GAELIC SPORTS WORLD Issue 20 – February 22, 2015 | Page 36
Kilburn Gaels, London 2014 Champions. Photo: Kilburn Gaels.
Next up London senior champion’s Kilburn Gaels took to
Croke Park sod with Belfast outfit O’Donovan Rossa, the
County Antrim and Ulster champions, for opposition. The
London team on account of their defeat of Kilkenny intermediate Mullinavat in the quarter final were slight fancies in
this Intermediate club final. They showed further grit when
ousting Galway’s best, Cappataggle, in a hard fought but deserved semi - final victory.
3. Kilburn Gaels 2014 London Hurling Champions. (Photo: Kilburn Gaels Facebook).
Kilburn Gaels, one of the powerhouses of hurling in London, were in unchartered territory as it was
their first Intermediate All Ireland Final but with good recent showings could feel confident of putting it up to their
opponents.
Conditions changed from the opening match as rain made
its appearance for this intermediate decider. Difficult to
hurl in such conditions it was no surprise that scoring was at
a premium with both sides 0-2 a piece at the end of the first
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quarter, Keith Killilea and Stephen Lambert obliging for Kilburn. The Belfast side enjoyed more possession but were guilty
of some poor shooting and Kilburn could consider themselves
lucky to be behind by 0-4 to 0-2 at the break.
O’Donovan Rossa continued to press in the second half and
were rewarded when firing home a goal to extend their lead.
They were also now able to find the range with minors and with
Kilburn finding it difficult to get back on terms. Kilburn though
came with a late surge with two fine goals from ace Killilea that
brought them right back into contention. It wasn’t enough unfortunately as ‘Rossa held out for a narrow 1-9 to 2-3 win, and a
first All Ireland intermediate title for an Antrim team.
Despite the British GAA clubs defeats last weekend, Britain
GAA on Twitter after the games praised the three British clubs
for progressing so far in their respective competitions.
“Commiserations to our three teams John Mitchels, Fullen
Gaels, and Kilburn Gaels today, reaching the finals is a credit to
all involved.”