Cork PIHC: Éire Óg beat Cloyne to avoid a relegation play-off

Éire Óg 3-14 Cloyne 0-15

Goals from Daniel Healy, Oisin O’Shea and Colm O’Callaghan ensured Éire Óg avoided a relegation playoff in the Co-Op Superstores Premier IHC as they defeated Cloyne by eight points in Mayfield on Sunday.

With two wins already secured from their two previous games, Cloyne knew they were assured of progress into the knockout stages as Group 1 winners although a win here would see them march straight into the semi-finals.

And in stark contrast, with two losses already suffered from their two previous games, Éire Óg knew they need a win here to have any chance of avoiding a potential drop in grades.

The men from Ovens started brightly but they hit seven of their eight first-half wides inside the opening quarter, although they would lead by the minimum by the 14th minute thanks to two quick points from their number 14 Colm O’Callaghan, 0-3 to 0-2.

The match truly sparked into life five minutes later when Daniel Healy drilled Eoin O’Shea’s clever handpass into the top right corner of the net.

Cloyne responded impressively and a brace of points from Brian O’Shea (one from a free), followed by a Noel Cahill score again put the minimum between the teams, 1-3 to 0-5.

Cloyne would now rue hitting too many wides as their five off-target strikes in the second quarter took their tally to nine for the half although Noel Cahill would continue to find his range to ensure his side only trailed by two at the break, 1-7 to 0-8.

Éire Óg would ultimately win the wide count 14-12 overall but a superb third quarter would also ensure they secured a much-needed victory on the scoreboard.

A sensational catch and finish from Oisin O’Shea followed by two monster points from distance by Eoin O’Shea and David Casey gave them a 2-13 to 0-10 lead by the 48th minute.

Cloyne captain Brian O’Shea led the fight for his side as he struck four points without reply (one from play) while he also saw a thunderous drive saved by goalkeeper Cathal Sheehan, who made a number of excellent stops throughout the contest.

But it wasn’t enough for Cloyne and a brilliant individual run and finish to the net from Colm O’Callaghan in injury time ensured Éire Óg claimed an important triumph.

Scorers for Éire Óg: C O’Callaghan and O O’Shea (1-2 each), E O’Shea (0-5, 3f), D Healy (1-0), D Casey (0-2), C McGoldrick, K Hallissey, D Foley (0-1 each).

Cloyne: B O’Shea (0-8, 5f, 1 65), N Cahill (0-4), C Mullins, M Cahill, J O’Brien (0-1 each).

ÉIRE ÓG: C Sheehan; D Herlihy, M Kelleher, D McCarthy; D Dineen, C McGoldrick, M Brady; D Clifford, J Galvin; K Hallissey, D Foley, E O’Shea; D Healy, C O’Callaghan, O O’Shea.

Subs: D Casey for D Healy (24), J Kelleher for D Foley (51), D Foley for E O’Shea (62).

CLOYNE: D Cronin; J Sherlock, J Hallahan, A Sherlock; Eoin Motherway, P O’Sullivan, C Mullins; D Byrne, A Walsh; C Cahill, B O’Shea, N Cahill; M Cahill, S Beausang, B Walsh.

Subs: J O’Brien for C Cahill (29), Eanna Motherway for S Beausang (39), K Dennehy for A Walsh (39), B Minihane for M Cahill (44), I Farmer for B Walsh (51).

Referee: Alan O’Connor (Ballygarvan).