who up til then had been superior in all areas. A couple of futher points from frees helped Kilbride back into the game before the half time whistle.

Kilbride were generally better in the second half, moving the ball better and faster into the forward line. Free's from David Harford, Finbar Clarke and a point from Pat McDonagh helped Kilbride edge ahead. Moynalty countered with a quick brace of points but the game was put beyond their reach with 2 Kilbride goals. The first scored by Brian White after a goalmouth scramble and the second a flowing move finished well by Andy Rennicks. Kilbride went on to record their second win from 2 games in the league with harder games ahead.

Team :

E. Farrell, N. Farrelly, D. White, R. McKiernan, S. Sullivan, J. Smith, J. Bruton, O. Nolan, P. McDonagh, J. Barron, D. Harford, E. Gallagher, J. Sheridan, F. Clarke, B. White.

Subs: A. Rennicks, K. Donnellan

6th February 2005 - Kilbride 1-10 Drumree 0-2

Kilbride started well in a match played in dreadful conditions for football. The Kilbride backline was rearranged due to absentees, but nevertheless gave a fine display of tigerish defending conceding 2 points and very few frees in a sporting match. Dermot White marshalled the defence expertly and received great support all around him. From the throw in, Kilbride racked up the scores with the aid of a strong wind, Finbarr Clarke added some quickfire points and then latched on to a long ball to guide the ball into the top corner of the net. Good work by Joe and David Barron also earned some free's which were duly dispatched by David Harford to put Kilbride 8 points up after about 20 minutes. Kilbride inevitably took the foot off the gas and let Drumree back into the game but the defence held out to put Kilbride 9 points ahead at the break.

The second half was largely affected by the weather with the pitch now very wet and blustery. Andy Rennicks was introduced at half time, much to the dismay of Drumree who then witnessed Rennicks take control of the Midfield, catching great ball and giving good passes into the forwards. In the second half Kilbride's forwards worked very hard, moving well and supporting the play, however they did not manage to score as profitably as in the first half. Drumree's fightback never materialised and they ran out of steam, looking like a side who have not been back training long. As the game wore on Kilbride finished well with really good points from Finbarr Clarke and David Barron. A good performance from Kilbride, but they will face harder opposition and will need to improve markedly.

Team :

E. Farrell, N. Farrelly, D. White, S. Sullivan, J. Smith, J. Bruton, N. Keoghan, O. Nolan, P. McDonagh, D. Barron, D. Harford, Eddie Gallagher, J. Sheridan, F. Clarke, J. Barron

Subs: A. Rennicks, R. McGrady