Premier SFC: Castlehaven and St Finbarr's renew rivalry this weekend
St Finbarr's John Wigginton-Barrett surrounded by Castlehaven's Johnny O'Regan, Thomás O'Mahony, Jamie Walsh, Jamie O'Driscoll and Mark Collins last year. Picture: Eddie O'Hare
For the last number of years, it was just inevitable that Castlehaven and St Finbarr’s would meet at the semi-final juncture of the Cork Premier SFC.
The two powerhouses of football on Leeside met in 2020, ’21, ’22, ’23 and ’24. Remarkably all at the last four stage.
So, it’s somewhat surprising that they will meet in the quarter-finals on Sunday in Clonakilty at 3pm.
What started out five years ago under the lights in Páirc Uí Rinn during those dark days of covid has reignited a rivalry between the respective clubs.
Despite the great efforts of Steven Sherlock, who kicked 1-9 over the course of normal time and extra time, Castlehaven kept with their opposition driven on by the likes of Brian Hurley, Mark Collins and Conor Cahalane.
It went to the lottery of penalties where Cillian Myers-Murray saw his effort come back off the post presenting the chance for Collins to be the hero. He made no mistake.
The following day, the country went into shutdown once more as covid cases soared. Castlehaven would eventually lose to Nemo Rangers in the final when the game was played the following summer.
Out of all the games in recent years between the respective teams, the 2021 meeting stands head and shoulders above the rest.
It was an absolute classic. The game swung so many times, it was fairly predictable that it would go the distance once more.
St Finbarr’s did lead by a goal at the break before the Haven led by four points after 45 minutes. In keeping with the game, the Barrs reeled in their opposition.
Extra time was tit-for-tat as penalties were required for the second successive season. St Finbarr’s netminder John Kerins, the son of the late legendary Cork goalkeeper John Kerins, saved Rory Maguire’s spot kick before stepping up himself to calmy finish the ball to the net.
Paul O’Keeffe’s outfit won 5-4 and would go on to win the Andy Scannell after getting the better of Clonakilty in the decider.
The holders were deserving winners and were comfortable four-point victors in truth. It was level at half-time, but green flags from Steven Sherlock and Brian Hayes in the final quarter of the game were crucial scores.
The Togher team were denied back-to-back titles by their great rivals Nemo Rangers.
A sublime display from the Hurley brothers, Brian and Michael, helped Castlehaven win the contest by two points. A goal after a minute by Jack Cahalane set the tone.
It was a performance full of maturity by the Haven. A late goal by Ethan Twomey was a mere consolation score for the Barrs.
Castlehaven would go on and win the championship for the first time in 10 years after edging out Nemo Rangers.
A comfortable win for the reigning champions with Brian Hurley on song as he ended up with 0-11.
Both sides were in their first seasons under new management teams. Seanie Cahalane was at the Castlehaven reign while Jimmy Barry-Murphy was on the St Finbarr’s management ticket led by Brian Roche.
It was another workmanlike performance from the team in blue and white. They led by four points at half-time and it was also four points when all was said and done.
They completed a second successive crown after proving too strong once more for Nemo Rangers in the final.
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