Cill na Martra pick up second Division 1 league win against Muskerry rivals Éire Óg

Cill na Martra (0-2-9) 0-13 Éire Óg (0-2-6) 0-10 

This all-Muskerry McCarthy Insurance Group Division 1 clash saw Cill na Martra come out on top with their second victory of the season after a lively battle with Éire Óg on Sunday morning.

This was a deserved success overall for Cill na Martra, who will look to build even further momentum ahead of the championship over the next few weeks and months.

Both these sides came into this contest with an identical league campaign record to date. A keenly contested affair was anticipated, and that is exactly what transpired.

Daniel Ó Duinnín opened the Cill na Martra scoring account after minutes. The hosts commenced impressively on the front foot, with a lovely free by Micheál Ó Deasúna adding to their advantage.

Éire Óg came into this contest looking to build on their victory over Douglas last time out. The side from Ovens went close to finding the net as Dylan Foley hit the post, before Brian Thompson pointed.

Daniel Ó Duinnín and Sean Ó Fóirréidh then added points for Cill na Martra, who led 0-6 to 0-2 after 17 minutes.

The visitors got a much-needed score shortly after through Foley.

But it was Cill na Martra that continued to ride a strong wave of momentum, with Antaine Ó Loingsigh splitting the posts on 24 minutes.

Cill na Martra held the advantage at the end of a competitive opening half of football at 0-7 to 0-4.

The hosts increased their advantage on the restart when Ó Deasúna, who has a twin sister in Christina currently embarking on a professional boxing career, landed over another fine free.

There was a kick in Éire Óg midway through the second half, as points from Colm Clifford, Conor McGoldrick and Thompson saw the sides on level terms at 0-9 apiece after 45 minutes.

With the finishing line in sight, Cill na Martra concluded the contest strongly.

Scores by Danny Ó Conaill, Daniel Ó Duinnín and Shane Ó Duinnín put the seal on a very productive workout.

Next up for Cill na Martra is what should be a captivating contest against the 2023 and 2024 Cork PSFC champions Castlehaven on Saturday evening.

Éire Óg next are in action on April 22 with an away game against Nemo Rangers.

Scorers for Cill na Martra: M Ó Deasúna (1 2ptf, 0-1f), S Ó Duinnín (0-2 f), D Ó Duinnín 0-3 each, S Ó Fóirréidh (1 2pt) 0-2, A Ó Loingsigh, D Ó Conaill 0-1 each.

Éire Óg: D Foley (1 2pt f), B Thompson 0-3 each, B Hurley (1 2p tf) 0-2, C Clifford, C McGoldrick 0-1 each.

CILL NA MARTRA: M Ó Deasúna; D Mac Lochlainn, F Ó Faoláin, M Ó Cathasaigh; D Ó Conaill, S Ó Fóirréidh, C Ó Fóirréidh; C Ó Cróinín, G Ó Goillidhe; A Ó hUidhir, D Ó Duinnín, J Ó Loingsigh; E Ó Conaill, A Ó Loingsigh, S Ó Duinnín.

Subs: D Ó Buachalla for Ó hUidhir (47), D Ó Suilleabháin for Ó Buachalla (53-55, blood).

ÉIRE ÓG: E Kelleher; C Murphy, M Corkery, D McCarthy; C Clifford, M Griffin, C McGoldrick; R O’Toole, O O’Shea; B Thompson, C Kirwan, J Kelleher; D Foley, S Hurley, B Hurley.

Subs: K Beechinor for Kirwan (54), O McLaughlin for C Murphy, J Murphy for Kelleher (both 56).

Referee: David Murnane(Macroom).