PIFC: Macroom test the latest step in Kiskeam's rise

Kiskeam manager Dan Cronin says his side are exactly where they hoped to be at the beginning of the season, heading into the final day with their fate entirely in their own hands.

Victory or a draw against Macroom on Saturday in Kanturk at 5pm would secure a place in the business end of the McCarthy Insurance Group PIFC, while even a narrow defeat could be enough depending on Castletownbere and Aghada, with both on a point apiece in Group 2. 

It is a position Cronin insists they would have gladly accepted back in January, with Macroom also on three points.

“There’s huge pressure on the first game every year,” he said.

“If you lose it, you’re not sure where you are going into the second round. 

"Coming out of Donoughmore with a draw, I was disappointed with aspects of our play against Aghada, but when I sat back and saw Macroom and Castletownbere drawing too, all of a sudden it was a great result. You were still in the same position.

“We then put in a great performance and won with a bit to spare last time out against Castletownbere.

“It’s nicely poised. The group is very evenly balanced, as are the other two groups. It’s a brilliant competition in that regard.” 

Cronin admits Kiskeam’s progression has even exceeded internal expectations at times, though ambition has never been lacking.

“We’d be ambitious, and I’d be ambitious myself. We try to win all the games — I know that’s not possible, but that’s our attitude.

“We built slowly through the league. It was tough because we had a limited panel and a lot of young lads, but that actually stood to us long-term. 

"We blooded fellas, some of them made the championship team, others are in and out, but it’s all part of developing the club.

“We’re going well now, and all going well Saturday evening, we’ll be in a right good position.” 

Cronin is under no illusions about the challenge Macroom will pose. Last year’s meeting between the sides was a dramatic affair, finishing 0-15 apiece.

“We made hard work of it last year,” he recalled.

“We should have been out the gate beaten. Macroom had a disallowed goal with a few minutes to go, and we dragged out a draw in injury time. Macroom are a very good team.

“Hopefully things will go according to plan and there won’t be much drama, but as we know, anything can happen on the last day.

“It’s fantastic. Years ago you could play in April and not again until August. It was very unstructured. Now the league is set out, the championship is brilliant, and all the grades are very even.

“Most teams fancy their chances. It’s a brilliant format — fair play to the county board.” 

McCarthy Insurance Group PIFC fixtures 

Saturday (all 5pm) 

Group 1: Uibh Laoire v Rockchapel, Banteer; Glanmire v Bantry Blues, Clonakilty.

Group 2: Kiskeam v Macroom, Kanturk; Castletownbere v Aghada, Rossmore.

Group 3: Fermoy v Ballinora, Glenville; Naomh Abán v Nemo Rangers, Ballincollig.