Kanturk edge out Dohenys in high-scoring Senior A football opener
Kanturk's Tommy Walsh is tackled by Dohenys' captain Keith White. Picture: Denis Boyle
Kanturk secured the victory over Dohenys following this tightly contested McCarthy Insurance SAFC group stage contest played in Macroom on Friday night.
This was set up to be an intriguing contest from the outset, with both Dohenys and Kanturk harbouring strong aspirations of securing the silverware and promotion to the top table of club football in Cork.
It duly delivered on that front in what was a captivating battle from the outset and one which indicates both teams could have a significant say in this particular championship.
Kanturk, who went the distance with eventual SAFC champions Newcestown at the quarter-final stages last year, entered the championship off the back of Division 3 success. They got the opening score of the game thanks to Daniel O'Connell. This was followed by a Grantas Bucinskas free.
Dohenys, runners-up in this particular championship last year, opened their scoring account with Keith White, Fionn Herlihy and Rhys Coakley all slotting over pointed scores.
During what was a closely contested opening quarter, Dohenys edged in front with a Gavin Farr free to lead 0-5 to 0-4 after 15 minutes.
Paul Walsh then levelled up proceedings for Kanturk. At this particular juncture of the contest Dohenys had a purple patch, where were lovey scores from play by Farr and Coakley.
Kanturk added further scores courtesy of Bucinskasut at the break, Dohenys held the advantage 0-9 to 0-7.
Kanturk levelled proceedings up early into the second half through points from Bucinskas and Paul Walsh. That was before another lovely point from Coakley edged Dohenys back in front.
Kanturk kept this contest right in the melting pot going right into the latter stages, with Ian Walsh proving an influential scoring force for Kanturk over the second half.
As the game went into the closing stages, Kanturk hit the front with the finishing line in sight. Cian Clernon added to the Kanturk scoring tally, with that man Ian Walsh also slotting over to rubberstamp the victory for this Kanturk side. It was a fitting conclusion to what was an intriguing duel.
Next up in championship action for Dohenys is a meeting with Fermoy on August 17. The same weekend sees Kanturk facing off in a dual against O’Donovan Rossa.
G Bucinskas 0-8 (0-5 f), I Walsh 0-4, P Walsh 0-3, D O’Connell, C Clernon 0-1 each.
R Coakley 0-6 (0-2 f, 0-1 45), K White 0-5 (0-2 f), G Farr 0-3 (0-2 f), F Herlihy 0-1.
J Fullerton; J McLoughlin, R Walsh, T Walsh; B O’Sullivan, M Healy, L O’Neill; Alan Walsh, Aidan Walsh; D O’Connell, C Clernon, P Walsh; G Bucinskas, C Walsh, L McLaughlin.
I Walsh for C Walsh (32), C Mullane for O’Connell (60).
S Daly; D Rice, E Lavers, J Farrell; D Collins, C Barry, C Daly; A O’Donovan, R Coakley; B Murphy, F Herlihy, S Barry; K White, G Farr, B O’Donovan.
D Collins for Barry (47), P Crowley for Farr (56).
John Ryan (Macroom).
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