Walkovers dominate end of the McCarthy Insurance Group Football League

After what was a very exciting McCarthy Insurance Group Division 1 Football League season, the last official weekend did end in controversy.

Two walkovers was something the Cork County Board and many people didn't want to see happen.

Of course, clubs will have their own reasons for making the decision to forfeit their fixture, it just doesn’t look good, especially with a league final and relegation on the line for the teams who they were facing.

It’s a tricky time of the year with a lot going on like holidays and exams and also injuries, but every effort should be made to fulfil the fixture even if it’s the last league match and even if the team has little to play for. It's a competitive game.

David Buckley of Newcestown is chased by Hugh Murphy of Éire Óg. Picture: Larry Cummins

St Finbarr’s just required a draw at home to Newcestown to keep Nemo Rangers at bay and they were given a huge helping hand after Newcestown conceded.

The likelihood was that the Barrs would have got something out of the game, but Newcestown were in good form, sitting fourth.

Had St Finbarr’s lost, it was possible it would end in a three-way tie with Clonakilty and Nemo. Scoring difference would then kick in and the Barrs would have been in trouble.

With the win, it’s now either Clonakilty or Nemo to progress to the league final.

Clon meet Castlehaven on Sunday in Ballinacarriga at 11.30am needing a positive result.

At the other end, there was surprise when Douglas conceded their home game against last year’s Division 1 league winners Carrigaline.

Given the number of players in their adult ranks, there was an expectation that Douglas would have enough players.

Carrigaline's Nathan O'Keeffe on the move against Clonakilty. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

Granted they were in mid-table and nothing to play for only pride, Carrigaline were the opposite. They had to win the game and hope Éire Óg would lose at home to Cill na Martra in order to stay up on the head-to-head rule.

Douglas’ withdrawal less than 48 hours before their game did apply pressure on to Éire Óg knowing a loss would relegate the Muskerry outfit alongside St Michael’s.

In the end, Éire Óg drew, 0-14 to 1-11, so Carrigaline did go down having been fancied to do so anyway going into Round 9.

Given how competitive and exciting the league has been in recent years, the main point should be that all fixtures should be played.

Walkovers undermine the league. It’s not a good look.

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