Premier IFC: Naomh Abán take direct route to semis after win over Bandon
Naomh Aban's Eanna Ó Criodain holds possession as Mike Cahalane of Bandon closes in during Saturday's McCarthy Insurance Group Premier IFC game in Kilmichael. Picture: David Keane
Four first-half two-pointers laid the foundation for Naomh Abán to cruise into the semi-finals of the McCarthy Insurance Group Premier IFC.
At Kilmichael on Saturday evening, the Baile Bhúirne side briefly trailed after Mark Sugrue’s early 45 for Bandon travelled all the way to the net, but by half-time they were 0-11 to 1-2 to the good, a tally mined from seven scores as their long-distance accuracy stood to them.
The lead was extended further on the resumption and Darragh Ó Laoire’s goal on 38 minutes put to bed any doubts about the outcome and allowed the Gaeltacht outfit to tack on the points to ensure a top-two seeding and the quarter-final bypass that that confers.
Both Ó Laoire and Cork U20 star Ed Ó Mír had two orange flags each while the victors had seven different scorers in total. Orchestrating much of the attacking flow was the centre-forward play of Maidhcí Ó Duinnín, while a strong defence unit was led by captain Dara Ó Loingsigh.
Badon did get more purchase around the middle thanks to the early second-half introduction of Tim Twohig, who had been out injured since the end of the league, but overall they lacked the attacking incisiveness of their opponents and the Lilywhites must now contest the relegation play-off against Macroom.
While Ó Laoire’s early long-ranger put Naomh Abán two ahead, Bandon’s first sustained spell of possession yielded a 45. Sugrue’s effort dipped at the last second, providing confusion in the goalmouth, and the ball nestled in the net.
After Naomh Abán midfielder, Seán Ó Riordáin levelled, a Sugrue free on 16 minutes looked to be heading over for two points, but a vital touch by goalkeeper Eoghan Ó Luasa halved its value and the next seven minutes would see them land three two-pointers while Bandon only managing a Jack Cullinane point in reply.
The Carbery side forged a goal opening on 26 as Darren Crowley worked his way in from the right but his low shot was blocked by Ó Loingsigh, with Bandon appeals for a foot-block waved away, and a pair of beauties from Ó Mír sent Naomh Abán in leading by six.
Marc Ó Criod and Donal Ó Ceallaigh had them further ahead on the resumption and, when the kickout after the latter’s point was turned over, Ó Laoire collected possession 30 yards out and drove at the Bandon defence before producing a deft dummy and finish to the net – 1-13 to 1-2.
Sub Micheál Ó Liatháin, Ó Ceallaigh and Mír all pointed as they eased clear to solidify their seeding, though Bandon did not wilt either and Conor Calnan flashed a goal effort wide while Crowley had a two pointer as they finished well. However, the three-way tie of teams on two points in Group 1 meant they could not avoid the play-off.
D Ó Laoire 1-5 (2 2pt), E Ó Mír 0-7 (2 2pt), D Ó Ceallaigh 0-2, M Ó Criod, S Ó Riordáin, M Ó Duinnín (0-1 f), M Ó Liatháin 0-1 each.
M Sugrue 1-1 (1-0 45, 0-1 f), D Crowley (1 2pt), J Cullinane (0-1 f) 0-3 each.
E Ó Luasa; S Hendy, C Ó Deasúnaigh, C de Róiste; J Ó Donnchú, D Ó Loingsigh, É Ó Criodáin; S Ó Riordáin, C Ó Donnchú; M Ó Críod, M Ó Duinnín, D Ó Ceocháin; D Ó Ceallaigh, D Ó Laoire, E Ó Mír.
C de hÍde for Ó Criodáin, M Ó Liatháin for Ó Ceocháin (both 39), N Ó Ceallaigh for Ó Criod (44), W Mac Cárthaigh for de Róiste (48).
C McCarthy; E Twomey, B Crowley, E McSweeney; C Calnan, D O’Donovan, C Lynch; R Long, P Murphy; P Callanan, D Crowley, J Calnan; M Sugrue, M Cahalane, J Cullinane.
T Twohig for J Calnan (35), C Long for P Calnan (42), J Callanan for M Sugrue (52).
J Kelleher (St John’s).
App?
