For much of this year's U14 Shield Final, Kilmichael Rovers held their own against their Premier Division opponents Inter Clonakilty. Starting brightly, they got stuck into the opposition, closing down quickly and defending smartly. As the first half wore on Clon got upper hand and Kilmichael had few opportunities to test the Clon keeper. 
Eventually the pressure told and a corner to the far post saw an easy finish for the in rushing unmarked Clon player. Clon doubled their lead close to half time when a sweeping move from back to front ended with the winger picking out the striker 6 yards out for an easy tap in. 
Rovers started the 2nd half strongly and halved the lead when a cross from Owen O'Callaghan was deflected past the wrong footed keeper by his own centre-half. 
Within  a few minutes, however, Clon had restored their lead when a rash foul resulted in a penalty. The Rovers keeper, Cathal Foley, made a great save but the rebound was lashed to the net. 3-1 to Clon. It soon became 4-1 and things looked ominous for Rovers.h
To their credit, they kept attacking and a lovely through ball by Fionn Burgoyne put Finbarr O'Riordan through 1 on 1 and he made no mistake. 
No comeback materialised and another goal from a corner for Clon rounded off the scoring 5-2. Cathal Foley, MSN of the match, made some outstanding saves to keep the score down and last ditch defending was the order of the day in the last few minutes for Rovers as Clon tried their best to add to their tally. 
The team can take consolation in a gritty, committed performance with no lack of skill on show. Onwards and upwards for this group 💪⚽🏆