Saturday 15th October 2022
A match that might not have been played due to the atrocious conditions in the morning, went ahead in Kinvara early Saturday afternoon (The subsequent Junior Mens game was called off).
Kinvara won the toss and with the rain and wind at their back put newly promoted visitors Loughrea under pressure from the kick off. The early pressure paid dividends with Ozzy O'Connor opening the scoring on 5 minutes.
Loughrea came into the game much more after this but the Kinvara defence dealt with comfortably with whatever came their way. Midway thru the half to the end of the half, Kinvara hit a purple patch with Eli Huban hitting a 20 min hat trick. Assists coming from Matthew Sexton, Conor O'Donnell and Milo Heaney.
Kinvara finished the half 4 up but yet to face the strong wind and driving rain.
Loughrea really upped the ante at the start of the second half and aided by the worsening conditions put Kinvara under serious pressure for long spells of the half.
Kinvara emptied the bench 10mins into the half and this set the platform for the win. Loughrea got a goal their efforts deserved on the day, at the death.
Another important win in what will be a very tight division.
Otis Warwick was superb in goals. His distribution and handling in slippery conditions was impressive. His point blank save in the second half was vital. Josh Kennedy at right back gave his all and held his own throughout.
Shay Mooney and JJ O'Connor stood big in the centre of defense and had probably their most testing outing to date. They were frustrated with conceding the late goal, but that was a small flaw on a great performance.
Keelin Miroud at left back broke up a lot of Loughrea attacks and his tackling and distribution on the day was excellent.
Milo Heaney, Conor O'Donnell, Ozzy O'Connor and Matthew Sexton drove the team on from midfield. 1 goal and 3 assists from this unit wasn't too shabby.
Senan Fawley and Eli Huban worked selflessly for the team throughout. Eli took his goals very well.
Last but not least, the bench was huge today in getting the win. Charlie McKiernan, Jamie Cooke, Emmet Hawkins, Morgan Waterhouse and Liam Shaughnessy provided new impetus when introduced and this was so badly needed given the conditions.
Respect to newly promoted Loughrea, they play a nice brand of football and put Kinvara under serious pressure throughout. They never gave up and no doubt the return match will be a keenly contested affair.
Thank to all the parents who got soaked with us, especially Eric Miroud who ran the line.
Management: Kevin Sexton and Alan Mooney.