Cork GAA: Cill na Martra know that in tight Division 1 every win matters

As we enter the mid-way point of the month of April, Cill na Martra are in a very healthy position in the McCarthy Insurance Group Cork Division 1 Football League.

On Sunday morning, Cill na Martra recorded a second league victory of the campaign 0-13 to 0-10 at home to Éire Óg, which saw impressive displays from the likes of Daniel Ó Duinnín and Micheál Ó Deasúna.

The victory sees Cill na Martra in joint second spot in the standings, with St Finbarr’s currently top of the Division 1 table with six points.

Speaking after his side’s victory over Éire Óg, Cill na Martra manager Morgan O’Sullivan told The Echo of his satisfaction about coming out on top in what was a close battle against their Muskerry rivals..

“We are delighted to get the win. It was a game that could have gone either way. In the end we got a few scores on the board that took us over the line. But we are very conscious that could have gone the other way as well.” 

Cill na Martra look well equipped to mount a strong championship challenge and take the extra step forward to the Cork Premier Senior Grade, after losing in the SAFC decider to Knocknagree in 2025.

Being in Division 1 of the football league will be very useful preparation for Cill na Martra ahead of their Cork SAFC campaign.

To date, Cill na Martra have been highly competitive in each of their league games. The win over Éire Óg was a second home league win of the campaign for O’Sullivan’s side, after also winning against Nemo Rangers.

Cill na Martra also recorded a draw at home to Newcestown, with their only league loss to date coming away to Carbery Rangers.

Giving his assessment on the Cill na Martra league campaign to date, O’Sullivan added:

“Every game is competitive and they are all very hard games. Picking up any points is good and we are happy here. Our performances are probably up and down. But after a win you are always happy and the league is very tight. 

SAFETY FIRST

"Once we get into a safe position, we will be happy. We have two more points on the board. It is all about looking forward to the next game now because it is hard to pick up points in this league.” 

Next up for Cill na Martra in league action is another home game this coming Saturday against Castlehaven at 5pm. That will be followed by an away trip to take on Clonakilty on May 10. 

This is an exciting chapter in the history of Cill na Martra, with many of the main characters still around the close knit footballing setup.

It is just over two years ago since Cill na Martra suffered All-Ireland intermediate football club championship heartbreak, after defeat in the final against Armagh side St Patrick's Cullyhanna at Croke Park.

Of the team that started in GAA HQ on January 14, 2024, 12 featured in the Cill na Martra county league win over Éire Óg last Sunday.