PIFC: Iveleary manager Barry Oldham relieved to get over Naomh Abán with Cill na Martra next up in the last eight

IVELEARY secured bragging rights and progression to the knockout stages of the Bon Secours Hospital PIFC last Saturday evening following a hard-fought win over Muskerry rivals Naomh Abán at Carrigadrohid.

This was a winner-takes-all encounter and it was finely poised with 18 minutes remaining with Iveleary ahead, 0-6 to 0-5. Goals from Daniel O’Donovan and Chris Óg Jones in the 42nd and 46th minutes respectively proved crucial as Iveleary won 2-9 to 0-10. Éadbhard Ó Mír once again impressed for Naomh Abán as he finished up with five points, three coming from frees, but the Ballyvourney team struggled to get their other key forwards into the game.

Iveleary’s reward for beating Naomh Abán is a quarter-final meeting with another fellow Muskerry outfit in the shape of Cill na Martra. Iveleary’s delighted manager Barry Oldham was pleased to get over the line as they look to improve on last year’s semi-final appearance where they were beaten by Bantry Blues. 

“That was nerve wracking, but we are through and that is what it’s all about,” says Oldham.

“I suppose every team has two aims at the start of the season, first and foremost is to qualify out of the group and then when you are in the knockout stages, you want to win the county and we are no different. We always knew this evening would be a very tight battle, it wasn’t a classic, but that doesn’t matter now. I thought our backs were brilliant. Joe Creedon’s kick outs were outstanding, the midfielders Ciarán O’Riordan and Conor O’Leary won their battles and up front Chris Óg Jones and Cathal Vaughan were on song.

“It was a brilliant performance, just relieved we have come out on the right side. Naomh Abán were very defensive especially in the first-half, but we gradually got to grips with it as the game went on. Credit to Naomh Abán though, they have improved big time this season and they will be a force over the next few years.” 

After defeat to Bantry Blues in the opening game of the group-stages, questions were asked of the Inchigeela side, but they have responded to beat fellow Muskerry sides Macroom and Iveleary. Oldham has praised his charges character.

“We were bitterly disappointed to lose out to Bantry Blues first day out, and we knew we had to win the final two games to qualify. Two massive Muskerry derbies with huge pressure and our lads have come up triumphs. It’s largely a young team with a few experienced guys. They have shown unbelievable character.” 

A quarter-final showdown with Cill na Martra is a mouthwatering prospect for Iveleary and one that Oldham is very much looking forward to.

“I just saw online about two minutes ago that we are playing Cill na Martra, another big Mid-Cork derby. Cill na Martra are favourites for the county so it will be a massive challenge. We will have to be at our very best just to match them.”