Carrigaline prove too good for Nemo in Division 1 Football League decider

Carrigaline: 0-10 

Nemo Rangers: 0-8 

Carrigaline have been crowned McCarthy Insurance Group Division 1 Football League champions for the first time after a deserved win over Nemo Rangers at Shanbally on Friday evening.

A mighty win for Michael Meaney’s charges in what was an excellent team performance in this final. Considering they are a senior A football side after getting demoted from the top tier last season, they have shown all the characteristics required not just in this game but so far this season to have a memorable campaign this year.

Carrigaline’s defence was resolute, which played a key part in securing this win, nullifying Nemo’s forwards.

This is Nemo’s third successive defeat in a decider in all competitions and they can have no complaints about the result here. They were too reliant on Cork senior footballer Mark Cronin, and never looked like getting a goal in the closing stages when they required one.

On what was a difficult evening for football, with heavy rain for the most part, Carrigaline were aided by a slight wind in the first half, but it was Nemo who made the better start and were awarded a penalty after three minutes.

Niall Quirke fouled Steven Cronin in the square, Paul Kerrigan stepped up, but Carrigaline goalkeeper Seán Mellett guessed the right way, a fabulous save.

Carrigaline, who had Cork senior footballer Brian O’Driscoll at their disposal for the first time since transferring from Tadhg MacCarthaigh, hit the first score after seven minutes through a Éanna Desmond free but two minutes later Mark Cronin drew Nemo level, a brilliant long range free.

The sides traded white flags in what was a low key start, 0-2 each after 19 minutes. The weather conditions and slippery pitch didn’t help but with both sides playing defensive, scores were always going to be hard to come by.

Points from Jack McCarthy and Niall Coakley pushed the team in blue and yellow two clear with five minutes to the break.

Robbie O’Dwyer’s outfit were struggling to create chances whereas Carrigaline were the opposite, a pair of Kevin O’Reilly efforts, one which a mark, gave Carrigaline a healthy advantage.

Cronin did tack on a free for the Trabeg side but it was Carrigaline who went into the dressing room the happier as they led 0-6 to 0-3.

On the resumption, with Nemo Rangers now aided by the slight wind as the weather deteriorated, it was Carrigaline who continued to be in the ascendancy. Desmond pointed for them before Cronin got Nemo’s first point from play after 35 minutes.

The sides exchanged points as Carrigaline led 0-8 to 0-5 after 40 minutes. A Desmond free extended Carrigaline’s advantage. The teams once more swapped white flags and with five minutes remaining, Carrigaline were looking good. Gary Sayers did reduce the gap down to a goal followed by a Cronin effort, 0-10 to 0-8, but Carrigaline remained strong.

Carrigaline take home the silverware, disappointment for Nemo, as attention will quickly turn to their respective championships with the opening group game in three weeks time.

Scorers for Carrigaline: E Desmond 0-5 (0-3 f), K O’Reilly 0-2 (0-1 m), K Kavanagh, J McCarthy, N Coakley 0-1 each.

Nemo Rangers: M Cronin 0-5 (0-3 f), S Cronin, A O’Donovan, G Sayers 0-1 each.

CARRIGALINE: S Mellett; N Quirke, I Sheerin, D King; K Kavanagh, C O’Herlihy, J McCarthy (capt); D Greene, C Barry; A Cohalan, B Coakley, B O’Driscoll; K O’Reilly, N Coakley, E Desmond.

Subs: D Griffin for C Barry (46), N O’Keeffe for D Greene (52).

NEMO RANGERS: M Aodh Martin; E Nation, C McCartan, A Cronin; S Cronin, K Fulignati, L Horgan; A O’Donovan (capt), B Cripps; R Corkery, J Coogan, O Whyte; G Sayers, M Cronin, P Kerrigan.

Subs: C Kiely for J Coogan (h-t).

Referee: John Ryan (Macroom).