PIFC: Macroom knocked off while Castletownbere can progress if they win last group game
Castletownbere's Fintan Fenner takes on Macroom's Michael Cronin (left) and Johnny Murphy. Picture: Eddie O'Hare
Castletownbere came away with a huge victory in Aughaville on Saturday night to keep their hopes of progressing in the PIFC alive.
However, for Macroom their interest in the knockout stages of the competition is over as even if they beat Kilshanning in the last group game, they can't catch the Beara side or Rockchapel.
Castletownbere, who have former Cork football boss Peadar Healy as part of their management ticket, now go into the last match with momentum, while Macroom, under Kerry legend Aidan O'Mahony's stewardship have lost back-to-back games and could be caught in a relegation playoff.
Macroom commenced well and got early points on the board through Cillian Donovan, Dylan Twomey and Eoin O’Mahony.
2010 All-Ireland winner Fintan Goold, who is based in America but still returns to tog out, then slotted over another Macroom point after 18 minutes.
Castletownbere then had a spell of attacking momentum and their return saw them grab points through James Harrington and Jack Hanley.
Macroom then went 0-5 to 0-2 ahead thanks to another Goold score, followed by a Sean Kiely effort.
Fintan Fenner responded for Castletownbere on the stroke of half-time but Macroom held the advantage: 0-6 to 0-3.
Fenner added another Castletownbere point in the early stages of the second half and they gained momentum. However, a lovely solo run down the middle by Macroom's John Murphy was rewarded with a well-taken point.
Castletownbere were continuing to charge forward with scores by Fenner and Hanley reducing the gap between the teams down to one at 0-7 to 0-6 with 47 minutes gone.
Mark Hunt got a much-needed point for Macroom on 52 minutes and it looked like they'd have enough to save their season.
When the chips were down Castletownbere showed their mettle and finished strongly.
Gary Murphy slotted over a placed ball on 54 minutes before impressive youngster Fenner levelled proceedings.
Castletownbere had all the momentum at this juncture and pushed on in the closing stages. They edged into the lead in the final minute of normal time, when Fenner landed another lovely score.
Hanley added another for Castletownbere in second-half stoppage time to put the seal on an absolutely vital victory.
The last group game is on September 14. Kilshanning are guaranteed to finish as group winners but will be hoping to beat Macroom to secure a top seeding and a semi-final place.
Castletownbere need to beat Rockchapel to come second and qualify, while a draw will do the Duhallow side on scoring difference.
Macroom are looking nervously over their shoulder in regards to the relegation final.
F Fenner 0-5 (0-3 f), J Hanley 0-3, G Murphy, J Harrington 0-1 each.
F Goold 0-2 (0-1 f), E O’Mahony, D Twomey, S Kiely (f), C Donovan, J Murphy, M Hunt 0-1 each.
D Fenton; D Hanley, D Dunne, J Rosales Harrington; J O’Neill, T Collins, S McCarthy; A O’Sullivan, O Byrne; J Hanley, F Fenner, M Orpen; J Harrington, T Murphy, L Kelly.
G Murphy for Orpen (35), O Murphy for McCarthy (41).
B O’Connell; G Angland, R Buckley, J Murphy: C Buckley, M Corrigan, D Creedon; C Donovan, C Dineen; S Kiely, M Cronin, E O’Leary; D Twomey, F Goold, E O’Mahony.
C Condon for Angland (3, inj), T Dineen for C Dineen (11, inj), M Hunt for O’Mahony, C O’Sullivan for Twomey (both 48).
Shane Scanlon (Newcestown).
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