Cork SAFC: Kanturk flex muscles in easy opening round win over Beal Atha’n Ghaorthaidh

Ian Walsh made history for Kanturk with a 48th minute two pointer, becoming the first club player to break 200 championship points

Next up for Kanturk is a clash with Doheny’s who drew with Aghabullogue on Saturday. Pic: Jim Coughlan.

Cork SAFC: Kanturk 1-19 (1-2-13) Beal Atha’n Ghaorthaidh 0-11 (0-2-7) 

A stroll in the park for Kanturk as they easily disposed of a disappointing Beal Atha’n Ghaorthaidh side in the opening round group game of the McCarthy Insurance Senior A football championship at Ballyanly on Saturday.

In a game dominated by the north Cork outfit it failed to ignite at any stage as Kanturk saw off their Gaeltacht opponents without too much fuss.

History was also made for the Kanturk stalwart Ian Walsh a 48th minute substitute who nailed a monstrous two pointer eight minutes later and became the first club player to break 200 championship points that brought his total to 10-201 over his many years of loyal service.

Many solid displays from Kanturk but the aerial power of Alan Walsh at centre field was evident over the hour as he basically ran the show in that department.

It was evident the physical strength of Kanturk was posing their opponents problems in the opening exchanges with Grantas Bucinskas kicking them ahead after two minutes following a 45.

In a rare Beal Atha’s Ghaorthaidh attack they produced a stunning two pointer courtesy of a wonderful Ben Seartan kick that looked to ease the pressure onn his side.

Kanturk were basically dominating centre field and they should have raised the opening green flag following a stunning four man sweeping move.

In the end the ball was put into the path of Liam O’Keeffe and with the keeper only to beat he shot straight into his body.

The pressure intensified and Kanturk were basically toying with their opponents for long periods, but some poor finishing didn’t help their cause although they commanded a five-point lead midway through the half.

Turnovers were a big problem for Ballingeary and with five minutes remaining they trailed by seven points but goalkeeper Darren O Coill came to the rescue with a superb two pointer in the final minute that saw them go in at the break trailing 0-11 to 0-6.

On the restart the trend of the game didn’t change as the physical stamp of Kanturk basically saw them dominate for the majority of the half.

Credit to Beal Atha’n Ghaorthaidh they did battle like trojans and although Kanturk looked a side with their foot off the gas they always found the crucial scores when they needed to.

Next up for Kanturk is a clash with Dunmanway side Doheny’s who shared the spoils with Aghabullogue while Beal Atha’n Ghaorthaidh will need to pick it big time for their clash with Aghabullogue.

Scorers for Kanturk: G Bucinskas 1-4 (1-2pt), C Walsh 0-4, A Walsh 0-2 (0-1f), A Walsh 0-2, I Walsh 0-2 (1-2pt), D O’Connell 0-2, R Cashman (45), L O’Keeffe, C Clernon (0-1 each).

Scorers for Beal Atha’n Ghaorthaidh: B Seartan 0-3 (1-2pt,f), D Seartan 0-3 (0-1f), D O Coill 0-2 (1-2ptf), D Mac Thaomais, C O Loinsigh, E O Ceilleachair (0-1 each).

KANTURK: R Cashman; J McLoughlin, D Browne, C Mullane; M Healy, T Walsh, R Walsh; J Fitzpatrick, A Walsh; P Walsh, B O’Sullivan, D O’Connell; G Bucinskas, C Walsh, L O’Keeffe.

Subs: I Walsh for L O’Keeffe (48), L McLoughlin for J Fitzpatrick (48), C Clernon for C Walsh (55), L O’Neill for C Mullane (55), L O’Keeffe for D O’Connell (inj 60).

BEAL ATHA'N GHAORTHAIDH: D O Coill, S O Donnchu, E O Duinnin, G O Laoire; N O Laoire, B O hArgain, D Seartan; C O Loinsigh, S O Tuama; C O Duinnin, D O Ceallachain, D O Ceallachain; D Mac Thomais, S O Muimhneachain, B Seartan.

Subs: E O Ceilleachair for S O Muimhneachain (45).

Referee: Shane Scanlon (Newcestown).