Ó Duinnín stars for Cill na Martra

Crucially, the quality of Cill na Martra’s play provided some of the game’s best scores. And with the Gaeltacht boys crisp and hard in the tackle, they forced Kanturk into a series of uncharacteristic errors.

Entering the fray with an unbeaten run in league and championship, disappointment surfaced for Kanturk.

At times they enjoyed spells of dominance yet they weren’t always able to translate possession into scores.

Indeed Cill Na Martra emerged far more economical, typified by a well worked goal from Shane Ó Duinnín midway through the opening half. That three pointer helped ultimately to separate the sides but for the best part, Cill na Martra carried a lot more scoring power and options to lay the groundwork for an eagerly awaited semi final clash against Bandon.

From a lively start, the sides exchanged points to Ó Duinnín and Ian Walsh, the sides on level terms for the only occasion. Thereafter, Cill na Martra eased into the game confidently, playing with purpose and cohesion.

Storming forward, impressive Dan Ó Duinnín arced over delightful as did defender Tadhg Ó Corcora.

Indeed Cill na Martra looked really up for the challenge, Ó Corcora, Graham Ó Mocháin and Colm Ó Laoire combined defensive work with an eagerness to attack. Elsewhere Mairtín Ó Conchúir adapted a play-maker role with corner forwards Daniel and Shane Ó Duinnín in scintillating form.

The latter pointed as did Ó Conchúir yet Kanturk might well had goal only for Cill ma Martra ‘keeper James Aynsley block Aidan Walsh’s effort.

Soon Cill na Martra put clear daylight between the pair in the 16th min., former county player Nollaig Ó Laoire placed Shane Ó Duinnín to weave his way past Kanturk defenders for a brilliant goal and a clear 1-6 to 0-1`advantage.

Walsh put add to Kanturk’s tally, only to be cancelled by Dan Ó Duinnín at the opposite end. As the game progressed, Kanturk looked more up for the challenge, Ian Walsh pointing on the double to cut the leeway 1-7 to 0-4 at the break.

And there were encouraging signs for Kanturk on the restart but failed to create inroads, not helped by erratic shooting from play and frees. That compared to a sweeping Cill na Martra move right down the centre, Antóin Ó Cuana and Ó Conchúir linking up for Ó Leary to allow Shane Ó Duinnín pop over the crossbar.

Steadily. Kanturk began to perform with much more conviction, drawing encouragement from solid play of the McLoughlin brothers, Lorcan O’Neill, Aidan Walsh and Mark Healy. For a spell, their accuracy improved, Healy pointed on the double.

Still Cill na Martra looked dangerous on the counter, Miceál Ó Deasúna who had earlier missed out on chances, pointed from long range. Again Kanturk made some further progress,

Healy and Ian Walsh pointed after a spell of indifferent shooting as the Duhallow side were unable to find a rhythm that would surge into a powerful stride.

Again that contrasted to an enterprising Cill na Martra move, substitute Daire McLochlainn won the ball for Ó Deasúna place Dan Ó Duinnin to bisect the uprights.

Despite being pressurized by the battling challengers that John McLoughlin claimed a consolation point, Cill na Martra never looked rattled and weathered Kanturk’s storm of intensity to advance to a semi final.