Knocknagree stay in hunt for league final place with victory over Cill na Martra in fiery clash
Knocknagre veteran Matthew Dilworth seeks an opening against Cill na Martra. Picture John Tarrant
In what was a repeat of last year's Senior A final, Knocknagree came out on top following a pulsating league contest against Cill na Martra.
As a result, Knocknagree remain firmly in the hunt for a final place in the McCarthy Insurance Group Cork Football League Division 1.
These two familiar foes were both on the front foot from the outset. A good battle was what was anticipated and that is what duly transpired.
Led by manager John Fintan Daly, Knocknagree are a side growing in momentum, with a voyage in the Premier Senior Football Championship firmly on the horizon.
The Duhallow side opened the scoring courtesy of a Denis R O’Connor point. The home side added to their early opening tally through a good score from Anthony O’Connor.
Cill na Martra responded by getting back on level terms through a crisp two-pointer from Jason Mac Cárthaigh.
In the midst of the fire and the fury, Knocknagree were keeping their composure.
Fintan O’Connor chipped in with a lovely taken score for the hosts, who led 0-6 to 0-2 after 18 minutes played.
Mac Cárthaigh responded with another point for Cill na Martra. But Knocknagree pushed on again and a fine point from Killian Cronin and a two-pointer from Anthony O’Connor saw the home side in command.
At the end of a compelling opening half, it was Knocknagree who held the advantage at 0-9 to the 0-3 of Cill na Martra.
Knocknagree after the half break resumed where they had left off in terms of their ruthless nature in attack, with Anthony O’Connor continuing to impress.
Midway through the second half the temperature was rising. Both Knocknagree and Cill na Martra were reduced to 14 men, following separate off-the-ball incidents, with Gary O’Connor and Daniel Ó Duinnín given their marching orders.
Once things settled down again it was Knocknagree who left their football do the talking, with Timmy O’Connor putting the finishing touches to a lovely team move.
Cill na Martra kept on fighting and scores from Shane Ó Duinnín, Danny Ó Conaill and Mac Cárthaigh saw the deficit reduced to four points at 0-14 to 0-10 on 57 minutes.
But Knocknagree sealed the deal and finished strongly. Fintan O’Connor and Anthony O’Connor landing lovely late scores to cap of well earned victory.
A O’Connor 0-8 (2 2ptf), F O’Connor 0-4, D R O’Connor, D Moynihan, K Cronin, T O’Connor 0-1 each.
J Mac Cárthaigh 0-7 (2 2ptf,0-2f), D Ó Duinnín, D Ó Conaill, S Ó Duinnín, S Ó Foirréidh 0-1 each.
D Murphy; D D O’Connor, M Doyle, G O’Connor; K Cronin, G Looney, T O’Connor; D O’Connor, D Moynihan; D Twomey, F O’Connor, R O’Connor; D R O’Connor, M Dilworth, A O’Connor.
J Dennehy for Twomey (40), C O’Connor for R O’Connor (58).
M Ó Deasúna, C Ó Cróinín, M Ó Cathasaigh, F Ó Faoláin ; D Ó Conaill, S Ó Foirréidh, A Ó Duinnín; A Ó Cuana, G Ó Goillidhe; J Mac Cárthaigh, D Ó Duinnín, C Ó Foirréidh; A Ó hUidhir, M Ó Duinnín, S Ó Duinnín.
E Ó Conaill for Ó hUidhir (HT), C Ó Duinnín for Ó Goillidhe (52)
Wayne King (Banteer).
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