Kingscourt 0-11
Bailieboro 4-3
Kingscourt finished up their group matches with a defeat against Bailieboro in O’Raghallaigh Park on Thursday evening. However, with both sides already thorugh to the knockout stages, both missing many players, and both scheduled to meet in the semi-finals next week there were all sorts of shenanigans going on between both managements.
As it happened, the Shamrocks only arrived with 13 players and while the game went ahead the Referee confirmed that if a minimum of 14 players did not start the 2nd half then the points would be forfeited. Kingscourt’s offer of some subs were refused, and the “mind games” continued.
On the field, there were defenders playing up front, forwards masquerading as wing backs, one corner back named as J Russell showed awful tenacity as he ran round on all fours trying to burst the ball (although I may have made that last bit up).
With regard the score, well Kingscourt led 0-5 to 0-3 at halftime but in the second half the 13 men of Bailieboro went into sevens mode and went for goal at every chance. While Kingscourt knocked over six points through the half, the visitors found the net four times to take the points, except they didn’t if you know what I mean.
All in all, an interesting evening’s football and one that is unlikely to have too much consequence on the semi’s next week, especially if it is a rematch. However, it was enjoyable to watch nonetheless. Below are a section of pictures from the game
