Mullinavat 2-17; Railyard GFC 1-7
By John Power at Ballyragget
Holders Mullinavat produced a commanding and assured performance to overcome Railyard in the Senior Football Championship semi-final at Ballyragget, booking their place in yet another county decider. The victory ensures that the “Vegas” men will compete in their tenth successive County Senior Football Final over the May Bank Holiday weekend, underlining a period of remarkable consistency and dominance for the southern club.
Railyard, who sit proudly at the top of the county’s football roll of honour with 22 titles, entered the contest with a rich pedigree and tradition behind them. Their most recent golden spell culminated in a famous three-in-a-row completed in 2016. However, since that triumph, Mullinavat have emerged as the standard bearers in Kilkenny football, steadily building a legacy of their own. The reigning champions have now amassed eight titles in total, with seven of those coming in the years following Railyard’s last championship success, highlighting a significant shift in the balance of power.
Mullinavat settled quickly into the game and signalled their intent from the outset. Early points from Robin Davis and Ian Duggan got them up and running, both scores coming from composed and confident play in the opening minutes. Railyard responded through Dara Dunne, who opened their account with a well-taken point, but Mullinavat quickly restored their advantage when Michael Malone capitalised on a rebound after a John Walsh “45” dropped short.
The game’s pivotal early moment arrived on thirteen minutes when Railyard were awarded a penalty following a foul in the Mullinavat square. Francie Ward stepped up and clinically dispatched the spot kick past Mark McNamara, briefly putting the northerners ahead at 1-1 to 0-3. It would prove to be their only lead of the match.
From that point onward, Mullinavat seized control in emphatic fashion. Over the next twelve minutes, they delivered a devastating scoring burst, registering 1-6 without reply. Substitute John Walsh made an immediate impact with a point, before Michael Malone added a superb two-pointer to stretch the lead. Conor Walsh contributed another score, and the highlight of the spell came when Brian Phelan found the net. His goal followed an excellent save by the Railyard goalkeeper, but Phelan reacted quickest to finish decisively. Further points from Ger Malone and Robin Davis completed the surge, leaving the scoreboard reading 1-9 to 1-1 in Mullinavat’s favour.
Although Eoin Regan managed to halt the momentum with a point for Railyard, Mullinavat continued to dictate proceedings. Late scores from Conor Walsh and Ian Duggan ensured they carried a strong advantage into the interval. By half-time, Mullinavat had built a commanding lead, putting themselves firmly in control of the contest.
Any hopes of a Railyard resurgence after the break were quickly extinguished. Mullinavat resumed with the same intensity, as Conor Walsh split the posts just thirty seconds into the second half. Tom Aylward added another point soon after, and the game was effectively put beyond reach when Brian Phelan struck for his second goal. The forward once again demonstrated his sharpness in front of goal, capitalising on defensive uncertainty to extend Mullinavat’s advantage to an unassailable margin.
At that stage, the contest had the feel of a foregone conclusion, with Mullinavat’s lead stretching to a point where, in tennis parlance, it was “game, set and match.” Nevertheless, Railyard showed commendable resilience and refused to capitulate. They enjoyed a more productive spell midway through the half, with Brian Cahill getting on the scoresheet and Francie Ward adding two well-taken frees to narrow the gap slightly.
Mullinavat, however, remained composed and efficient. Ian Duggan added another point, while Michael Malone capped an outstanding individual display with two further scores, including his second two-pointer of the evening. His contribution was central to Mullinavat’s attacking threat throughout the game, combining accuracy with intelligent movement.
As the match drew to a close, Railyard continued to battle, as has long been their tradition. Francie Ward added two more pointed frees, bringing his personal tally to an impressive 1-4, but it was never enough to seriously trouble a Mullinavat side that had long since asserted their authority.
At the final whistle, Mullinavat emerged as convincing winners, their performance a blend of clinical finishing, defensive solidity, and overall cohesion. The result not only secured their place in another county final but also reinforced their status as the team to beat.
The outcome sets up an intriguing all-South County final for the second year in succession. Mooncoin fell short against Mullinavat last season, but this time it is Tullogher-Rosbercon who stand in their way. Having enjoyed a strong and consistent campaign, Tullogher-Rosbercon will present a different kind of challenge, and anticipation is already building for what promises to be a compelling JJ Kavanagh Kilkenny Senior Football Championship final.
For Mullinavat, the focus now shifts to maintaining their remarkable run and chasing yet another title to add to their growing collection. For Railyard, despite the disappointment, their proud tradition ensures they will regroup and look to challenge again.
SCORERS: Mullinavat: Michael Malone (0-6, 2×2 pointer), Brian Phelan (2-0), Ian Duggan (0-3), Conor Walsh (0-3), Robin Davis (0-2), John Walsh, Tom Aylward, Ger Malone (0-1 each). Railyard: Francie Ward (1-4, 1-0 penalty, 0-3 frees), Dara Dunne, Eoin Regan, Brian Cahill (0-1 each).
TEAMS
Mullinavat: Mark McNamara, Shane Kelly, Simon Aylward, Sean Fitzpatrick, Paudie Gahan, Ger Malone, Eoin Dempsey, James Culleton, Thomas Aylward, Conor Walsh, Mick Malone, Ian Duggan, Robin Davis, Brian Phelan, Oisín Knox. Substitutes: John Walsh for Oisin Knox, Stephen O’Shea for Paudie Gahan, Donnchadh Walsh for Brian Phelan, Conor Duggan for Robin Davis, Padraig Dempsey for James Culleton. Rest of Panel – Killian Dunphy, Fiachra Knox, Ian Mansfield, Liam Fennelly, Cian McDonnell, Patrick Walshe, David Maher, Joe Fennelly.
Railyard: John Mansfield, Thomas Roche, David Roche, Aidan Barry, Harry Roche, Brian McDonald, Philip Roche, Eoin Regan, Paul O’Neill, Michael O’Keeffe, Mark Hender, Francie Ward, Dara Dunne, Caleb Roche, Peter Ward. Substitutes: Brian Cahill for Philip Roche, Paul Kelly for Paul O’Neill, Noel Roche for Brian McDonnell.
Referee: David Hughes
