Kilshannig win Bons Secours Cork IAFC final

Kilshannig 1-16 Aghabullogue 0-10  by JOHN COLEMAN The Echo

KILSHANNIG landed their second county title in three years as they just had too much class for Aghabullogue in this Bons Secours Cork IAFC final at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Sunday.

In 2019 they swept all before them at junior level and here they backed up their stunning semi-final victory over Mitchelstown with a performance of a similar vintage, despite the best efforts of a gallant Aghabullogue side.

They had heroes everywhere. Captain Killian O’Hanlon, now fully clear of his injury woes, was imperious at midfield, Brian Guerin anchored their defence superbly, Eoin O’Sullivan was relentless at left-half forward while Tom Cunningham proved to be the games star performer in kicking 1-5 from top of the left.

From the start, this was a high-quality game that showed that both sides were more than capable of stepping up a grade. The tackling was fierce, the pace was relentless and the standard of score-taking was outstanding in an exceptionally good first 20 minutes of football.

Ciarán O’Sullivan had Kilshannig ahead after 16 seconds but John Corkery had Aghabullogue level just 60 seconds later. That pattern was repeated within the next four minutes as Kieran Twomey landed a 45 for the Avondhu side while David Thompson slotted over the only pointed free of the opening period for the Muskerry men.

Kilshanning did look to have the greater potency though, as good defensive work from Colm O’Shea and Shane O’Connell allowed them plenty of possession that Killian O’Hanlon, Éanna O’Hanlon and Tom Cunningham were all able to profit from as they stretched into a 0-5 to 0-2 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Quick-fire scores from Corkery and Thompson soon had Aghabullogue back to within one and while Paul Ring was operating well at centre-back, gradually Kilshannig’s greater physical presence began to tell with O’Hanlon and O’Sullivan on top at midfield while Eoin O’Sullivan was a constant thorn in Aghabullogue’s side at left-half forward.

As Aghabullogue’s wide tally went to six coming up to the interval, Kilshannig tagged on three more points through Killian O’Hanlon, Cunningham and Darragh O’Sullivan to lead by 0-8 to 0-5 at the break.

Twomey and Darragh O’Sullivan stretched their lead after the break, and though Thompson and Paraic O’Sullivan soon cancelled those scores out, the key score of the game was on the way. Twomey tapped over a free to extend Kilshannig’s lead to four before Conor McMahon fed Cunningham who in turn slipped the ball past John Buckley in the Aghabullogue goal to put his side in total control.

Cunningham then added the next three points for his side in a virtuoso display while Cialan O’Sullivan kept the Aghabullogue scoreboard ticking over. In truth, they needed a goal and when Evan O’Sullivan’s shot slipped past the wrong side of the post with eight too, so with it went their chances.

From there to the end both sides had all but accepted their respective fates, as Twomey and Killian Murphy added to Kilshannig’s tally while Thompson had another couple of frees for Aghabullogue. There was no doubt that it was Kilshannig’s day, however, and they will operate at Premier Intermediate level next season.

And on this evidence, they will be more than comfortable in that company.

Scorers for Kilshannig: T Cunningham 1-5 (0-1 f), K Twomey 0-4 (0-2 f, 0-2 45), K O’Hanlon, D O’Sullivan 0-2 each, C O’Sullivan, É O’Hanlon, K Murphy 0-1 each.

Aghabullogue: D Thompson 0-6 (0-5 f), J Corkery 0-2, C O’Sullivan, P O’Sullivan 0-2 each.

KILSHANNIG: G Creedon; C O’Shea, E Burke, S O’Connell; B Curtin, B Guerin, J Twomey; K O’Hanlon (c), C O’Sullivan; D O’Sullivan, É O’Hanlon, E O’Sullivan; K Twomey, C McMahon, T Cunningham.

Subs: K Murphy for McMahon (49), M Twomey for E O’Sullivan (54), J Cronin for Twomey, C O’Connell for D O’Sullivan, C Murphy for B Curtin (all 59).

AGHABULLOGUE: J Buckley; P Dilworth, S Tarrant, C Smyth; B Casey, P Ring (c), D Quinlan; R Dennehy, B Dineen; E O’Sullivan, M Bradley, A Murphy; J Corkery, C O’Sullivan, D Thompson.

Subs: P O’Sullivan for Quinlan (28), N Barry Murphy for Dineen (42), J Murphy for Dennehy (54), P Twomey for Dilworth (55).

Referee: Canice Walsh (Nemo Rangers).

Kanturk win Premier IFC title

Kanturk 3-11 Bantry Blues 1-10 – Match report from www.echolive.ie

KANTURK showed their class and experience in the second half to kill off Bantry Blues’ spirited resistance and claim the Bon Secours county PIFC title in near-perfect conditions before a crowd of 4,242 at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Sunday.

A thrilling first half left Kanturk just two points in front, but there was no disputing the better side on the resumption as the Duhallow club dominated and finally end a losing back-to-back sequence in deciders.

They restricted their opponents to just 0-3 in the second half though keeper Ronan Cashman was called upon twice to make smart saves while a third goal in the 44th minute effectively decided the contest.

Ian Walsh and substitute Cian Clernon linked to create the opportunity for the wily Lorcan McLoughlin, who sensed his moment by moving into space and finishing with aplomb for a 3-9 to 1-8 lead.

The crossbar denied Darren Browne a fourth goal moments later and while Alan Walsh blasted the rebound wide, Kanturk had 14 in all, it didn’t matter in the final analysis because the Billy Long Cup was heading to the north-west of the county.

 

 

There was a sensational start to the game with Kanturk slicing the Bantry defence for midfielder Paul Walsh and Ian Walsh to combine to set up Ryan Walsh for a goal after just 15 seconds.

And the opening minute had still to elapse, when Ian Walsh kicked the first point, suggesting the west Cork side were in for a long afternoon, particularly as the post denied Alan Walsh moments later.

But, Arthur Coakley banked a point after four minutes though the next three scores went Kanturk’s way with the Walshs again obliging, Ian, Aidan and Colin finding the range for 1-4 to 0-1 after 12 minutes.

Bantry responded with a much-needed goal in the next attack, however, Sean O’Leary playing Paddy Cronin in for a well-taken score, which boosted the Blues big time.

 

Corner-back Seth Thornton soloed three-quarters of the immaculate pitch to plant an uplifting point before Cronin added another almost immediately to reduce the margin to the minimum, 1-4 to 1-3 after 19 minutes.

Aidan Walsh, though, pounced for a superb individual goal, three minutes, later showing power, pace and soloing skills before unleashing a hard shot low to the corner of the Bantry net.

And while Coakley answered with a point, Bantry’s predicament worsened with points from Ian and Paul Walsh to open up a five-point advantage and yet the west Cork side finished the half on top with three points on the spin.

O’Leary began the sequence with Coakley adding the first free on the half-hour and then wrapping up a very entertaining first-half with his fourth point, Kanturk 2-6 to 1-7 in front at the break.

How fitting then that Man-of-the-Match Paul Walsh stretched the lead with the opening score of the second half and brother Ian kicked their only free in the next attack but it was McLoughlin’s goal that broke Bantry.

 

Scorers for Kanturk: I Walsh 0-5 (0-1 f), Aidan Walsh 1-1, R Walsh, L McLoughlin 1-0 each, P Walsh, C Walsh 0-2 each, G Bucinskas 0-1.

Bantry Blues: P Cronin 1-2, A Coakley 0-5 (0-2 f), S Thornton, S O’Leary 0-1 each, R Deane 0-1 f.

KANTURK: R Cashman; J McLoughlin, J Browne, L O’Neill; T Walsh, D Browne, B O’Sullivan; P Walsh, A Walsh (c); C Walsh, L McLoughlin, R Walsh; G Bucinskas, A Walsh, I Walsh.

Subs: C Clernon for R Walsh injured 24, J Fitzpatrick for L McLoughlin 57, L O’Keeffe for Bucinskas 60, M Healy for I Walsh 60+1.

BANTRY BLUES: S Murray; S Thornton, T Cronin, C O’Brien; E Minihane, B Foley, E O’Shea; S O’Leary, D McCarthy; S Keevers, K Coakley, D Murray; P Cronin, R Deane (c), A Coakley.

Subs: K Casey for D Murray half-time, D Daly for K Coakley 47, C Power for O’Shea 57.

Referee: A O’Connor (Ballygarvan).

2022 Bon Secours Cork Premier Intermediate Football Championship Final Bantry Blues v Kanturk

The Bon Secours Cork Premier Intermediate Football Championship Final takes place this Sunday 23rd October at 4:00pm at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

 

Bantry Blues came through Group B with three wins out of three, with some impressive performances throughout. This sealed an automatic Semi Final place, where they faced off against Iveleary. Bantry Blues scored two goals in the space of a minute midway through the second half of the game, this proved pivotal in the outcome of the match as they had been trailing by a point before the goals were scored. A big performance from Arthur Coakley, who scored 2-3, helped Bantry Blues to the PIFC Final. It is Bantry Blues first final at this grade since they were relegated from the Senior grade back in 2008. They will be aiming to get back to the Senior A grade for the first time since then.

 

Kanturk navigated their way through Group C with three wins out of three, kicking off with an impressive performance over Naomh Aban and ending with a hard fought win over Macroom. This booked their place in the Semi Finals awaiting the victors of the Quarter Final. Cill Na Martra dispatched Aghada with a ruthless performance to setup a Semi Final showdown with Kanturk. The Semi Final was an enthralling match, as it finished in Extra Time. Two scores by Ryan Walsh for Kanturk at the end of Extra Time proved vital to earn a victory over Cill Na Marta and seeing Kanturk through to another PIFC Final. It will be Kanturk’s third final in three years, having lost the last two to Knocknagree and Newmarket. Kanturk will be leaning on their experience from finals at this grade, as they will be striving to put it right this time around.

 

The Referee for the game will be Alan O’Connor (Ballygarvan).

 

Tickets for the Bon Secours PIFC Final Bantry Blues v Kanturk are available now here https://www.universe.com/events/aghabullogue-v-kilshannig-iafc-bantry-blues-v-kanturk-pifc-final-tickets-74KTHG

 

Co-Op Superstores Premier Intermediate Hurling Final Replay Castlemartyr v Inniscarra Match Report

Inniscarra captain Owen McCarthy and players celebrate after defeating Castlemartyr in the Co Op Superstores Premier IHC final replay at Pairc Uí Chaoimh. Picture: Eddie O’Hare

Match Report by Therese O’Callaghan of the Echo

 

Inniscarra 3-12 Castlemartyr 1-17 

EXPERIENCED forward Colm Casey was the Inniscarra hero, his 65th-minute goal securing the Co-Op Superstores Cork Premier IHC title at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh today.

In a replay that can only be described as truly memorable, it came down to the last puck of the ball. Great credit to Castlemartyr too, who just came up short.

Castlemartyr joint-captain and midfielder Brian Lawton didn’t start due to a leg injury, instead, Michael Cosgrave was brought into the starting 15, however Lawton was brought on at the interval.

There was one change to the Inniscarra lineup with Padraig Holland, introduced in the drawn match, replacing Dan O’Connell in attack. What an inspired alteration this proved to be, Holland finished with 1-3 and the Man of the Match gong.

The game had an explosive start with three great goals in the opening quarter.

It was Inniscarra who were quickly into their stride and had two points on the board from Eoin McCarthy and Colm Casey before Castlemartyr struck for their opening score, a brilliant individual goal from Barry Lawton in the seventh minute.

With both pulling players back into defensive positions, Inniscarra got a goal of their own two minutes later through David O’Keeffe, but it was the sublime pass from Sean O’Donoghue that made it possible.

The Muskerry men remained on top, Padraig Holland finding the net in the 14th minute. The green flag came as a result of a long clearance from Andrew McCarthy, while good work followed from the tenacious Owen McCarthy, 2-2 to 1-1 after quarter of an hour.

Inniscarra went for goal number three but Colm Casey forced a save from Daragh Joyce, and points from Sean O’Donoghue and Eoin McCarthy extended their lead, 2-4 to 1-1.

Mike and Andrew Kelly hit one each for Castlemartyr to narrow the gap, but Inniscarra remained in the ascendancy to outscore their opponents two points to one to lead at the short whistle, 2-6 to 1-5.

Castlemartyr roared back to draw level 10 minutes into the second half. Whilst it was Padraig Holland restarted the scoreboard, the east Cork men slotted five unanswered to achieve parity, 1-10 to 2-7.

Under high pressure, both goalkeepers were immense, as the scoreboard remained deadlocked in the 50th minute, 2-10 to 1-13.

Nobody could have envisaged the finale in store!

Owen McCarthy and Kieran Rice edged Inniscarra back in front but wing-back James Lawton upset their rhythm with a fine point to leave just one in it with five minutes remaining, 2-12 to 1-14.

When Joe Stack was fouled as he burst through on goal, referee Colm Lyons had no hesitation in awarding a penalty. Up stepped Barry Lawton and his well-struck shot was saved magnificently by a diving John O’Keeffe, the sliotar going over the bar.

Nonetheless, Castlemartyr were on a roll and supplied the next two points to move ahead by two, the most dangerous of leads.

With at least three minutes of stoppage announced, Inniscarra had to go for goal.

Unbelievably, and with the last throw of the dice, they reclaimed the advantage through Casey.

The rest is history.

* Before the match the two teams lined up alongside the referee to support the ‘Respect the Referee Day’.

Scorers for Inniscarra: P Holland 1-3, O McCarthy 0-5 (0-4 f), C Casey 1-1, D O’Keeffe 1-0, S O’Donoghue, F O’Leary, K Rice 0-1 each.

Castlemartyr: M Kelly 0-8 (0-6 f, 0-1 65), Barry Lawton 1-2 (0-1 pen), Joe Stack 0-2, C Joyce, J Lawton, C Sice, J McGann, A Kelly 0-1 each.

INNISCARRA: J O’Keeffe; D Keane, B O’Mahony, J O’Sullivan; A McCarthy, L Ryan, S Sheehan; J Enright, J Harrington; C Casey, S O’Donoghue, F O’Leary; D O’Keeffe, P Holland, O McCarthy (c).

Subs: J O’Callaghan for J O’Sullivan (39), K Rice for D O’Keeffe (42).

CASTLEMARTYR: D Joyce; C Martin, D Moran (J-Capt), B Ó Tuama; J Lawton, C Joyce, Jamie Stack; M Cosgrave, C Sice; J McGann, M Kelly, Barry Lawton; A Kelly, Joe Stack, E Martin.

Subs: Brian Lawton for E Martin (half-time), B McGann for m Cosgrave (half-time), D Leahy for J McGann (40), P Fleming for A Kelly (52).

Referee: Colm Lyons (Nemo Rangers).

2022 Bon Secours Cork Intermediate A Football Championship Final Aghabullogue v Kilshannig

The Bon Secours Cork Intermediate A Football Championship Final takes place this Sunday 23rd October at 2:00pm at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

 

Aghabullogue came through the Group stage with three wins out of three in Group D, with some impressive performances along the way. This impressive performance in the Group stage booked their spot in the Quarter Finals to set up a meeting with Kildorrery. Aghabullogue proved too strong for their opponents at this stage, with David Thompson producing a great performance scoring 2-5 in the game. Boherbue came through a tough meeting over Adrigole in the other Quarter Final with a narrow 1 point win to setup Semi Final match with Aghabullogue. In the Semi Final it was another ruthless performance from Aghabullogue that sealed a comprehensive victory over the current Junior A Champions Boherbue. It was a great team performance from the Muskerry side as a number of individuals made significant contributions throughout. Having been beaten finalists in the 2018 final of the Intermediate A Football Championship, Aghabullogue will be striving the make it to the Premier Intermediate grade in 2023 for the first time in their history.

 

Kilshannig finished Group A with two wins from three in what was a tight group with head to head being the deciding factor on who was going to the Quarter Finals. Kilshannig’s one point victory over Gabriel Rangers in the final match of the group sealed their passage through to the Quarters to meet North Cork rivals Glanworth. The Quarter Final proved to be a close contest, with Kilshannig’s resilience and determination winning out thanks to the help of Brian Guerin and Killian O’Hanlon. Mitchelstown came through a tough Quarter Final win after Extra Time over Dromtarriffe with one point victory to setup a clash with Kilshannig in the Semi Final. It was Kilshannig who avenged last season’s loss at the same stage against the same opponents, with a dominant victory over Mitchelstown. Conor McMahon produced a fine individual display scoring 1-2 in the finish. Having lost the Semi Final in 2021, they have come back stronger and made the final in 2022. Kilshannig will be hoping to make it to the Premier Intermediate grade next year also for the first time in their history.

 

The Referee for the game will be Canice Walsh (Nemo Rangers).

 

Tickets for the Bon Secours IAFC Final Aghabullogue v Kilshannig are available here https://www.universe.com/events/aghabullogue-v-kilshannig-iafc-bantry-blues-v-kanturk-pifc-final-tickets-74KTHG