Castlehaven march into semis but Carbery Rangers face relegation joust

Castlehaven registered a third consecutive championship victory.

Brian Hurley, Castlehaven has his shot on goal blocked down by Jerry O'Riordan, Carbery Rangers in their McCarthy Insurance Premier Senior Football Championship match in Leap. Picture Dan Linehan

Premier SFC Group 2: Castlehaven 0-14 Carbery Rangers 0-9 

Castlehaven secured a McCarthy Insurance Group Premier SFC semi-final berth by overcoming Carbery Rangers and registering a third consecutive championship victory.

Though they managed three second-half points, Castlehaven produced a workmanlike display to keep their West Cork rivals at arm's length throughout a disappointing contest.

A big crowd, perfect weather and pitch conditions ignited a local rivalry that ended with both clubs heading in opposite directions.

Castlehaven were worthy winners but will need to improve on a scrappy second-half performance. As for Carbery Rangers, taking a single point from their three group outings means Seamus Hayes’ side must begin preparations for a Premier SFC relegation play-off against Éire Óg.

The Rosscarbery club could have little argument with the outcome of a game they played catchup in from the opening whistle.

Rory Maguire and Jack O’Neill handed the Haven an early two-point advantage. Micháel Maguire and Brian Hodnett exchanged points but it was Castlehaven who continued to dominate. A rampant Castlehaven, hoovering up possession it the middle third, moved 0-8 to 0-2 in front following Brian Hurley (free), Jack Cahalane, Rory Maguire and Micháel Maguire scores.

Cork senior John O’Rourke converted a badly needed Rangers free before Rory Maguire responded with his third score from a tight angle. Jerry O’Rirodan flaoted over Carbery’s third from open play prior to Jack Cahalane and Mark Collins raising white flags to make it 0-11 to 0-4.

The Haven were full value for that half-time lead but struggled to maintain their dominance at the beginning of the second half. Seamus Hayes brought on Peadar O’Rourke, Brian Shanahan and Mark Hodnett during the interval and that trio helped Carbery deliver an improved second half display.

John O’Rourke converted another Rangers free but Rory Maguire responded with his third score shortly after. Brian Hurley’s free made it 0-13 to 0-6 with less than a quarter of the game remaining but it was a lead Castlehaven never looked liked relinquishing.

Jerry O’Riordan and a deflected John O’Rourke score gave Rangers brief hope but that was quickly snuffed out when Brian Hurley fired over a cracker. A second yellow card ended O’Riordan’s afternoon prior to his teammate John O’Rourke completing the scoring.

Castlehaven march on while Carbery Rangers have a busy two weeks to prepare for a season-defining relegation encounter.

Scorers for Castlehaven: R Maguire 0-4, B Hurley (2f), J Cahalane 0-3 each, M Maguire 0-2, J O’Neill, M Collins 0-1 each.

Carbery Rangers: J O’Rourke 0-4 (2f), J O’Riordan 0-2, P Hurley, B Hodnett, J Hodnett 0-1 each.

CASTLEHAVEN: Darragh Cahalane; J O’Regan, Damien Cahalane, T O’Mahony; J O’Neill, R Maguire, M Collins (captain); A Whelton, R Minihane; J O’Driscoll, J Cahalane, J Walsh; C Maguire, B Hurley, M Maguire.

Subs: R Walsh for D Cahalane (52), C Nolan for C Maguire (55), M Hurley for J Walsh (59).

CARBERY RANGERS: P Shanahan (captain); K Eady, J O’Riordan, D O’Dwyer; J O’Riordan, T O’Rourke, J Kevane; J Fitzpatrick, M Maguire; C McCarthy, B Hodnett, J Hodnett; J O’Rourke, D Hayes, P Hurley.

Subs: P O’Rourke for M Maguire (ht), B Shanahan for D O’Dwyer (ht), M Hodnett for J Fitzpatrick (ht), P Hodnett for P Hurley (49), K Scannell for T O’Rourke (58).