Holders Cill na Martra knocked out of Under-21 championship
THE Muskerry Under-21 Football Championship action continues to provide entertaining fare and there was plenty of excitement last weekend as progress was achieved in all three grades of this age group.
In the Under-21 ‘A’ section title holders Cill na Martra found themselves departing the race but they certainly lost nothing in defeat when they were behind Kilmurry at the end of the hour by the narrowest of margins. Last season these two clubs provided us with a feast of Gaelic football before the Gaeltacht side were victorious following a final replay.
It was expected that the title holders would find the going hard this season with a number of that championship side no longer eligible for Under-21 action. Kilmurry on the other hand were lining out with a team every bit as strong as last season and despite playing at their opponents headquarters they were expected to have the edge. Kilmurry were ahead for most of the action and they appeared to be comfortable entering the final quarter.
True to form Cill na Martra refused to go down without a fight however and as talented performers like Danno Ó Dúinnín and Tadg Ó Corcora turned on the style Kilmurry found themselves on the back foot. The arrears were reduced to the minimum but time was on Kilmurry’s side so they advanced to the last four.
It was a disappointing finish for Cill na Martra but it has been five years of outstanding displays at Under-21 level for all concerned and they can look forward to the future with confidence. Following last Saturday’s results, the four following clubs will go into the hat for semi-final places. Ballincollig, Eire Óg, Kilmurry and Naomh Abán.
Progress was also made in the Under-21 ‘B’ and ‘C’ football championships with two games being decided in both grades. Blarney did well to secure a first round victory over Ballinora in one (B) encounter while Beal Áthan Ghaorthaidh who continue to produce plenty of football talent had a resounding victory over Grenagh in the second.
In the (C) championship Clondrohid got their championship season back on track following a first round defeat, when a goal scoring spree enabled them to surmount the challenge of Eire Óg who were fielding a second under 21 squad for the first time and Kilmichael were too strong for Lee Gaels.
The (B) and (C) under 21 championships have now entered the losers group stage and Ballinora will have a second chance game with Macroom while Aghabullogue must face Iveleary. In the (C) championship Eire Óg will play Lee Gaels.