Kilkerley Emmets hold off Wolfe Tones comeback
CTI Business Solutions IFC Group 2 Round 2
At Páirc Baile Fiach, Hunterstown
Kilkerley Emmets 1-9 Wolfe Tones 0-10
Kilkerley Emmets made a winning start to their CTI Business Solutions Intermediate Championship campaign, holding off a spirited second-half fightback from Wolfe Tones to prevail by 1-9 to 0-10 at Páirc Baile Fiach, Hunterstown on Friday evening.
The Emmets established a strong platform in the opening half, moving into a 1-6 to 0-3 lead by the interval. Tadhg McEneaney was central to their early success, contributing two points before finding the net, while Conal Brady, Michael Begley, Conor Quigley and Kevin Murtagh also got on the scoresheet.
Wolfe Tones responded after the restart and began to eat into the deficit, with Eoghan Brennan particularly influential with 2 two-pointers. Further scores from Johnny Woods and Ciarán Cudden helped keep the Tones within touching distance.
Kilkerley, however, remained composed enough to stay in front, with Michael Begley adding a free and Conal Brady another point as they managed the closing stages.
The Emmets could have made life more comfortable, having passed up several good goal opportunities during the hour, but Donal McElroy will be satisfied to have secured the points.
Kilkerley now face Oliver Plunketts on Saturday in what promises to be another tough test.
Kilkerley Emmets team: Callum Mulholland; Cormac Bellew, Patrick Murtagh, CillIan Mulligan; Ronan Deery, Kieran Murtagh (0-1), Conal Brady (0-2); Michael Begley (0-2, 1f), Ciaran Bellew; Oran McMahon, Tadhg McEneaney (1-2), Fintan Brady; Ultan McEneaney, Cathal Bellew (0-1), Conor Qugley (0-1).
Subs: Finann Crawley for Cathal Bellew, Ciaran McGlynn for Ciaran Bellew, Fionn Cumisley for Conor Quigley, Rian Hand for Ronan Deery.
Wolfe Tones team: Sean McMahon; Shane Leslie, Garrett Cooney, Dean Haggins; Sam Kelly, Rhys McGovern, Sean McQuail; Mark Healy, Alan Wilton (0-1); Taidgh Rock, David Bolger, Sean Flanagan (0-1); Dwayne Leavy, Chris Cudden (0-3, 2f), Eoghan Brennan (0-4, 1tpf, 1tp)
Subs: Johnny Woods (0-1)
Referee: David Fedigan (Hunterstown Rovers)
