Naomh Aban beat Clyda to take minor title

Naomh Aban 1-13 Clyda Rovers 1-10

A GREAT second half proved decisive as Naomh Aban turned over a six-point half time deficit to eventually win out by three points as they regained the County Rebel Og MBFC(1) title they last held in 2014.

The game against Clyda Rovers on Saturday in Mahon was played in dry cold wintry conditions. Naomh Aban impressed in midfield all through with both of their midfield players accounting for 1-6 between them. Sean O’Riordan opened with an early point for the winners. Conor Corbett with a free levelled after 7 minutes. Miceal O Duinnin soloed through and edged the Mid Cork side ahead again.

At the end of the first quarter Dominic Cronin placed Conor Corbett who levelled. Dara O Loingsigh had two quick points for Naomh Aban.

Clyda took control from the 18th minute to the break. Darragh Buckley punched a point and Sean O’Callaghan levelled 0-4 each. Good play by Sean Kelly led to a lead point by Conor Corbett. The Avondhu side had their goal when Eoin Walsh soloed through and netted 1-5 to 0-4. Dominic Cronin added a point after good play by Sean Kelly and Conor Corbett. Good play by David Walsh led to a fine point by Sean Kelly as Rovers held a commanding lead at the break 1-7 to 0-4.

On the resumption Clyda’s David Walsh soloed through and placed Ben O’Connor who was fouled. Conor Corbett pointed the free.

From here on Naomh Aban got to grips with the game they moved Simon O Murchu and Seamus O Muineachain up front and both made a huge difference. They got on top at midfield and their passing was excellent. In the 36th minute good play by Seamus O Muineachain, Aodan O Luasa and Caoimhin O Donnchu led to a great point by Dara O Loingsigh. Aodan O Luasa followed with a pointed free.

In the 39th minute team captain Conchur O Criodain soloed through and goaled as the lead was down to two points 1-8 to 1-6. Aodan O Luasa added a point and the same player levelled from a free in the 42nd minute 1-8 each.

Naomh Aban took the lead through Dara O Loingsigh. The Mid Cork side had two wides. Conor Corbett with a pointed free levelled at 1-9 apiece. Aodhan O’Luasa and Conor Corbett exchanged a pointed free before a well placed kickout by Finlay Walker found Dara O Loingsigh who placed Darragh O Loingsigh for a great point. Clyda fought back well but they found the Naomh Aban defence very tight.

Conchur O Criodain pointed a free with Dara O’Loingsigh kicking a massive point in the 61st minute. Five minutes of injury time were played. Clyda tried very hard for a goal but the Naomh Aban defence held firm and they ran out victors by a three-point margin.

After the game Donal Whooley Secretary Rebel Og presented the cup to the winning captain Conchur O Criodain.

NAOMH ABAN: F Walker, T O Cathain, A O Cathain, S O Murchu, C O Muiris,

F O Loingsigh, S O Muineachain, C O Criodain 1-2 (0-1f), Dara O Loingsigh 0-4, M O Duinnin 0-1, A O Luasa 0-4 (3f), B O Riordain, Darragh O Loingsigh 0-1, C O Donnchu, S O Riordain 0-1. Fir ionad:

W MacCarthaigh in ionad S O Riordain, C O Colmain, in ionad B O Riordain, S O Laoire in ionad C O Muiris.

CLYDA ROVERS: S Dennehy, A Walsh, G Deane, S Browne, A Jack, S Kelly 0-1, G Doherty, S O’Callaghan 0-1, D Walsh, D Buckley 0-1, D Cronin 0-1, E Walsh 1-0, P Buckley, B O’Connor, C Corbett 0-6 (4f). Sub: C O’Reilly for B O’Connor (black card).

REFEREE: Cormac Dineen (Douglas)