SAFC: Polished performance from Knocknagree as they defeat Béal Átha'n Ghaorthaidh to reach another final

Knocknagree: 2-19 (2-1-17) 

Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaidh: 1-10 (1-0-10) 

Knocknagree have reached a third Cork SAFC final in four seasons after a polished display against Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaidh at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Saturday night.

John Fintan Daly’s side, beaten finalists in 2022 and ’24, will hope to make it third-time lucky when they face Cill na Martra after the latter overcame Éire Óg.

Knocknagree showed their class to get through this latest battle in their quest to join the top-flight for the first time.

The outcome of this semi-final clash was known long before the game came to an end. The winners trailed by a point after 14 minutes, but a goal from Niall O’Connor would set them on their way.

They didn’t look back after that. An 11-point lead at the short whistle was just about right and the advantage was 18 points late on. Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaidh finished the better, but the game was long gone from them.

Knocknagree showed why they were installed as championship favourites at the start of this campaign. A performance full of vigour. 

They had a goal chance after 43 seconds, but Anthony O’Connor’s well struck effort from close range was straight at Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaidh goalkeeper Matt Ó Riordáin.

The team in red and black did start with two early points with Séamus Ó Tuama playing a part in both scores. The midfielder landed a point before setting up Conchúr Ó Loingsigh.

It was an even start though even if Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaidh had more of the ball.

Knocknagree got their show on the road with white flags from Anthony O’Connor (free) and Timmy O’Connor, 0-2 each after seven minutes.

Ó Loingsigh did give his team the lead again, but their opposition were gaining an upper hand in midfield with Michael and Eoghan McSweeney getting a grip in that department.

Knocknagree goaled after 14 minutes when Killian Cronin gave a great ball to Niall O’Connor and the latter couldn’t miss as he slotted the ball into the back of the net, 1-2 to 0-3.

After a sluggish start, Knocknagree were starting to hit their straps, as they kicked three of the next four points with Denis R O’Connor’s effort the pick of those scores, 1-5 to 0-4 after 22 minutes.

Two minutes later, the Duhallow outfit took a vice-like grip on proceedings when Anthony O’Connor flicked the ball to the net after an Eoghan McSweeney delivery, 2-5 to 0-4.

Ó Loingsigh was Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaidh’s main attacking threat for the majority, he pointed his third, but their opponents would finish the half strongly.

Knocknagree registered three white flags on the trot, Denis R O’Connor, Michael McSweeney and Anthony O’Connor (free) with the efforts before Anthony O’Connor got a two-pointer from play, 2-10 to 0-5 at half-time.

The teams did exchange points on the resumption, but any chance of a Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaidh comeback didn’t look at all likely.

Anthony O’Connor pushed Knocknagree’s buffer out to 12 points. The game was starting to peter out even with 20 minutes still to go.

It was fairly pedestrian with the Duhallow team in control all over the pitch. Michael Mahoney, Michael McSweeney and sub Fintan O’Connor added points as their team led 2-15 to 0-6 with a quarter of the game remaining.

A free from Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaidh sub Ben Seartan was a beauty as it curled in nicely, but in a flat last quarter, Knocknagree rattled off three unanswered points to push 2-18 to 0-7 clear with seven minutes remaining.

The teams did exchange white flags before Diarmuid Mac Thomáis did bisect the posts twice in 40 seconds as the Muskerry team kept on going.

The same player billowed the net a minute into added time as Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaidh at least finished on a positive note, 2-19 to 1-10.

Knocknagree march on as they look to finally get over the final hurdle in two weeks.

Scorers for Knocknagree: A O’Connor 1-6 (1 2pt, 0-2 f), Denis R O’Connor, M McSweeney 0-4 each, N O'Connor 1-0, T O’Connor 0-2, M Mahoney, E McSweeney, F O’Connor 0-1 each.

Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaidh: D Mac Thomáis 1-2, C Ó Loingsigh 0-4, S Ó Tuama 0-2, B Seartan (f), D Seartan 0-1 each.

KNOCKNAGREE: P Doyle; M Mahoney, K Buckley, G O’Connor; G Looney, D O’Mahony, T O’Connor; M McSweeney, E McSweeney; D Twomey, David O’Connor, K Cronin; Denis R O’Connor, N O’Connor, A O’Connor (c).

Subs: F O’Connor for D O’Mahony (41), M Dilworth for Denis R O’Connor, D Mahoney for K Buckley (both 53), P O’Connor for David O’Connor, D Moynihan for K Cronin (both 57).

BÉAL ÁTHA’N GHAORTHAIDH: M Ó Riordáin; S Ó Donnchú, P Ó Tuama, C Ó Nuanáin; E Ó Duinnín, D Seartan (c), B Ó hArgáin; D Ó Briain, S Ó Tuama; Daire Ó Ceallacháin, C Ó Loingsigh, G Ó Laoire; D Mac Thomáis, C Ó Duinnín, S Ó Luasa.

Subs: Diarmuid Ó Ceallacháin for P Ó Tuama, S Ó Muimhneacháin for Daire Ó Ceallacháin, B Seartan for C Ó Duinnín (all 36), N Ó Laoire for S Ó Luasa (46), C Ó Tuama for D Ó Briain (53).

Referee: Alan Long (Argideen Rangers).