Shane Walsh's eight points were not enough for Kilkerrin-Clonberne

By CIAN O'CONNELL Mícheál Breathnachs .1-11 Kilkerrin-Clonberne .0-10 Despite the latest flicker of class from the promising Shane Walsh, Kilkerrin-Clonberne were outfoxed by Cumann Peil Mícheál Breathnach at Pearse Stadium on Sunday evening. St Jarlath's College star Walsh delivered another masterful kicking display, shooting eight points including five from play, but Breathnachs had a more liberal sprinkling of talent around the pitch. That was why they prevailed and Kilkerrin-Clonberne will have few complaints as Breathnachs were superior during the hour. It was a grim first half for Kilkerrin-Clonberne and they were in trouble from an early stage. With Seán Ó Domhnaill at the helm, Mícheál Breathnachs are hopeful of taking a scalp or two and here they were quick to establish their superiority. Although Shane Walsh landed a sweet 45 for Kilkerrin-Clonberne the Connemara side responded by kicking five points in a row: Seán Denvir (2), the[private] diligent Seosamh Ó Conaire, Colm Ó Cuiv and Peadar Óg Ó Gríofa all found the range for Breathnachs. Kilkerrin-Clonberne replied with a clever score from Walsh following a Conor Rabbitte sideline, but Breathnachs ended the opening periodwith a burst. Wing back Antaine Ó Finneadha clipped a point and then Kilkerrin-Clonberne were left to reflect on a fine 29th minute save by Eoin Ó Coisdealbha which denied Shane Walsh. Breathnachs broke quickly with Denvir eventually releasing Peadar Ó Cionnaith who blasted the ball into the bottom corner of the net. Suddenly the Breathnachs lead was 1-6 to 0-2, ensuring Kilkerrin-Clonberne required a huge improvement on the resumption. Within five minutes Kilkerrin-Clonberne had trimmed the deficit with three points from Walsh following an effort from Peadar Óg Ó Griofa. Kilkerrin-Clonberne were far more competitive by now but a goal was needed to give their comeback chances an injection of hope. Walsh continued to pose problems for Breathnachs but the teenager wasn't given enough support attacking. Back the field there was plenty to admire in the enduring enthusiasm of player-manager Enda Daly, but Breathnachs were never in any serious bother. Late on, Fiontán Ó Curraoin made a welcome return to action for his first game since helping DCU win the Sigerson Cup at the same venue. In that competition Ó Curraoin, Denvir and Ó Griofa all featured prominently for their respective universities and Breathnachs have benefited from this. There is a blend of youth and experience in the Inverin team who will seek to build on this encouraging success. Nothing was wrong with Kilkerrin-Clonberne's attitude or application, but they must commence their next Championship encounter with far greater urgency because their hesitancy at the outset was costly. Mícheál Breathnachs: E Ó Coisdealbha; B Ó Conghaile, P Ó Conghaile, M Ó Maoileoin; C Ó Griallais, S Ó Maoileoin, A Ó Finneadha (0-1); C Ó Cuiv (0-1, a 45), P Mac Giolla Bhríde; S Ó Conaire (0-2), F Ó Bearra (0-1), S Denvir (0-3); P Ó Cionnaith (1-1), P Óg Ó Griofa (0-2, one free), S Ó Finneadha.  Subs., F Ó Curraoin, for Ó Griofa, 50 mins; K Ó Conghaile, for T Ó Conghaile, 50 mins. Kilkerrin-Clonberne: T Walsh; S Collins, S Brennan, F O'Reilly; T Diskin, E Daly, A Ward; J Ward, B Ryan; J Miskell, J Ryan (0-1), S Walsh (0-8, two frees, one 45); B Miskell, D Murphy, C Rabbitte (0-1). Subs., M Shaughnessy, for Murphy, 31 mins; C Halvey, for B Miskell, 44 mins. Referee: Gerry Guinan. Man of the Match: Seosamh Ó Conaire (Mícheál Breathnachs) [/private]