20/09/2026
Kingscourt 2–4 Killylough FC
The Brave Young Hoops travelled to Kingscourt looking to get their season off to a strong start, but they were given an early reminder that there would be no easy moments in this one.
Just five minutes in, a Kingscourt winger got around the back of the Killylough defence and finished neatly into the corner to put the hosts 1–0 ahead.
Killylough responded almost immediately. On eight minutes, Sam Campbell produced some brilliant wing play, forcing his way past three Kingscourt players before squeezing the ball in at the near post to make it 1–1.
However, almost from the restart, Kingscourt played a quick ball over the top and their striker raced through to restore their lead. 2–1 after just 10 minutes.
It felt like it might be that same old feeling for the boys, but this group showed tremendous collective spirit. They rolled up their sleeves, were ready for the battle and began to take control of the game.
At the back, Emmett McKenna, up against a quality winger, soon got to grips with his man and matched him stride for stride throughout the game. Sean Connolly marshalled the defence like a pro, providing great shape and composure for the whole team.
At the other full-back position, Brody O’Neill showed tremendous bravery and confidence to continually want the ball in difficult positions. His link-up with goalkeeper Conor Tierney was excellent, with Tierney's quality distribution helping to launch countless attacks for the Brave Young Hoops.
Killylough's pressure eventually told.
With a disciplined performance and maturity beyond his years, captain Sean Carey mopped up another ball in midfield before releasing Sam Campbell down the left. Sam beat his man once again and delivered a quality ball into the box, where Charlie Gorman timed his run beautifully and powered home an expert header.
2–2 after 15 minutes — and we were all in for a cracking match.
Oscar McKenna and Shane Treanor provided control in midfield and linked up beautifully. Shane then produced an inch-perfect pass over the Kingscourt defence for Sam Campbell to run onto. Sam made no mistake, finishing first time to complete the turnaround.
25 minutes: Kingscourt 2–3 Killylough.
At half-time, it was a chance for the management team and the boys to take a breath, calm things down and prepare for another tough 35 minutes.
Kingscourt came out strongly after the break and put the Killylough defence under serious pressure, but the boys stood up to the test and showed excellent character.
Fresh legs were introduced, with Charlie Deery coming into midfield and Shane McKenna up front. Both made an immediate impact, giving the Young Hoops another lease of life and adding real quality to Killylough's play.
Ten minutes into the second half, Charlie Deery fed Sam Campbell on the left. Sam beat his man yet again before swinging another dangerous cross into the box. This time, Oscar McKenna was on hand to meet it with another superb header and make it 4–2.
Cathan Flynn was introduced at the back and looked assured in his tackles, while also playing some lovely passes into midfield. Zach Johnson was then brought on up front, adding another burst of energy with his strong runs and coming desperately close to getting on the end of another dangerous Killylough attack.
The final whistle confirmed a fantastic 4–2 victory for the Brave Young Hoops.
It was Killylough's day on this occasion against a very good Kingscourt side. More importantly, the performance showed the character, togetherness and footballing ability within this group.
There is plenty to be excited about, and it will be brilliant to watch these boys develop and grow over the coming weeks.
⚽ Kingscourt 2–4 Killylough FC
👏 A superb team effort from the lads!!