Cork SFL round-up: Clon maintain perfect Division 1 start as Uibh Laoire and Mallow lead

CLOSE CONFINES: Douglas' David Buckley turns from Clonakilty's Sean White during the McCarthy Insurance Group FL division 1 game at Douglas. Picture; Eddie O'Hare

Clonakilty, Uibh Laoire and Mallow are the McCarthy Insurance Group Divisions 1, 2 and 3 football league leaders following this weekend’s action.

Clon maintained their perfect Division 1 start away to winless Douglas.

Despite an early goal from Cork senior Conor Daly, a more clinical Douglas led by two points heading into the closing stages.

Sharpshooters Daly (1-3) and Dara Ó Sé (0-5) helped the Carbery club get over the line 1-15 to 0-17. Dylan Ward (0-4), Jack Cunningham, Alan O’Hare, Adam Cantwell and Louis Dwan Fogarty (0-2 each) were amongst Douglas’ scorers.

As a result, the Brewery Town sit top of Division 1 on a maximum four points after two rounds of fixtures.

Sunday’s most eye-catching result was in Cill na Martra where the hosts proved too strong for Nemo Rangers. It finished 1-17 to 2-13 in the Muskerry club’s favour, thanks to four two-pointers.

Daniel Ó Duinnín was responsible for one of those orange flags and finished with 0-5. Jason Mac Cárthaigh (0-4) and Antaine Ó Loingsigh (1-1), Ciarán Ó Fóirréidh, Danny Ó Conaill (0-3 each) also contributed for a Cill na Martra side that built a 1-11 to 1-6 interval lead.

Unsurprisingly, Nemo levelled matters deep into the second period. A late Seán Ó Fóirréidh effort won it for Cill na Martra despite Conor Horgan (1-3), Brian Hayes (0-6) and Mark Hill’s (1-0) best efforts.

Newcestown are up and running courtesy of their first Division 1 victory at home to Carbery Rangers.

Manager Jim O’Sullivan was pleased with his team’s 1-19 to 2-9 triumph in which Cork senior David Buckley kicked seven points.

“Our first-half performance was good, playing against a strong wind and leading by a point at half time,” O’Sullivan said. “In fairness to Carbery, they came back into it and got a couple of good two-pointers against the wind.

“Today was all about winning the game. The league, for us, is about building a panel of 25 to 30 players and being ready for the championship.” 

Paul Hodnett was on top form for Rangers, who still await their first point, scoring 1-5. Darragh Hayes added 1-1 with John O’Rourke and Brian Hodnett (0-1 each) also featuring.

Newcestown’s win owed much to David Buckley as well as Carthach Keane (0-4), Micheal McSweeney (1-0), Richard O’Sullivan and Joe Kenneally (0-2 each) scores.

“I’m very happy with our win because weather conditions weren’t fantastic and we are delighted to come away from Knocknagree with our first two points,” Castlehaven manager Seanie Cahalane commented after his side edged a close Division 1 affair, 1-9 to 0-10, in Knocknagree.

“The under-footing is soft at the moment and was heavy going at times. Knocknagree came back into it in the second half so thank God we pulled away in the end.” 

Two points apiece from Cork senior Brian Hurley, Michael Hurley and Danny O’Donovan, as well as Jamie O’Driscoll’s goal, were instrumental in Castlehaven’s win.

Denis R O’Connor (0-4) and Anthony O’Connor (0-3) provided the bulk of a battling Knocknagree’s total and who were level with 4 minutes remaining. Late O’Donovan and Conor Cahalane points cemented the Haven’s victory.

Earlier in the week, three two-pointers from Cillian Myers-Murray helped St Finbarr’s maintain their undefeated Division 1 start at the expense of Éire Óg.

Things are just as intriguing atop the McCarthy Insurance Group Division 2 county league.

Uibh Laoire lead the way after a second victory in as many outings. O’Donovan Rossa were defeated 1-14 to 0-7 despite Niall Daly scoring 0-5 for the West Cork club in Inchigeela.

Elsewhere in Division 2, Clyda Rovers edged Valley Rovers 1-9 to 0-8 with Kevin Graham’s first half goal proving pivotal. St Michaels travelled to Castletownbere and registered a 1-16 to 2-9 success.

Dohenys and Carrigaline couldn’t be separated following a 1-14 to 1-14 draw in Dunmanway. Adam O’Donovan’s injury-time goal earned the hosts a point. Ballincollig got off the mark by edging Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaidh 1-15 to 2-10.

Division 3 leaders Mallow maintained their perfect start with a 2-12 to 2-6 win at home to Bishopstown last Saturday.

Second placed Fermoy saw off Kilshannig 1-11 to 0-8 while Kanturk had eight points to spare in their win at home to Naomh Abán, 3-10 to 0-11.