Cill na Martra continuing to flourish in Division 1 FL

When the league divisions were restructured in Cork hurling and football ahead of the 2023 season, Cill na Martra were placed in Division 1. For a Premier Intermediate club, it felt like a stretch.

Three years on, and it’s been anything but.

Not only have Cill na Martra held their own in Division 1 – they’ve established themselves. In 2023, they finished fifth with 10 points. In 2024, they climbed to fourth with 11. This season, they’ve returned to fifth with nine points, their lowest tally, but still comfortably above any relegation danger.

Their sustained presence at the top table has fed directly into their championship momentum. They captured the Premier Intermediate title in 2023, culminating in a thrilling final win over Bantry that sealed their rise to Senior A.

Their debut campaign at that level ended in a quarter-final defeat to Dohenys, but even that felt like progress. And heading into this year's championship, there’s every reason to believe they can go one step further.

The league form has been impressive. Cill na Martra are known for their positive, attacking football, and the implementation of new rules has only helped them double down on that identity. They scored 115 points last year – third only to Nemo Rangers and Carrigaline – and have gone even better this time around, registering 151 points, with only Clonakilty ahead of them.

COLLECTIVE STRENGTH

They’ve had 15 different scorers across the campaign, with no single player dominating the tally sheet, a testament to their collective strength.

Jason Mac Cárthaigh has led the scoring from frees, while Shane Ó Duinnín has proven to be their most dangerous goal threat with five to his name. Micheál Ó Deasúna has been the go-to man for orange flags, and defender Seán Ó Foirreidh has chipped in superbly with 2-13 (2 tp).

They’ve also integrated fresh blood. Adam Ó Duinnín, Jack Ó Loingsigh and Dara Ó Súilleabháin have all stepped up from last year’s minor team, as part of a total of 28 players used across the league — evidence of both depth and trust in youth.

And while marquee forward Dan Ó Duinnín has had limited minutes, there’s a strong sense that he — and the team — are timing their run perfectly for the championship.

They’ll fancy their chances in a group with Knocknagree, Clyda Rovers and Fermoy. And with another year of Division 1 football under their belt, they’ll be more than prepared for it.

Players used (28): Jason Mac Cárthaigh Shane Ó Duinnín, Micheál Ó Deasúna, Seán Ó Foirréidh, Ciarán Ó Duinnín, Antaine Ó Loingsigh, Maidhcí Ó Duinnín, Danny Ó Conaill, Eoin Ó Conaill, Gearóid Ó Goillidhe, Críostóir Ó Meachair, Daniel Ó Duinnín, Antóin Ó Cuana, Damien Ó hUrdail, Dean Mac Cárthaigh, Finnén Ó Faoláin, Tadhg Ó Corcora, Micheál Ó Cathasaigh, Ciarán Ó Foirréidh, Donagh Ó Buachalla, Seán Ó Loingsigh, Seán Ó Céilleachair, Adam Ó Duinnín, Jack Ó Loingsigh (m), Arran Ó hUidhir, Luke Ó Leighin, Dara Ó Súilleabháin (m), Donagh Ó Tuama.

Scorers for Cill na Martra (15): Jason Mac Cárthaigh 0-34 (1 tp, 4 tpf, 0-22 f), Shane Ó Duinnín 5-13, Micheál Ó Deasúna 1-18 (1-0 pen, 3 tp, 4 tpf, 0-1 f, 0-1 45), Seán Ó Foirreidh 2-13 (2 tp), Ciarán Ó Duinnín 2-10, Antóin Ó Loingshigh 0-6 (2 tp), Ciarán Ó Foirréidh 1-2, Damien Ó hUrdail 1-2, Maidhcí Ó Duinnín 0-4 (2 tp), Danny Ó Conaill 0-4, Dan Ó Duinnín 0-3 (1 tp), Eoin Ó Conaill 0-2, Críostóir Ó Meachair 0-2, Gearoid Ó Goilléidh 0-1, Antóin Ó Cuana 0-1.