The top scorers from the 2023 SAFC 

THE competitive Bon Secours Hospital SAFC was won by Newcestown in 2023 as they recovered from top flight demotion the year before in perfect style.

As was mentioned in last Tuesday’s paper, Newcestown’s David Buckley finished as top scorer in the championship with 0-37 (0-20 f). The powerful forward was comfortably out in front as he was an ever present in Newcestown’s six championship games this season. But, who else finished in the top ten with regards the top scorers?

Knocknagree ‘s Anthony O’Connor is in second position as the forward ended up with 2-22 (0-18 f, 0-1 mark, 0-1 45), as the Duhallow side fell at the semi-final stage to Dohenys. O’Connor has been an outstanding servant for his club and it’s no surprise that he’s up there in the scoring charts. But, considering where he has come from over the last few years battling a serious injury that very nearly ended his playing career, it’s fantastic that he was in such fantastic form in 2023.

Fermoy played four championship outings as they ended up in the relegation playoff, eventually beating Ilen Rovers on a scoreline of 0-10 to 0-4 to preserve their status. David Lardner is in third after kicking 0-22 (0-13 f, 0-1 mark).

There are two players tied in fourth position, Dohenys' marksman Colm O’Shea scored 0-21 (0-14 f), as they lost the final to their West Cork rivals Newcestown. Kanturk are another team who lost to Newcestown, the Duhallow side losing out on penalties at the quarter-final stage. Ian Walsh a consistent performer for Kanturk finished up with 1-18 with only five points coming from frees.

Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaidh’s Ben Shorten was in sixth place with the experienced forward landing 1-17, four white flags from dead balls as Béal Átha'n Ghaorthaidh's interest ended at the hands of Knocknagree at the quarter-final juncture. Dohenys' Keith White was an impressive performer for his side in their five championship matches as he kicked 2-11 with just a single point coming from a free. White raised three white flags, all from play, in the 0-13 to 0-8 final defeat to Newcestown.

Kiskeam had a difficult season, suffering relegation from the top flight of the league and also finishing bottom of their championship group stage, not helped by the absence of their star man and Cork senior footballer Seán Meehan who was sidelined due to an injury. Thomas Casey did finish eight in the scoring charts with the latter finishing up with 2-10 (0-3 f, 0-1 45).

There were two players tied in ninth kicking 0-15 each. Dohenys' Fionn Herlihy landed all of his points from play, while Hugh O’Connor of Newmarket ended up with ten white flags from frees, as the Duhallow side made it to the semi-final losing out to Newcestown. A big step forward for Newmarket after being dragged into the relegation playoff in 2022.