Kilcavan's fairytale rise continues with historic championship win

Laois Shopping Centre Intermediate Football Championship Final 

Kilcavan 1-19 

Ballyfin 0-9 

HISTORY was made at Laois Hire O'Moore Park on Saturday evening when Kilcavan claimed their first ever Laois Shopping Centre Intermediate Football Championship title and, in doing so, secured a place among the county's senior clubs for the first time.

It was a victory that represented the latest chapter in a remarkable rise for the club. Just two years ago Kilcavan were celebrating Junior 'A' championship success. Now they stand on the brink of a new era as a senior football club after producing a commanding display to overcome Ballyfin.

While the final margin may suggest a comfortable evening's work, the contest was evenly balanced for much of the opening half. Ballyfin, relegated from the senior ranks last season, arrived hoping to make an immediate return, and they matched Kilcavan score for score during an entertaining first 30 minutes.

There was little between the sides during an entertaining opening half, but Kilcavan led 1-6 to 0-8 at the interval before taking complete control after the restart.

Kilcavan opened the scoring after eight minutes when midfielder Aaron Tarpey split the posts, before Cian Ryle added two frees to put them 0-3 to 0-0 ahead.

Ballyfin responded strongly and drew level through Darragh Connolly, before James Moore put them in front for the first time.

Kilcavan then struck for the game's only goal. A Cian Ryle 45 was kept alive in the Ballyfin square and, after the ball was batted back into the danger area, Kilcavan captain Ronan Gorry reacted quickest to bundle the ball over the line.

Ryle added another point after referee Clifford Ward advanced the ball following an incident of back chat, leaving Kilcavan four points clear.

Ballyfin responded with a two-pointer from James Finn before Rory Lalor restored the three-point advantage for Kilcavan.

Adam Connolly then reduced the gap to a single point with a two-pointer shortly before half-time, leaving Kilcavan 1-6 to 0-8 ahead at the break.

With the wind at their backs in the second half, Kilcavan quickly began to take control.

Ian Dunne opened their second-half scoring before Ryle landed a two-pointer, with James Moore replying for Ballyfin.

Kilcavan continued to stretch their advantage, however, as Darragh Hughes added another point before Ryle landed his second two-pointer of the evening to put his side seven points clear.

Ryle then added another free as Ballyfin struggled to find a response, having managed just one score in the second half up to that point.

Kilcavan finished the game in style with a late burst of scoring.

Adam Hunt, Rory Lalor, Robert Hunt and Ian Dunne all found the target before Lalor added a two-pointer in the closing stages.

By the time the final whistle sounded, there was no doubt about the destination of the trophy.

Kilcavan's players, management and supporters spilled onto the field to celebrate a landmark victory that secures both championship glory and promotion to the senior ranks.

For Ballyfin, it was a disappointing conclusion to a season that began with hopes of an immediate return to senior football.

For Kilcavan, however, this will be remembered as one of the greatest days in the club's history. Their meteoric rise from junior champions to senior football in the space of two seasons is complete, and a new challenge now awaits in 2027.

SCORERS:

Kilcavan: Cian Ryle 0-9 (2tpf, 1tp, 0-3fs), Rory Lalor 0-4 (1tp), Ronan Gorry 1-0, Ian Dunne 0-2, Robert Hunt, Aaron Tarpey, Darragh Hughes and Adam Hunt 0-1 each.

Ballyfin: Sean Moore (1tpf), James Finn (1tp), James Moore and Adam Connolly (1tp) 0-2 each, Darragh Connolly 0-1.

KILCAVAN: Killian Doyle; Tristan Hunt, Michael Birmingham, Michael Hyland; Robert Hunt, Evan Hunt, Niall Lalor; Aaron Tarpey, Darragh Hughes; Ian Dunne, Cian Ryle, Ronan Gorry; Rory Lalor, Sean Lalor, Adam Hunt.

Subs: Gearoid Tracey for Ryle (58m), Paul Bolton for T Hunt (59m), Ben O'Keefe for Dunne, Darragh McEvoy for S Lalor (59m), Derek O'Connell for Hughes (59m).

BALLYFIN: Eoin Connolly, Conall Rowney, Allan Connolly, Sam O'Loughlin; Conor Cleary, James Finn, Ciaran Quinn; Darragh Connolly, Adam Connolly; Shane Connolly, David Connolly, Ronan Carroll; James Moore, Seán Moore, Darragh Prendergast.

Subs: Ciaran Culleton for O'Loughlin (36m), Eanna Lyons for S Connolly (41m), Michael Maloney for Carroll (56m).

Referee: Clifford Ward (Portarlington)