Kilmihil lost out to Cooraclare in the Cusack Cup on the score of 3-4 to 1-7 however when they met in the first round of the Championship the result was different.
Cooraclare had the better of the exchanges in the opening quarter scoring 2 points.
Kilmihil’s first score came in the second quarter when Thomas Egan’s shot was deflected over the bar by the Cooraclare goalkeeper. Michael Garvey and Noel Normoyle scored a goal each to leave the half time score 2-1 to 0-4. Kieran Normoyle added a point just after the resumption but Cooraclare rallied with 3 points. With two minutes remaining only one point separated the sides. Noel Normoyle collected a pass from a quickly taken free by Michael Lineen and shot to the net to seal the victory.
Final score: Kilmihil 3-3 Cooraclare 0-8.
Team: Tony Power, John Moran (Capt.), Alan Daly, Pat Pender, John Hayes, Pat Garry, Michael Mescall, Noel Normoyle (2-0), Michael Garvey (1-0), Kieran Normoyle (0-1), Michael Lineen (0-1), Colm Collins, Padraic Cotter, Thomas Egan (0-1) & Andrew Johnston.
Subs: Francis Normoyle for John Hayes & Joe Kelly for Michael Garvey.
Kilmihil’s next opponents were the holders Miltown Malbay and this ended in a draw.
Score: Miltown Malbay 0-8 Kilmihil 1-5.
This was a closely fought contest and the sides were level six times in all. A goal from Padraic Cotter ten minutes into the second half put Kilmihil into the lead for the first time in the game but Miltown fought back to take a one point lead. Padraic Cotter again came to the rescue with a point in the last minute to level the score and force a replay.
Scorers: Padraic Cotter 1-1, Colm Collins 0-2 (frees), Michael Lineen 0-1 (free) Noel Normoyle 0-1.
There was a dramatic finish to the replay when Miltown Malbay made a late rally with a last minute goal to level the match at 1-5 each. In the first period of extra time Miltown took a two point lead but eight minutes into the second period the sides were level once again. With three minutes remaining Miltown scored the winning point to leave the final score at 1-9 to 1-8.
As with many Kilmihil performances over the years this was a case of missed opportunities. Several scoring chances came their way but over anxiety saw them wasted.
Team: Tony Power, John Moran, Alan Daly, Pat Pender, Colm Collins (0-2), Pat Garry, John Hayes, Joe Kelly, Michael Garvey, Michael Lineen (0-1), Kieran Normoyle, Thomas Egan (0-1), Padraic Cotter (1-0), Noel Normoyle (0-3), & Andrew Johnston.
Subs: Francis Normoyle for Joe Kelly
In the Intermediate Championship Kilmihil were beaten by Coolmeen in the Semi-Final. This was a very evenly contested match throughout and the sides were level on a number of occasions. Six minutes from the end James Pender scored a goal to give Kilmihil a one point lead however Coolmeen responded with two points to leave the final score at 1-8 to 1-7.