Cork seniors send Naomh Abán into seventh heaven

Naomh Abán 1-12, An Cheartrú Rua 0-8

Both players were prevented from playing in the opening round on Friday, but the Cork selectors had a change of heart and it was just as well as Naomh Abán would hardly have won without the pair.

Lynch was unbeatable while Ó Croinín sparkled in attack, creating scores and finishing with a personal tally of 1-7.

This was the 35th anniversary of the Cómortas and just how seriously clubs take it can be gauged by the fact that the Galway side flew their inter-county man Seán Óg De Paor by helicopter to Cork following his exploits with Galway the previous day in the Connacht championship.

While Lynch and Ó Croinín were undoubtedly the heroes of the hour, Naomh Abán were well served by Gary Lynch who kept a tight rein on de Paor, Justin Twomey at midfield and Gary Óg Lynch in attack.

An Cheartrú Rua were hugely disappointing. Champions six years ago, they failed to produce the form that got them to the final, and only Ciarán de Paor, Colin Ó Conghaile and Niall Ó Briain were up to the mark.

The sides were level twice in the opening 10 minutes before the home team took a grip at midfield where Justin Twomey’s strength was important.

Playing marvellous inter-passing football, they regularly carved open their opponents defence. From one such move, Justin McCarthy rattled the upright in the 20th minute with the goal at his mercy.

However the incessant pressure paid a handsome dividend three minutes later when following another superb passing movement, Jonathan McCarthy set up Miceál Ó Croinín for a magnificent goal, and when Gary Óg Lynch added a point from the kick out, Naomh Abán fully deserved their six point lead at half time.

An Cheartrú Rua made a determined effort on the change over but could find no way through a very solid Naomh Abán defence, but it did take a great goal-line save by corner back Neil Dineen to deny Seán Óg de Paor a goal in the 35th minute.

Five minute later de Paor was again denied that badly needed goal this time by ‘keeper Denis Dineen who made a magnificent point blank save from the Galway inter-county player.

From those let-offs Naomh Abán took complete control and with Ó Croinín in sparkling form in attack, the points flowed at the other end and the title was well won long before the final whistle.

To add to An Cheartrú Rua’s misery they lost midfielder Seán Ó Domhnaill for a second bookable offence just before full time.

Scorers for Naomh Abán: M., Ó Croinín 1-7 (0-4 frees); G. Óg Lynch 0-3; Jonathan McCarthy, J. Lynch 0-1 each.

An Cheartrú Rua: C. de Paor 0-4 (0-3 frees); N. Ó Briain, C. MacDonncha 0-2 each.

NAOMH ABÁN: D. Ó Duinnín; D. Óg Ó Liatháin, T. Ó Scanaill, N. Ó Duinnín; G. Ó Loinsigh, A. Ó Loinsigh, C. Ó Tuama; J. Ó Tuama, S. Ó Loinsigh; D. Ó Súilleabháin, M. Ó Cróinín, D. Ó Cróinín; Jason MacCarthaigh, S. MacCarthaigh,G. Óg Ó Loinsigh.

AN CHEARTRÚ RUA: T. Ó hAilín; M. Ó Loideáin, E. Ó Maille, C. Ó Conghaile; C. MacAonraic, D. Ó Flatharta, G. Ó Conghaile; P. Ó Sé, D. Ó Domhnaill; M. Ó Conghaile, N. Ó Briain, S. Óg de Paor; C. Ó Cualáin, C. MacDonncha, C. de Paor. Fir Ionaid: P. Ó Mullaoidh in ionad Ó Maille; R. Ó hEadhra in ionad M.

Ó Conghaile.

Reiteoir: M. Ó Coileáin (Cloch na Choilte)