Heaney and Sweeney brothers lead the way

St Michael's 1-8

By Mike Rafferty in An Spideál

JOHNNY Heaney. Cathal Sweeney. Patrick Sweeney. They were the individuals whose leadership and inspiration helped carry Killannin over the line in this senior football relegation tie in An Spideál on Saturday.

Requiring a draw or a win to retain their senior status, Killannin produced the goods when the battle intensified in the closing quarter and all of a sudden a game that was in the balance, swung their way as five unanswered points put them out of sight and, in the process, dropped St Michael's back to Intermediate football for the first time since they won the title in 2008.

Now the Sweeney twins and Johnny Heaney did not win this game on their own, but they were the players who led the way when the game was on an edge and, in turn, the younger Killannin players responded to their example. For the majority of the contest, Heaney was carrying a calf injury as he hobbled around the pitch, but his contribution of seven scores was crucial to their success.

None were better than the free converted from the 45 metre line to put Killanin ahead on 50 minutes and as he limped away after taking the kick, he looked done, but stayed on to add two more points.

Patrick Sweeney is struggling with a shoulder injury and his three points from play were just a small part of his game. His availability and movement allowed him get more possession than he should have and he was the man who won the ball in midfield to set in train a move which led to brother Cathal banging home the late goal to seal the win.

Pictured: Killannin's Luke Carr who was one of their young players to impress in Saturday's Senior Football Relegation win over St Michael's.