Premier JFC: Return of Darragh Cashman could make all the difference for Millstreet

It never is dull when it comes to the Millstreet footballers and this weekend is expected to be no different.

On what is going to be undoubtedly a tense few hours, Millstreet will have to stand up and make themselves count.

Tomorrow evening is the final day of the group stages in the McCarthy Insurance Group Premier JFC, and yes Millstreet are at this level, the fifth grade of Cork football. Despite all their history and tradition, including winning the SFC title on Leeside back in 1948 and runners-up on three occasions with the last time coming in 1956, it has counted for very little over the last few years for Millstreet.

They finished bottom of their respective group in the IAFC in 2022, which meant demotion as part of the restructuring of the grades with the new Premier Junior football grade now in its second championship season.

A quick glance at the three respective groups in the Premier JFC ahead of tomorrow evening’s final group stage matches and Millstreet are in trouble. Bottom of Group 3, no points, and with the worst scoring difference of -15 compared to the other teams with zero points. St James’ in Group 1 and Ballydesmond in Group 2 are also pointless with the exact same scoring difference of -7.

Millstreet take on St Nick’s tomorrow in Mourneabbey at 7.30pm. A must win.

At this moment in time, Millstreet are favourites to be the first team to fall into the relegation play-off this season. It most certainly should be said that injuries have played a part in their struggles in this championship so far. Cork senior footballer Darragh Cashman has missed the previous two group games, but played the full 60 minutes and the six minutes added time in Duhallow’s 3-13 to 2-15 loss to Muskerry in the Premier SFC divisions/colleges final two weeks ago. Cashman was outstanding in his wing-back position and also chipped in with three points.

Former Cork senior footballer Kevin Crowley has also been absent due to an injury. He has a 50/50 chance of playing tomorrow for Millstreet. Those two players that have just been mentioned played a crucial part in their side’s victory over Kinsale last year in the final group stage game.

That was another game where the Millstreet faithful went through every emotion. The task was clear, win and the team in green and gold would book a knockout place. They did get there in the end on a scoreline of 1-16 to 2-11. Millstreet led by seven points early in the second half, but it was level with five minutes remaining. The eventual winners held their nerve to prevail.

It would end in disappointment when they lost to Urhan by two points in the quarter-final, but despite their current predicament, there’s still a chance of Millstreet reaching second spot and in the process qualifying for the business end.

First of all, they must beat St Nick’s, and hope a strong Buttevant side comfortably defeat Urhan. Three teams would then be level on two points apiece in the shape of Urhan, St Nick’s and Millstreet. Scoring difference will then come into play. At the moment, Urhan have -2, St Nick’s are at -18 and Millstreet with -15.

It wouldn’t be beyond the realms of possibility if Millstreet did manage to sneak into second spot. The return of Cashman could make all the difference.