Cork Premier SFC: Avondhu see off Seandún, Imokilly back with a bang

David Hanlon of Avondhu in action against Seandún. Pic: Larry Cummins

Avondhu just about had enough to get past a spirited Seandún side (3-17 to 3-14) in the opening round of the unseeded divisions/colleges section of the McCarthy Insurance Group Premier SFC at Glantane on Tuesday evening.

This victory sends the North Cork outfit into a Round 2 meeting with Beara next Tuesday, and the intensity of this contest will surely stand to them after what was a highly entertaining affair.

The winners took control in the final quarter to edge over the line by three points. They had trailed by one at the short whistle, with Avondhu spearheaded throughout by the influence of the Hanlon brothers, Conor and David, and Mark Lenahan.

They finished the game with 14 men after sub Kevin Lenahan received a black card in the dying seconds, but they held firm under late Seandún pressure.

It was a big occasion for Seandún, who were returning to competitive action for the first time in seven years. They led by a point at half-time and their effort could not be faulted. Blake Murphy was outstanding, hitting 1-9 including three two-pointers and keeping his side in the contest throughout.

Meanwhile, a nine-point haul from the excellent Daniel Murnane underpinned an impressive return to football championship action for Imokilly as they saw off MTU Cork on a -16 to 0-5 scoreline at Carrigtwohill.

It was a first outing in the Premier SFC for the east Cork division since 2023 – a year where they beat Muskerry – but a well-stocked squad, featuring nine different clubs among the starting 15, had far too much for a college side competing first time since 2022.