Football: The final Team of the Week as championships conclude
Brian Hurley of Castlehaven in action against Briain Murphy and Kevin Fulignati of Nemo Rangers during the Cork County Premier Senior Club Football Championship final match between Castlehaven and Nemo Rangers at Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Cork. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
WITH the Premier Senior, Premier Intermediate and Premier Junior football championships all concluding this weekend with three tight and tense finals, here’s the final team of the week for 2023.
The reception for the team of the week has been great across both codes all year, and it’s something we’ll certainly continue next season.
Though coming out on the losing side after an intense and hard-fought duel with Castlehaven, Micheál Aodh was excellent with his kickouts and played his part for Nemo, highlighting why he’s John Cleary’s first choice.
Colm was excellent in Cill na Martra’s narrow win over Bantry, working hard at the back and doing well whenever he ventured forward. Though it was a big team performance from the Gaeltacht club, he stood out, as he has done this season.
Damien has had a very impressive season in blue and white and was a stalwart at the back again in their final victory over Nemo. He put in a great shift and helped carry the ball forward, as they held possession for long periods of the game.
Despite their defeat, Bantry and Seth put in an incredible performance and were certainly the best of the losing teams this weekend. His block on Dan Ó Duinnín was huge – and on another day would have been the difference between the teams.
The Barrs captain was brilliant against Kilmurry as they managed to win by a point, with his performance at wing back standing out. He even managed to point from play.
Though lining out at wing-back, Mark Óg was on form for Bantry and very impressive in defence. As one of their standout players, he will certainly be key next season as they look to make amends after suffering two PIFC final defeats in a row.
Ó Fóirréidh was superb for Cill na Marta, defending well and was again key as they looked to go forward with the ball at every opportunity.
Ciaran scored one of St Finbarr’s three goals, with his green flag coming at the perfect time in the second half. He was instrumental throughout, and as a creator, he was superb. Doolan was the maestro behind several of their best chances.
Playing in midfield, Conor was excellent for the Haven. Though he didn’t manage to raise a flag of any kind, Cahalane was a key factor in the success of the west Cork outfit’s keep-ball.
Though on the losing side, Liam was excellent for Kilmurry. He scored five points from play and was undoubtedly their best forward on the day. His shooting was on point, but so was his build up play.
Lining out on the wing, Denis’ strong showing saw him score two points overall, with one from a free. It was his passing and creativity that stood out, and why he makes the team this week.
The 48th minute substitute changed the game for Martra, coming on at a time when they were on the back foot and second best to Bantry. Three points down, Shane pulled up with three scores, all from play as they edged it by a point deep into injury time.
Awarded man of the match despite being on the losing side, Coakley was superb. He scored 1-6 overall, with three frees in total. He’s had an excellent season and stepped up when it mattered in their biggest game.
Lining out in the corner, Michael was exceptional for Castlehaven. The former Cork senior was the difference between the sides on a day where they were so difficult to separate, and should definitely be involved in the inter-county setup next season.
On a day where each of the Ó Duinnín’s shone, Maidhcí was arguably the best. Scoring 1-2 from play, the corner forward was superb going forward in terms of passing and shooting as they narrowly edged Bantry.
Cillian O’Brien (Bantry Blues) 0-1
Seanie O’Leary (Bantry Blues) 0-1
Daniel Ó Duinnín (Cill na Martra) 1-1
Sean Warren (Kilmurry) 1-2 (0-1f)
Brian Hurley (Castlehaven) 0-5 (0-3 f 0-1 m)
Cian Madden (St Finbarr’s) 1-0
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