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

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.

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).