A depleted Killorglin side were beaten in the FAI youth cup in a tough encounter at the Dragon’s Den on Saturday. With 4 regulars out due to injury, a makeshift Killorglin side hosted Ballingarry, and the opening half hour was a tight affair without clear chances for either side. But just after the half hour mark, a mistake at the back by Killorglin was well finished by the visitors to give them the lead. Stephen O’Loughlin had Killorglin’s best chance just before half time, but despite controlling well, he couldn’t get a strike on target.

The second half saw 4 more Killorglin regulars depart for a Mid-Kerry GAA semi final, and unfortunately this made all the difference. Ballingarry made it two in the opening minutes of the half, and looked the more dangerous side. Stephen O’Loughlin gave us hope when he latched on to a through ball from Shane O’Sullivan Rouse and finished well. But despite huge effort and commitment from all, the visitors ran out 6-1 winners. This youth team are better than the result suggests, and without so many of their usual 11, it was always going to be difficult.

Thanks to Stephen Sealy who deputised in goal, Danny Considine, Darragh Dennehy and Tim O’Shea at the back, who had a tough second half but gave 100% at all times, and Aaron Broderick who looked really bright in midfield when he was introduced. Onwards and upwards!