Classy Cill na Martra off the mark with comfortable win over Kiskeam 

Small steps, it seems are needed to ensure a debut season at Senior ‘A’, is a successful one for Cill na Martra,

Daniel O Duinnin in action for Cill na Martra. Pic: Larry Cummins

Senior AFC: Cill na Martra 1-18 Kiskeam 0-9 

Building on Intermediate county and Munster titles is the ask of new Cill na Martra manager, Morgan O’Sullivan. 

Small steps, it seems are needed to ensure a debut season at Senior ‘A’, is a successful one.

“To be honest, we hadn’t looked beyond today. We need to settle down after this one, get back training and look forward to the next one”, concluded O’Sullivan post-game.

Before that, he’d seen his team eventually cost to victory over a disjointed Kiskeam. 

The margin was not flattering on the winners, who were pacy and accurate up front and watertight and resolute at the back, especially when re-entering after the interval. It was in the third quarter that the onslaught was expected – Kiskeam playing with a strong breeze at their backs, and up a man for five minutes, for the conclusion of a black-card shown to Daniel Ó Duinnín.

But, sharing four points in these ten minutes meant the gap stayed wide, 1-11 to 0-9, and from here, the choking of the game began from the Muskerry men.

“I thought it was a tough game. At half-time, we’d been under pressure at times during the first half. It took us a while to get to grips with the game. We’d eight lads who started the county final (2023) not starting the game, which is a big number for a small rural club”, explained O’Sullivan.

“Thankfully all the new lads and the experienced lads stood up when the pressure came on.” 

Despite O’Sullivan’s words, his side did settle quickly. 1-1 inside three minutes including a neat goal from Maidchí Ó Duinnín set them on their way. They were always at least two points ahead, with two scores between the sides for most of this contest.

The defence enjoyed the second-half, forcing wides, turnovers and retaining kickouts, the platform for any victory at this grade.

“Very pleasing (to only concede 0-2 in the second half). It was one of the things we spoke about at half-time, our defending, and maybe our organisation got a bit better in the second half. Moving up a grade to senior, it will take a bit of time for some things to settle. I thought we controlled the game reasonably well”, added the Castletownbare man.

“The lads are taking to the challenge really well, they are a very dedicated bunch. We’ve put a lot of effort into preparing and they’re now getting the maximum out of themselves but I suppose there are so many changes in the team, there was an eagerness from the new guys.” 

Only one green flag, thanks to some good work from Kiskeam’s keeper Anthony Casey meant the white flags were the route to a double-digit victory.

“It's good that we are creating the goal chances and in fairness to Kiskeam I thought some of their scramble defence was very good and they put us under pressure with those chances at all times. So, while we did miss some chances, Kiskeam deserve some credit for that.” 

Seán Ó Fóirréidh’s contribution in both attack and defence was key, while Jason Mac Cárthaigh showed glimpses in the half-forward line.

Ultimately, it is a big two points for Cill na Martra collide with Ballingeary in round two, on August 18th, with Kiskeam massive underdogs against Carrigaline on the same afternoon.

Scorers for Cill na Martra: M Ó Duinnín 1-3; S Ó Duinnín 0-5; S Ó Fóirréidh 0-4; J Mac Cárthaigh 0-3 (0-2f); D Ó Duinnín (mark), T Ó Corcora 0-1 each.

Scorers for Kiskeam: A Dennehy 0-3; S Sullivan 0-2 (0-1f); E Daly, M Casey, M Herlihy, T Dennehy 0-1 each.

Cill Na Martra: M Ó Deasúna; A Ó hUidhir, T Ó Corcora, F Ó Faoláin; D Ó Conaill, S Ó Fóirréidh (Capt), C Ó Fóirréidh; D Ó Duinnín, D Ó hUrdail; J MacCárthaigh, C Ó Duinnín, M Ó Cathasaigh; E Ó Conaill, M Ó Duinnín, S Ó Duinnín.

Subs: D Mac Lochlainn for Ó Cathasaigh (inj – 30); G Ó Goillidhe for E Ó Conaill (36); C Ó Cróinín for Ó hUidhir (52); F Ó h-Éalaithe for Mac Cárthaigh (56).

Kiskeam: A Casey; D Murphy, J O’Connor, J Daly, AJ O’Connor, S Meehan, M Casey; T Dennehy, D Fitzgerald; E Daly, T Casey, M Casey, S Sullivan, M Herlihy, A Dennehy.

Subs: K O’Connor for Daly (inj – 18); G Casey for M Casey (36); A Carroll for Herlihy, R Carroll for M Casey (both 48); D Linehan for O’Connor (60).

Referee: Liam O’Shea (Carbery Rangers).