Dunboyne 3:09 | Kilmessan 3:13

A sharp and efficient Kilmessan side came away from Kepak Park with the points on Wednesday evening, but not before a spirited and determined performance from a Dunboyne team that battled to the very end.

This was very much a game of momentum swings—almost “four halves”—with Kilmessan making fast starts to both periods and forcing Dunboyne into chasing mode.

Kilmessan dominated the early exchanges and by the 18th minute of the first half had built a commanding lead of 0:07 (3f) to 0:01. However, Dunboyne responded superbly, finishing the half strongly and outscoring their visitors 1:04 to 0:02. Joel Mangan led the charge with 1:02 (1f), while Rory Callanan and Shea Mooney added points. This late surge left just the minimum between the sides at the break: Dunboyne 1:05 (3f) | Kilmessan 0:09 (3f).

Kilmessan again struck early after the restart, implementing a direct approach by positioning Stephen Cahill on the edge of the square. The tactic paid immediate dividends as Cahill rattled off 2:02 inside six minutes. A third goal followed shortly after, stretching their lead to twelve points at 3:11 to 1:05.

Once again, Dunboyne refused to fold.

Defensively, Cillian Cunningham was outstanding at full back, with Pierce Hayes slotting in alongside him to steady the line. This platform allowed Dunboyne to mount a comeback. Shea Mooney opened their second-half account on 17 minutes, followed by scores from Darragh Harkin, Joel Mangan (free), and a fine effort from Harry Clarke Murphy.

The momentum truly swung when Evan Murphy reacted quickest to a loose ball and buried it to the net, narrowing the gap to 3:12 to 2:09.

Kilmessan responded with a point to halt the surge, while Dunboyne goalkeeper Daniel Slevin produced a superb close-range save to keep hopes alive. Eoghan MacDonald then ignited the home support when his long-range free found the back of the net, setting up a tense finish.

Despite the late push, time ran out on Dunboyne, and Kilmessan held on for a deserved four-point victory.

Team: Daniel Slevin; James McCarthy; Cillian Cunningham; Kevin Tighe; Shay Coone; Eoghan MacDonald (1:00); Liam Kennedy; Pierce Hayes; Rory Callanan (0:01); Evan Murphy (1:00); Shea Mooney (0:02); Neil O’Connor; Joel Mangan (1:04, 3f); Ethan O’Sullivan; Marcus McGinn;

Bench: Darragh Harkin (0:01); Harry Clarke Murphy (0:01); Nyles Ledwith;