Division 1 FL: Éire Óg avoid relegation after entertaining draw with Cill na Martra

Éire Óg: 0-14 (0-1-12)

Cill na Martra: 1-11 (1-1-9)

Éire Óg have avoided relegation from Division 1 of the McCarthy Insurance Group Football League after securing a positive result that was required against Cill na Martra at Ovens on Sunday morning.

The teams couldn’t be separated after an exciting contest and at times, a tasty Muskerry derby.

As a result of this draw in the last round of fixtures, last year’s Division 1 league winners Carrigaline are now demoted with St Michael’s.

On reflection, a draw was a fair result in this one. Both sides didn't do enough on a consistent basis to pick up the win, but Éire Óg showed huge character in the second half, trailing by four points after 53 minutes.

They dug deep in what was a great team display late on. They were much more effective when they left the ball do the work.

Brian Hurley of Éire Óg gets his pass away from Micheál Ó Deasúna of Cill na Martra. Picture: Dan Linehan

Both sides were guilty of misplaced passes and poor shooting in the early stages. Just the two scores in the first quarter, one apiece. Brian Hurley did get Éire Óg up and running with a point after two minutes only for the visitors to draw level through a Micheál Ó Deasúna effort.

The same player then converted a two-point free after 16 minutes as Cill na Martra were marginally the better team early on.

The sides then swapped points, Éire Óg goalkeeper Chris Kelly landing a 45 and Damien Ó hUrdail pointing for his team.

A Kelly free and a Jack Murphy effort drew the sides level, 0-4 each after 22 minutes.

Ciarán Ó Duinnín did nudge Cill na Martra ahead before they were reduced to 14 players for 10 minutes after 24 minutes, Antóin Ó Cuana picked up a black card with six minutes to the break.

Éire Óg didn’t truly take advantage, but a Conor McGoldrick point did ensure the teams were level at half-time, 0-5 each.

Hugh Murphy of Éire Óg puts pressure on Antóin Ó Cuana of Cill na Martra. Picture: Dan Linehan

Both sides had their period of dominance in this new half without ever pushing on. Éire Óg kicked the first four points with Daniel Goulding and Darragh Clifford excellent in this period for the home team, 0-9 to 0-5 after 35 minutes. But, they wouldn’t score again for the next 18 minutes.

During that time, Cill na Martra rattled off 1-5 with Ó hUrdail’s goal after 41 minutes, looking like a crucial score.

It was a great finish after being played in by Daniel Ó Duinnín, 1-10 to 0-9. Éire Óg then had their purple patch that proved so important for them in staying up as they showed great character.

Daniel Healy’s fisted effort after 53 minutes was much-needed followed by a Hurley two-pointer to leave a point in it.

Mark Griffin of Éire Óg in action against Daniel Ó Duinnín of Cill na Martra. Picture: Dan Linehan

Experienced campaigner Dermot O’Herlihy drew his team level before Clifford kicked a fantastic point to edge Éire Óg ahead with three minutes to go.

Cill na Martra were eying up a two-pointer to snatch victory, but they did get a point when Danny Ó Conaill pointed seconds after former Kerry footballer Mark Griffin denied Ciarán Ó Duinnín a certain goal.

A heroic block as he put his body on the line for the team in red and yellow. Éire Óg held on for the draw to keep them up.

Scorers for Éire Óg: B Hurley 0-3 (1 2pt), C Kelly 0-2 (0-1 f, 0-1 45), D Dineen, H Murphy, C McGoldrick, D Clifford, M Griffin, D Goulding, D O’Herlihy, J Murphy, D Healy 0-1 each.

Cill na Martra: D Ó hUrdail 1-1, M Ó Deasúna 0-3 (1 2pt f), S Ó Duinnín, D Ó Conaill 0-2 each, C Ó Meachair, C Ó Duinnín, E Ó Conaill 0-1 each.

ÉIRE ÓG: C Kelly; A McCarthy, D Dineen, John Kelleher; H Murphy, C McGoldrick, D McCarthy; D Clifford, M Griffin; Jerome Kelleher, B Hurley, E O'Shea; D Goulding, D O’Herlihy, J Murphy.

Subs: D Healy for Jerome Kelleher (6, inj).

CILL NA MARTRA: J Ó Loingsigh; M Ó Cathasaigh, F Ó Faoláin, C Ó Meachair; D Ó Conaill, D Ó Buachalla, C Ó Fóirréidh; A Ó Cuana, G Ó Goillidhe; C Ó Duinnín, M Ó Deasúna, E Ó Conaill; D Ó hUrdail, D Ó Duinnín, S Ó Duinnín.

Subs: D Mac Cárthaigh for J Ó Loingsigh (h-t), A Ó hUidhir for D Ó Buachalla (48), A Ó Loingsigh for D Ó hUrdail (50).

Referee: James Regan (Lough Rovers).

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