Seán O'Sullivan emerges as Kiskeam saviour with last-gasp two-pointer against Macroom

Cracking PIFC clash leaves both clubs still in with a chance to qualify
Seán O'Sullivan emerges as Kiskeam saviour with last-gasp two-pointer against Macroom

Kiskeam's Adrian Carroll and Macroom's Cillian Donovan compete in the air during their Premier IFC clash at Dromtarriffe. Picture: David Keane.

Macroom 0-15 (0-3-9) Kiskeam 0-15 (0-3-9) 

A cracking McCarthy Insurance Group Premier IFC clash ended all square with Kiskeam mounting a late rally to force a draw with Macroom at Dromtariffe on Saturday evening.

Both sides incurred losses in round one and this was a captivating encounter that made for compelling viewing. Kiskeam's doggedness yielded the closing five points, including a 62nd-minute two-pointer from Kiskeam sharpshooter Seán O’Sullivan.

Kiskeam signalled their intent from the off, grabbing the opening four points. Taking time to settle, Macroom waited until the 10th minute to open their account from an Alan Quinn free, before he added a massive two-pointer.

Macroom keeper Declan Kiel pulled off a brilliant save from Seán Meehan, Quinn added to his tally to trim the deficit 0-5 to 0-4 at the close of the closing quarter. Kiskeam might well have goaled again, Gene Casey denied by the post, the ball transferred downfield for Pa Lucey to kick a two-point free.

A spate of wides undid good outfield by both sides, again Kiely came to Macroom's rescue with a save from Adrian Carroll. Macroom looked sharper, Lucey pointed a 45 for a 0-7 to 0-5 advantage at half time.

 Macroom's Michael Cronin tries to get away from Kiskeam's Kieran O'Connor. Picture: David Keane.
Macroom's Michael Cronin tries to get away from Kiskeam's Kieran O'Connor. Picture: David Keane.

On the restart, Macroom increased the tempo, enjoying stellar performances from Cillian Donovan, Caleb Dineen, Seán Kiely and Eolan O’Leary. Mounting a series of raids saw Lucey oblige with a two-pointer with Fintan Goold and subs Don Creedon bisecting the uprights to hold a 0-12 to 0-6 grip. 

Thomas Casey hit woodwork for Kiskeam, a hint of what was to come, followed by two-point frees from Seán O’Sullivan and Paul O’Callaghan to leave two between the sides.

Macroom weren’t found wanting though. A sweeping move from defence to attack saw a goal by Lucey disallowed for a square infringement. After missing chances, Macroom added to their tally with points from Kiely, Caleb Dineen and Quinn.

Trailing by five, Kiskeam weren’t quite ready to surrender, encouraged by the introduction of fresh legs O’Callaghan and Daire Murphy. Points in quick succession left two between the teams before O’Sullivan squared up the contest with the late two-point free.

Both Macroom and Kiskeam register their first point in the group, before facing Iveleary and Castletownbere respectively in the concluding games.

Scorers for Macroom: P Lucey 0-5 (2 tpf, 0-1 45), A Quinn 0-5 (0-2 f, 1 tp), D Creedon 0-2, F Goold, S Kiely, C Dineen 0-1 each.

Kiskeam: S O’Sullivan 0-7 (2 tpf, 0-2 f), T Casey 0-3, P O’Callaghan 0-3 (1 tpf), D Fitzgerald, M Herlihy 0-1 each.

MACROOM: D Kiely; M Cronin, R Buckley, J Murphy; P Farrell, M Corrigan, S Meaney; T Dineen, C Donovan; S Kiely, A Quinn, E O’Leary; F Goold, C Dineen, P Lucey. 

Subs: D Creedon for M Cronn (ht), C Buckley for P Farrell (46), M Condon for S Meaney (53).

KISKEAM: B Daly; J O’Connor, Mike Casey, J Daly; S Meehan, A J O’Connor, K O’Connor; A Carroll, G Casey; D Fitzgerald, M Herlihy, Maurice Casey; S O’Sullivan, D Scannell, T Casey. 

Subs: P O’Callaghan for Maurice Casey (41), S O’Riordan for D Scannell (43), D Murphy for J Daly (43), A Dennehy for M Herlihy (57).

Referee: Aidan Hyland (Kilworth).

more Cork GAA articles

Aghinagh survive scare from Éire Óg to reach Mid Cork final Aghinagh survive scare from Éire Óg to reach Mid Cork final
Dublin v Tyrone - GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship Final Conor Lane to referee Cork Premier SFC final
Denis Reen on Cork football: It's too comfortable of a set-up, the sleeping giant needs to be awoken Denis Reen on Cork football: It's too comfortable of a set-up, the sleeping giant needs to be awoken

More in this section

Castlemagner fancied to complete three in a row  Castlemagner fancied to complete three in a row 
Cork legend Juliet Murphy to be inducted into the LGFA Hall of Fame Cork legend Juliet Murphy to be inducted into the LGFA Hall of Fame
Aghinagh survive scare from Éire Óg to reach Mid Cork final Aghinagh survive scare from Éire Óg to reach Mid Cork final

Sponsored Content

Want to know what Budget 2026 means for you and your pocket? Use KPMG's Budget calculator Want to know what Budget 2026 means for you and your pocket? Use KPMG's Budget calculator
Absolute Property – Over a quarter century of property expertise Absolute Property – Over a quarter century of property expertise
Stay Radisson: Stay Sligo, Limerick, Athlone and Cork Stay Radisson: Stay Sligo, Limerick, Athlone and Cork
Contact Us Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited

Add Echolive.ie to your home screen - easy access to Cork news, views, sport and more