Kilcullen wins Lumsden Cup

Kilcullen AFC won the Kildare and District League Lumsden Cup on Sunday evening for the first time in their history.

In what was described as the best Cup Final in the League's history, Kilcullen beat Ballycane by 3 goals to 2. An attendance of over 500 was entertained by a free flowing game.

Kilcullen from the start put down their marker with a good effort from Shane Lambe being beaten wide by the Ballycane keeper. A further attack saw captain Michael Kelly head narrowly wide. Ballycane's infrequent attacks were dealt with by a strong defence led by Kee Brennan and Ray Aulsbury.



Kilcullen took the lead in the 20th minute when a through ball from Robert Donnelly was finished well by Tadgh Shanaghan. Directly from the restart Brian Bell locked onto a loose pass and scored the goal of the match with a 40-yard stunner. Ballycane came back at Kilcullen and got their award with a goal in the 35th minute, which was put well wide of the advancing Kevin Talbot. This spurred on Kilcullen and they ended the first half the strongest with a brace of shots from Kee Brennan and Michael Kelly.

Second half started very tame as both teams tried to build from the back. Kilcullen created a good chance in the 50th minute with a Mark Dooley cross being put narrowly wide from substitute Paul Coffey. Kilcullen went furhter ahead when Kee Brennan finished a Trevor Harris corner to the net. Kilcullen closed up shop then and did concede a second goal with ten minutes to go but a stout defence ensured the Cup came to Kilcullen.



Kilcullen Squad —
K Talbot, M Dooley, T Harris, K Brennan, R Aulsbury, M Kelly, R Donnelly, T Shanaghan, C Barker, S Lambe, B Bell. Subs — P Coffey(55mins) D Moloney, D Phelan, P Jones (78 mins)

Manager — F Mitchell
Assist — B Harris
Physio — H Barrett

Man of the Match award went to Michael “Hook” Kelly.

Thanks to Noel O'Connell Plumbing and Heating Supplies who was team sponsor for the Final.

— Ray Kelly.