O’Sullivan's late two-pointer salvages draw for Kiskeam

In a game full of twists and turns, there was plenty of encouragement for respective coaches Aidan O’Mahony and Dan Cronin on recording their first return in the group, a stalemate emerging as a fair outcome.

Sat, 23 Aug, 2025 - 21:58

John Tarrant

Cork Premier IFC: Macroom 0-15 (0-3-9), Kiskeam 0-15 (0-3-9)

KISKEAM found enough resilience to come from a five-point deficit to force a draw thanks to a classy two-point free from Seán O’Sullivan in added time against Macroom in a rousing McCarthy Insurance Group Premier IFC (Group 3) clash at Dromtariffe on Saturday evening.

Kiskeam signalled their intent from the off to shoot the opening four points. Taking time to settle, Macroom were boosted by a two-pointer from play by Alan Quinn.

However, Macroom owed thanks to ‘keeper Declan Kiely on a brilliant save from Seán Meehan, Quinn added to his tally to trim the deficit 0-5 to 0-4 at the close of the closing quarter.

Kiskeam might have goaled again, Gene Casey denied by the post, the ball transferred downfield for Pa Lucey to kick a two-point free.

Again Kiely came to his side’s rescue with a save from Adrian Carroll. Macroom looked sharper, Lucey pointed a 45 for a 0-7 to 0-5 advantage at half time.

On the restart, Macroom benefited from the key input of Cillian Donovan, Caleb Dineen, Seán Kiely and Eolan O’Leary.

Lucey obliged with a two pointer, Fintan Goold and substitute Don Creedon bisecting the uprights for Macroom to hold a 0-12 to 0-6 grip. For Kiskeam,

Thomas Casey hit the woodwork, and they hinted at what was to come, responding with two-point frees from Seán O’Sullivan and Paul O’Callaghan to leave two between the sides.

Macroom weren’t found wanting, a sweeping move from defence to attack saw a goal by Lucey disallowed, the Mid Cork side added to their tally on points to Kiely, Caleb Dineen and Quinn.

Trailing by five, Kiskeam weren’t quite ready to surrender, encouraged by the introduction of fresh legs, O’Callaghan and Daire Murphy.

Points in quick succession left two between the teams before O’Sullivan squared up the contest with the late two-point free.

Next up in the group, Macroom take on Iveleary with Kiskeam pitted against Castletownbere.

Scorers for Macroom: P Lucey 0-5 (2tpf, 0-1 ‘45), A Quinn 0-5 (0-2f, 1tp), D Creedon 0-2, F Goold, S Kiely, C Dineen 0-1 each.

Kiskeam: S O’Sullivan 0-7 (2 tpf, 0-2f), T Casey 0-3, P O’Callaghan 0-3 (1 tpf), D Fitzgerald, M Herlihy 0-1 each.

MACROOM: D Kiely; M Cronin, R Buckley, J Murphy; P Farrell, M Corrigan, S Meaney; T Dineen, C Donovan; S Kiely, A Quinn, E O’Leary; F Goold, C Dineen, P Lucey.

Subs. D Creedon for M Cronn (ht), C Buckley for P Farrell (46), M Condon for S Meaney (53).

KISKEAM: B Daly; J O’Connor, Mike Casey, J Daly; S Meehan, A J O’Connor, K O’Connor; A Carroll, G Casey; D Fitzgerald, M Herlihy, Maurice Casey; S O’Sullivan, D Scannell, T Casey.

Subs. P O’Callaghan for Maurice Casey (41), S O’Riordan for D Scannell (43), D Murphy for J Daly (43), A Dennehy for M Herlihy (57).

Referee: Aidan Hyland (Kilworth).