Wasteful Kilshannig grind out win over Rockchapel

Botjh sides seemed lethargic in a forgettable game.

Sat, 17 Aug, 2024 - 22:44

John Tarrant

Cork Premier IFC: Kilshannig 0-10 Rockchapel 0-6

KILSHANNIG are right in the mix for the McCarthy Insurance Group Co. Premier IFC after taking a significant step to reach a place in the knockout phase following a four-point victory over Rockchapel in a scrappy encounter at Kanturk.

Far from a fluent showing in a game that will not live long in the memory, yet Kilshannig emerged well pleased to secure pole position in Group C. When required, Kilshannig operated with a clear sense of certainty and availed of stellar performances from Killian O’Hanlon at midfield and Darragh O’Sullivan in attack to emerge worthy victors.

At times, both sides were strangely lethargic, Kilshannig clocked up 10 wides in the opening half while Rockchapel registered just a solidarity point.

Disjointed play surfaced from an early stage, James O’Hanlon and Michael McAulliffe traded points before O’Sullivan regained the lead for Kilshannig. And the Avondhu side came close to a goal, Rockchapel ‘keeper Conor Casey produced a wonder save from Shane Murphy at close range.

Though Kilshannig enjoyed ample possession, their play was undermined by poor shooting before it came right in a productive flourish once O’Hanlon landed a massive pointed free from 45 metres and O’Sullivan added a pair for a 0-5 to 0-1 advantage at the break. Matters improved on the restart, Rockchapel stepping up to the challenge on mounting a series of telling raids, points from Ciarán and Jack Curtin cut the deficit 0-7 to 0-5.

In fairness, Kilshannig held their nerve, O’Sullivan showing deadly accuracy from pointed frees, Rockchapel failed to translate possession into scores and amidst their frustrations, midfielder Seamus Hickey picked up a second yellow card. Effectively, Kilshannig ensured a favourable outcome by absorbing late pressure to repel their gritty opponents and secure the deserved spoils.

As it stands, back-to-back wins allows Kilshannig sit top of the table, qualification to at least a quarter final assured, ahead of facing Macroom in the concluding group game with Rockchapel pitted against Castletownbere that outcome here will determine the second position for a quarter final, both games fixed for Saturday, September 14.

Scorers for Kilshannig: D O’Sullivan 0-6 (0-5f), J O’Hanlon, K O’Hanlon (f), K Twomey, D Twomey 0-1 each.

Rockchapel: J Curtin 0-2 (0-1f), M McAulliffe, S Curtin, C Curtin, N Linehan (f) 0-1 each.

KILSHANNIG: G Creedon; C Murphy, E Burke, M Twomey; S O’Connell, C O’Shea, E Healy; S Murphy, K O’Hanlon; C O’Connell, K Twomey, A O’Connell; Darragh O’Sullivan, J O’Hanlon, Diarmuid O’Sullivan.

Subs. B O’Connor for J O’Hanlon (43), D Twomey for Diarmuid O’Sullivan, B Curtin for K Twomey (49), P Walsh for A O’Connell (58).

ROCKCHAPEL: C Casey; D Carroll, E O’Callaghan, P Curtin; J O’Callaghan, M O’Keeffe, S Curtin; S Hickey, E Murphy; J Curtin, J McAuliffe, J Walsh; Cormac Curtin, Ciarán Curtin, M McAuliffe.

Subs: C Keppel for E Murphy (51), B Carroll for J Walsh (51), E Collins for Cormac Curtin (51), N Linehan for J McAulliffe (55).

Referee: Cormac Dineen (Douglas).