Naomh Abán finish strongly to beat wasteful Rockchapel

It's the first time since 2018 that Naomh Abán have reached the semi-finals. 

Wayne Mac Cárthaigh, Naomh Abán gets away from Rockchapel defenders Eamonn O'Callaghan and David Carroll in their Cork Premier IFC quarter-final at Banteer. Picture: Dan Linehan

Cork Premier IFC quarter-final: Naomh Abán 0-9, Rockchapel 0-6 

NAOMH Abán absorbed Rockchapel pressure to bank a quarter final victory in a tense Premier IFC encounter at Banteer.

Neither side played fluent football but the way the Gaeltacht side went about their business during the closing quarter and register a three point triumph was a source of delight for anxious supporters. The win secures a place in the penultimate hurdle for the first time since 2018. They will face mid Cork rivals Aghabullogue in the last four. 

Team manager Diarmuid Ó Scanaill hailed the significant rate of progress in this season’s campaign though it took a time to break down the Rockchapel barriers.

“We operated a tactical game, it wasn’t one for the spectators, Rockchapel play defensive and we had to do so”, he said.

“Close to relegation two years ago, we have turned it around despite injuries, the team and those that came off the bench chipped in here. Aghabullogue will be a different proposition in the semi final, double county champions last season, they have quality all over the field but we’re looking forward to the challenge”.

A lively start saw Rockchapel serve notice of their intentions with points by Nicholas Lenihan and Ciarán Curtin. The Gaeltacht side refused to be ruffled, flags raised by Maidhc Ó Duinnín and Jack Ó Donnchú cut the deficit 0-4 to 0-3 midway through the opening half.

With defences on top, scores came at a premium during the second quarter, just a point added by Wayne MacCárthaigh for Naomh Abán. 

However Rockchapel forfeited a glorious chance of a goal, Ciarán Curtin’s effort fingertipped onto the crossbar by Naomh Abán ‘keeper Gearóid Ó Luasa, the rebound fell to corner forward Eoin Collins, his effort superbly blocked by fullback Criostóir Ó Deasúnaigh.

Deadlocked at 0-4 apiece at the interval, it remained a cagey affair with just a point added at either end. Having failed to register a wide in the opening half, wayward shooting frustrated Rockchapel, eight wides recorded on the changeover.

Naomh Abán's appetite increased, their rising confidence influenced by the play of team captain Dara Mikey Ó Loingsigh, Colm de hÍde, Jack Ó Donnchú and substitute Conor Ó Criodáin. Converted pointed frees by Ó Duinnín gained a lead as Rockchapel lost defender Brian Carroll to a black card.

As the contest aged, Naomh Abán maintained a buoyant challenge, Ó Loingsigh and Ó Criodáin delivered insurance points during the latter stages.

Scorers for Naomh Abán: M Ó Duinnín 0-3f, D O’Laoire, C Ó Donnchú, W MacCárthaigh, J Ó Donnchú, D M Ó Loingsigh, C Ó Críodáin 0-1 each 

Scorers for Rockchapel: J Curtin 0-2f, J Walsh, C Curtin, P Curtin, N Lenihan 0-1 each.

NAOMH ABÁN: G Ó Luasa; C de Róiste, C Ó Deasúnaigh, É Ó Críodáin; D M Ó Loingsigh, C de hÍde, J Ó Donnchú; C Ó Donnchú; S Ó Ríordáin; M Ó Liatháin; D Ó Laoire, M Ó Críod; D Ó Ceallaigh, M Ó Duinnín, W MacCárthaigh.

Subs: C Ó Críodáin for M Ó Liatháin (43), D Ó Ceocháin for S Ó Riordáin (50), S Hendry for C Ó Donnchú (56), D Ó hAllamháin for M Ó Duinnín (59).

ROCKCHAPEL: C Murphy; B Carroll, E O’Callaghan, D Carroll; P Curtin, M O’Keefe, K Collins; S Hickey, C Kepple; E Murphy, J Curtin, J Walsh; N Lenihan, Ciarán Curtin, E Collins.

Subs: J McAulliffe for E Collins (ht), Cormac Curtin for N Lenihan (51), W Murphy for J Walsh (53), L Collins for E Murphy (57).

Referee: Conor Lane (Banteer).