Cappy staying up thanks to Skehill’s brace of penalties

Kilconieron 0-16

By Eanna O’Reilly in Loughrea

CAPPATAGGLE overcame Kilconieron in Saturday’s relegation semi-final in Loughrea to secure their senior status for 2026. Last year’s finalists had a disappointing group stage this season but finished the year on a positive note by claiming the win and ensuring their place in the senior championship next season.

Kilconieron must now prepare for a relegation final against Ardrahan where there will be no room for error. Promoted from intermediate in 2020, James Burke’s charges will be hoping to avoid the drop back down after five years competing at senior level.

The old adage of goals winning matches proved true once again, and it was two penalties from Cappy ‘keeper James Skehill which made the difference. Niall Collins’ performance was also a huge factor, and his 0-11 haul, including three from play, went a long way to securing the win for Cappataggle.

A very strong defensive display from the winners was also paramount, and the Cappy backs kept the Kilconieron forward unit to 0-3 from play over the hour. All in all, Steven Creaven’s charges were deserving of their victory.

Cappataggle made a strong start to this game, tallying the first three points. Donal Mannion, Donnacha Campbell, and Niall Collins (free) got the scoreboard ticking, as Cappy made use of a strong wind advantage.

Shane Caulfield got Kilconieron off the mark with his first free of the afternoon, before full back Peter Martin landed an excellent long range point. Niall Collins soon added two frees at the other end to leave Cappy 0-5 to 0-2 ahead after fifteen minutes.

Caulfield then tallied his second free, before Ian McGlynn impressively pointed a sideline from 35 yards. Collins then landed a point from play at the other end, before he landed a close range free two minutes later.

Kilconieron continued to stay in touch and finished the half with the final two points. Two converted frees from Caulfield left a point between the sides at half time. With the aid of a strong wind to come, Burke’s side were in a decent position at the interval.

They made a strong start to the second half with the opening two points to take the lead for the first time in the game. Caulfield tallied his fifth free, before Eamonn McGlynn struck over an impressive point under pressure.

Pictured: Kilconieron's Eamonn McGlynn feels the pain against Lewis Coughlan and Conor Delaney of Cappataggle during Saturday's Senior A relegation semi-final in Loughrea. Photos: Joe Keane.