Cork footballer Eoghan McSweeney strikes late for Knocknagree against Béal Ath’n Ghaorthaidh

Knocknagree 2-9 Béal Ath’n Ghaorthaidh 2-9

A PRICELESS goal from county panelist Eoghan McSweeney five minutes into injury time rescued the hosts a share of the spoils in a thrilling McCarthy Insurance FL Division 2 tie.

Just when it seemed the clock had run out for Knocknagree, a barnstorming attack saw McSweeney deliver a powerful blast to the net. Minutes earlier Béal Ath’n had temporally weathered a Knocknagree storm that reduced a six-point deficit to the minimum only for the accurate Conchúir Ó Loinsigh post back-to-back points for the Gaeltacht side.

However Knocknagree had the closing say, a crossfield ball from James Dennehy was gathered by Denis O’Connor to place the onrunning McSweeney to finish with aplomb. Despite the incessant rain, a cracking contest developed, Knocknagree hit the front thanks to a fine goal from David O’Connor.

Béal Ath’n warmed to the challenge through the sharper instincts of Eanna Ó Duinnín, Nollaig Ó Laoire and Cian Ó Duinnin. Upfront Diarmuid Mac Thomáis held the pace and poise to torment the home rearguard, confirmed on a move instigated by Darren Ó Coill saw Ó Laoire set up the livewire corner-forward for a peach of a goal.

Follow-up points from Liam Ó Criodáin and Mac Thomáis helped Béal A’than enjoy a 1-6 to 1-4 advantage at the break. The visitors grabbed the reins on the changeover, their prospects enhanced from a penalty converted by Ó Loinsigh to extend their position to six points.

Knocknagree attempted a recovery through the grafting of midfielders David O’Connor and Tadc O’Mahony. However, missed chances from play and frees limited their impact before McSweeney found the radar with four pointed frees.

The response from Béal Ath’n was excellent, sweeping movement up the field yielded a pair of smashing points from Ó Loinsigh. In a welter of excitement, Knocknagree refused to throw in the towel, county man McSweeney rightly place to rifle home the equalizing goal.

Scorers for Knocknagree: E McSweeney 1-5 (0-4 f), David O’Connor 1-1, Denis O’Connor (f), N O’Connor, M Mahoney 0-1 each.

Béal Ath’n Ghaorthaidh: D Mac Thomáis 1-3 (0-1 f), C Ó Loinsigh 1-3 (1-0 pen, 0-1 f), N Ó Laoire, L O’Cr iodáin, L Ó Seartan (f) 0-1 each.

KNOCKNAGREE: P Doyle; T O’Connor, D Mahoney, G O’Connor; D Moynihan, K Buckley, M Mahoney; T O’Mahony, David O’Connor; J Dennehy, Denis O’Connor, E McSweeney; C White, P O’Connor, N O’Connor. 

Subs: NF O’Connor, D Twomey.

BÉAL ÁTH’N GHAORTHAIDH: D Ó Coill; C Ó Nunáin, B Ó hArgáin, S Ó Donnchú; G Ó Laoire, E Ó Duinnín, N Ó Laoire; C Ó Tuama, S Ó Luasa; L Ó Criodáin, C Ó Loinsigh, C Ó Duinnín; D Mac Thomais, D Seartan, D Ó Ceallacháin. 

Subs: D Ó Brian, L O Seartan, G Ó Loinsigh.

Referee: J Kelleher (St John’s).