Impressive Kanturk lay down SAFC marker against Beál Átha'n Ghaorthaidh with Alan Walsh to the fore
RISING HIGH: Seamus Ó Tuama, Beál Átha'n Ghaorthaidh, goes high with Alan Walsh, Kanturk. Picture: Jim Coughlan.
A stroll in the park for Kanturk as they easily disposed of a disappointing Beál Átha’n Ghaorthaidh side in the McCarthy Insurance SAFC group opener at Ballyanly on Saturday.
The game failed to ignite at any stage as Kanturk saw off their Gaeltacht opponents without too much fuss.
History was also made for the Kanturk stalwart Ian Walsh who came off the bench and nailed a monstrous two-pointer to become the club's first player to break 200 championship points. His total is now 10-201 over his many years of loyal service.
Kanturk were strong everywhere but the aerial power of Cork hurler Alan Walsh at centrefield was evident over the hour as he basically ran the show in that department.
Kanturk's strength posed problems in the opening exchanges with Grantas Bucinskas kicking them ahead after two minutes following a 45. Beál Átha produced a stunning two-pointer courtesy of a wonderful Ben Seartan effort to ease the pressure in response.
Kanturk were dominating at midfield and created a goal chance following a sweeping four-man move but Liam O’Keeffe hit the keeper with his shot.
The pressure intensified and Kanturk were in control for long periods. Their finishing was poor at time but and were still up by five points midway through the half.
The gap was out to seven before goalkeeper Darren Ó Coill landed a superb two-pointer in the final minute that saw the West Muskerry side go in at the break trailing 0-11 to 0-6.
On the restart, the trend of the game didn’t change as the physical stamp of Kanturk basically saw them dominate for the majority of the half.
Credit to Beál Átha, they did battle like trojans.
Kanturk took their foot off the gas a bit but they always found the crucial scores when they needed to.
Next up for Kanturk is a clash with Dunmanway side Dohenys, who shared the spoils with Aghabullogue after roaring back in the second half.
Beál Átha’n Ghaorthaidh will need to pick it big time for their clash with last year's Premier Intermediate champions Aghabullogue.
G Bucinskas 1-4 (1 2pt), C Walsh 0-4, A Walsh (0-1 f), I Walsh (1 2pt), P Walsh, D O’Connell 0-2 each, R Cashman (45), L O’Keeffe, C Clernon 0-1 each.
B Seartan 0-3 (1 2pt, 0-1 f), D Seartan 0-3 (0-1 f), D O Coill 0-2 (2pt f), D Mac Thaomais, C O Loinsigh, E O Ceilleachair 0-1 each.
R Cashman; J McLoughlin, D Browne, C Mullane; M Healy, T Walsh, R Walsh; J Fitzpatrick, A Walsh; P Walsh, B O’Sullivan, D O’Connell; G Bucinskas, C Walsh, L O’Keeffe.
I Walsh for L O’Keeffe (48), L McLoughlin for J Fitzpatrick (48), C Clernon for C Walsh (55), L O’Neill for C Mullane (55), L O’Keeffe for D O’Connell (inj 60).
D O Coill, S O Donnchu, E O Duinnin, G O Laoire; N O Laoire, B O hArgain, D Seartan; C O Loinsigh, S O Tuama; C O Duinnin, D O Ceallachain, D O Ceallachain; D Mac Thomais, S O Muimhneachain, B Seartan.
E O Ceilleachair for S O Muimhneachain (45).
Shane Scanlon (Newcestown).
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