THEIR season began on a low note in Rosscarbery when they suffered a first-round reversal, but Clonakilty enjoyed happier times on their return to the same venue yesterday.

BARRY O’MAHONY is currently in the throes of his Leaving Cert, but he took time off from study yesterday to help Clonakilty through the back door and get their Cork SFC challenge back on track in an entertaining game at Ballinspittle.

CLONAKILTY’S hold on their Evening Echo Cork SFC crown came under severe pressure in Rosscarbery on Saturday night, but the defending champions held their nerve in a pulsating finale to pull through ahead of Ilen Rovers in this fourth round tie.

IT was a match largely devoid of quality but that won’t perturb Clonakilty as they opened the defence of their Evening Echo Cork SFC on a successful note in yesterday afternoon’s first round clash in Rossmore.