Corn Uí Mhuirí: Clonakilty and Hammies still alive after west Cork derby deadlock

Seán Whelton’s free from distance 13 minutes from time proved to be the vital score for Clonakilty Community College.

STAYING ALIVE: Hamilton HS' Caoimhain O'Hannain putting pressure on Sean Maguire of Clonakilty CS. Pic: Denis Boyle

Corn Ui Mhuirí: Clonakilty Community College 1-5 Hamilton High School Bandon 1-5 

The spoils were shared between Clonakilty Community College and Hamilton High School Bandon in the TUS Corn Uí Mhuirí Group 2 tie at Newcestown on Wednesday.

It was Seán Whelton’s free from distance 13 minutes from time that hopped in the square over the bar that proved to be the vital score for Clonakilty Community College.

Both teams had chances thereafter for a winner, but to no avail.

In this west Cork derby where club players were facing-off against one another, the outcome keeps Clonakilty CC hopes alive after they lost to Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine Kenmare in round 1, but they’ll have to get a result against Coláiste Spioráid Naoimh Bishopstown in the final group match.

Hamilton High School, now with three points and in a good position, meet the Kenmare side next.

The Bandon team, who were seeking back-to-back wins, started with a Kevin Hannon point.

Luke Murphy’s effort tied proceedings in the sixth minute.

Dylan Harrington then edged Clonakilty Community College ahead for the only time over the hour.

The accuracy of Jack Hennigan from a placed ball after Sean Murphy was fouled, achieved parity once more.

The game’s first goal arrived in the 27th minute when Sean Murphy’s first-timed effort off the ground billowed the right top corner of the net - it came about after Humphrey Canty was fouled on the left flank.

The green flag was the difference at half-time, 1-2 to 0-2.

Hannon, again, opened the scoring in the second half.

The Clonakilty response was impressive, Whelton and Cillian Twohig replying within a minute Charlie Twomey ensured a three-point lead approaching the end of the third quarter.

Right on the 45 minute mark, defender Oisin Harrington made a decisive run through the middle and his powerful finish went all the way to the net, 1-4 apiece.

With flags of any description at a premium, it was a significant score for Clonakilty CC.

When Dylan Harrington won a mark, Oisin McCarthy was on hand to inch Hamilton High School in front.

In the same 47th minute, Whelton equalised for Clonakilty Community College. Neither side could successfully find the target in the remaining time.

Scorers for Clonakilty CC: O Harrington (1-0), S Whelton (0-2, 0-1 free), C Twohig, D Harrington, L Murphy (0-1 each).

Scorers for Hamilton HS: S Murphy (1-0), K Hannon (0-2), O McCarthy, J Hennigan (free) and C Twomey (0-1 each).

CLONAKILTY CC: R Twohig (Kilmeen); S Maguire (Castlehaven), S Bailey (Kilmeen), K Hennessy (Ibane Gaels); O Harrington (Kilmeen), D Moloney (Ibane Gaels), J O’Leary (Ballinascarthy); M Murphy (Clonakilty), D Harrington (Clonakilty); D Kenneally (Clonakilty), S Whelton (St James’), L Murphy (Ibane Gaels); C Twohig (Kilmeen, Capt), J Collins (Ibane Gaels), T Cullinane (Carbery Rangers).

Subs: D Dinneen (Ibane Gaels) for J Collins, C Murphy (Ibane Gaels) for D Kenneally (both half-time), T Whooley (Clonakilty) for D Dineen (58), J Crowley (Ibane Gaels) for C Twohig (60).

HAMILTON HS: B Curtin (Valley Rovers); B Coffey (Clonakilty), N Daly (Valley Rovers), J O’Driscoll (Newcestown); R Tarrant (Bandon), J Cullinane (Bandon, Capt), L Casey (Valley Rovers); S Coffey (Clonakilty), O Gillain (Kilbrittain); C Twomey (Ibane Gaels), H Canty (Newcestown), O McCarthy (Valley Rovers); J Hennigan (Sam Maguires), K Hannon (Bandon), S Murphy (Dohenys).

Subs: D Flynn (Ibane Gaels) for J Hennigan (45), S Browne (Valley Rovers) for L Casey (58).

Referee: Niall O’Mahony (Newcestown).