Clonakilty's Division 1 FL campaign ended in defeat, but signs are promising
Clonakilty's Darragh Gough shoots over a point from St. Finbarrs' Eoin Hurley during the McCarthy Insurance Group FL division 1 game at Clonakilty. Picture: Eddie O'Hare
The conclusion of the league will come as a disappointment for Clonakilty. They let a six-point lead slip in the final and were ultimately edged out in extra time. Still, there’s plenty of encouragement to be taken from their campaign. They’ve had an excellent season so far and should head into this year’s championship with quiet confidence.
Of the top two teams in this year’s Division 1 Football League – Clonakilty and St Finbarr’s – it was Clon who stood out in attack. Across ten games, they scored 18 goals and 209 points, finishing well clear of the rest of the field.
Conor Daly and Luke Griffin led the way in front of goal, hitting five and six respectively. But they weren’t alone – Darragh Gough and Dara Ó Sé also contributed heavily, with a wide spread of scorers throughout the squad pointing to just how much this group has evolved in recent seasons.
They’ve gone from being ‘best of the rest’ to becoming genuine contenders. Their ambition this year will be nothing short of challenging for the county title – and their form so far backs that up.
Despite being the form team for most of the league, the finish will sting. They were slightly fortunate to earn a draw against Castlehaven in the final round – a result that ultimately saw them through to the decider.
In the final itself, they did plenty right. Clon controlled possession for long spells and used their third-quarter dominance to great effect. But they’ll be frustrated at how the game slipped away in the closing stages – both in normal time and in extra time.
With St Finbarr’s up first in the championship, there are valuable lessons to be taken from the defeat – particularly around game management when holding a lead.
And the chance to go out and avenge it.
Last year’s exit to Nemo Rangers on penalties will have felt premature. But with solid league form and key players performing well, Clonakilty will feel better prepared this time around.
Defensively, Tom Clancy and Chris Kenneally were excellent against the Barrs, while Ben Ridgeway has been as consistent as ever in midfield. Maurice Shanley returned for the final and looked sharp – the Cork senior will be a central figure as the season progresses.
Further upfield, Ross Mannix and Sean McEvoy have impressed at half forward, combining for 2-15 across the campaign. While Des Kenneally was the only minor to make the step up this year, that sense of continuity could serve them well.
Their group – featuring the Barrs, Carbery Rangers, and Carrigaline – is far from straightforward. But based on current form, Clonakilty are as likely as anyone to top it.
Conor Daly 5-33 (0-12 f, 0-1 45), Luke Griffin 6-10, Dara Ó Sé 0-27 (1 tp, 2 tpf, 0-5 f), Darragh Gough 3-17 (1 tp, 1 tpf, 0-2 f), Sean McEvoy 1-8, Ross Mannix 1-7, Brian White 0-8 (2 tp, 0-1), Sean White 0-7 (0-1 f), Chris Kenneally 1-5, Thomas Clancy 0-7 (1 tp), David Lowney 0-6, Ben Ridgeway 0-5, James Campbell 1-2, Liam O'Donovan 0-4, Jonathan Leahy 0-3, Mark White 0-3 45, Fergal Murphy 0-2, Conor Ustianowski 0-1.
Conor Daly, Luke Griffin, Darragh Gough, Dara Ó Sé, Brian White, Sean White, Sean McEvoy, Chris Kenneally, Thomas Clancy, David Lowney, Liam O'Donovan, Ben Ridgeway, Ross Mannix, Jonathan Leahy, Fergal Murphy, Mark White, David O'Sullivan, Dan Peet, Dan Darragh, Jack O'Mahony, Cian O'Donovan, Aaron Cullinane, Cian Ryan, Martin Scally, James O'Brien, Conor O'Callaghan, Conor Ustianowski, Des Kenneally, Killian White, James Campbell, Maurice Shanley.
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