Coláiste Choilm manager frustrated by Danny Miskella's absence

Coláiste Choilm manager Denis Keohane was far from happy on so many levels after his side bowed out of the Corn Uí Mhuirí on Wednesday afternoon.

The Ballincollig school lost to Clonakilty Community College in their Group 4 Round 3 clash in Newcestown.

In a contest that was pretty much winner-takes-all, Coláiste Choilm lost on a scoreline of 1-13 to 1-6.

Keohane was without three very influential figures. Cork U20 footballer Danny Miskella didn’t feature despite being togged out and involved in the warm up while Kevin O’Leary and former Cork minor footballer Cian O’Connor were suspended.

“A disappointing end to the Corn Uí Mhuirí season given the circumstances this week,” he said post-match.

"We were without three important players. I am very proud of the lads that played today in terms of their performance. They gave it their all.

“We came up against a strong Clonakilty team. We knew after the St Brendan’s game that we might be under pressure to come out of the group but I thought the players really applied themselves brilliantly today. I'm very proud of the effort they put in.

“There were a lot of young lads given their chance today and I thought they were excellent.

“It’s bitterly disappointing and I suppose we played well the first day out against Skibbereen. I suppose the St Brendan's game was a big opportunity for us, we lost it, and it would have been a massive win for the lads if we won today but that didn't happen.

“We have made progress but it hasn’t been good enough to qualify. But you take three of the best players out of any team and it's going to be hard, it's going to hinder you.” 

Keohane was visibly disappointed when asked about the absence of O'Leary, O’Connor and Miskella.

“Look, missing the three lads, not ideal,” the Coláiste Choilm boss says.

“The two red cards for Kevin and Cian after the full-time whistle in the last game was tough to take. The two-game ban I felt was a bit harsh on the two lads. Then I suppose we thought Danny would be back today. 

"He was fit and ready to go, but it was taken out of our hands so we are disappointed with that. We are hoping he will be available for the Simcox Cup final next week.

“Kevin and Cian will be available as their red cards happened in a Munster competition.” 

Coláiste Choilm meet Clonakilty Community College once again on Friday week in the Simcox Cup final at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh (6pm).

“We'll be back training Sunday morning and I suppose we've a great opportunity to make amends. In sport you often don't get this opportunity to play the same team again so soon.

“11 years is a long time for a school like Coláiste Choilm to be waiting to win the Simcox Cup especially given the talent we've had. Hopefully we can end that next week.”