Knocknagree and Kanturk secure quarter final slots after late O’Connor point downs Rossa

Nervous moments on the shrill of referee’s Pa O’Driscoll whistle but when the calculations were completed, both Knocknagree and Kanturk had advanced to the quarter finals by virtue of a superior point difference over O’Donovan Rossa.

Sun, 10 Sep, 2023 - 18:03

John Tarrant

Bon Secours Senior A FC

Knocknagree 2-11 Kanturk 0-14

AT the full time whistle , Knocknagree jumped for joy with clenched fists, not total despondency for Kanturk, also remaining involved in the Bon Secours Co. SAFC after a rousing Group A battle at a sunsplashed Dromtariffe.

Knocknagree sought a three point win to retain their interest in the campaign but waited for a last ditch 67th pointed free from Anthony O’Connor to realise their ambition. Nervous moments on the shrill of referee’s Pa O’Driscoll whistle but when the calculations were completed, both Knocknagree and Kanturk had advanced to the quarter finals by virtue of a superior point difference over O’Donovan Rossa.

Little wonder, Knocknagree manager John Fintan Daly reacted with satisfaction on a job well done where his side's character underwent the full rigours of a pulsating contest.

“It was heartstopping stuff, they say goals win games, today, they kept us in the game. Both sides will reflect on missed chances, we passed up on three goals in the opening half”, he said.

“There were heroic performances from both teams, on offer was the best tradition in Duhallow football. We’re coming up against Beál Ath’n Ghaorthaidh in a quarter final, that’s another tough task given there was little between the sides when we earned a narrow win last season”, said the long serving Knocknagree boss.

From the off, a closely contested affair developed, little separated the teams, Knocknagree points from Matthew Dilworth and Denis O’Connor bettered by three for Kanturk’s Ian Walsh. In general play, Knocknagree shaped up the better of the two sides, a brilliant move yielded a terrific goal from county player Daniel O’Mahony.

Kanturk hit back from points by Ryan and Colin Walsh yet they were thankful to ‘keeper Ronan Cashman with excellent saves before Knocknagree netminder Pa Doyle converted a 45 for his side lead 1-6 to 0-7 at the short whistle.

Tense exchanges surfaced on the restart, Knocknagree losing defender Gary O’Connor to a black card. A stop start spell saw just one point added to each side during the third quarter.

Steadily Kanturk moved up a gear, turning momentum to good account, Paul and Ian Walsh pointing for the reigning Co. Premier Intermediate champions jump 0-12 to 1-8 ahead. However, Knocknagree weren’t found wanting, their prospects took on a rosy hue, Eoghan McSweeney and Daniel O’Mahony involved for Niall O’Connor to fire home a cracking goal.

Knocknagree sought further scores, Kanturk defender John McLoughlin ideally placed to take the ball off the line from McSweeney. With further points swopped at either end, a couple of setbacks for Kanturk saw Brian O’Sulllivan black carded and Ian Walsh blasted a glorious goal chance wide.

That gave Knocknagree a lifeline, leaving it late for O’Connor to point a close in free to allow Knocknagree secure the required three point triumph. When the ramifications were resolved, both teams remained in the hunt for outright honours, quarter finals see Kanturk meet Newcestown and Knocknagree paired against Beál Ath’n Ghaorthaidh.

Scorers for Knocknagree: A O’Connor 0-4 (0-3f), D O’Mahony (1-0), N O’Connor (1-0), D O’Connor (0-3), M Dilworth (0-2), E McSweeney P Doyle(’45) 0-1 each.

Scorers for Kanturk: I Walsh 0-7 (0-2f), C Walsh (0-2), P Walsh (0-2), R Walsh, B O’Sullivan, G Bucinskas 0-1 each

KNOCKNAGREE: P Doyle; K Cronin, K Buckley, G O’Connor, T O’Connor, D O’Mahony, M Mahoney; D Moynihan, David O’Connor, M McSweeney, E McSweeney, Denis O’Connor, M Dilworth, N O’Connor, A O’Connor.

Subs: J Dennehy for M Dilworth (21 inj), M Doyle for K Cronin (45), T O’Mahony for M McSweeney (54).

KANTURK: R Cashman; J McLoughlin, J Browne; J McLoughlin, D Browne; J Browne, T Walsh, B O’Sullivan; P Walsh, Aidan Walsh; C Mullane, I Walsh, L McLoughlin; C Walsh, R Walsh, Alan Walsh.

Sub: G Buckinas for C Mullane (ht), G Kenehen for R Walsh (44).

Referee: P O’Driscoll (Bride Rovers).