Shanballymore lose tight Division 2 FL final

Deel Rovers 1-6 Shanballymore 0-8

The first of this year’s Cavanagh's of Fermoy League finals took place at Churchtown on Tuesday evening last week, when Deel Rovers with a great team performance had a point to spare over Shanballymore in the Division 2 Football League decider.

Both teams had an indifferent run in recent weeks. Deel Rovers, who were involved in some great tussles en route to the final, sadly suffered two surprising defeats in the County JBFC which all but put an end to their interest in the county championship. Shanballymore on the other hand, recorded wins over Belgooly and Glengarriff and advanced to the county quarter-finals with a game to spare in the group stages.

In a low scoring final last week, the outcome was in the balance all through. Shanballymore started brightly and three early points by Eoin O'Regan, Darragh Palmer and Corey Buckley raced them into a 0-3 to no score lead by the sixth minute. Deel Rovers quickly settled and Tommy Curran was denied a goal scoring opportunity when the Shanballymore keeper, Stephen Donegan saved well. Nevertheless, the Milford side made amends two minutes later when Henry O'Gorman and Jamie O'Connor linked up well to set up Brian Murphy for a well taken goal.

Deel Rovers edged in front at the end of the first quarter when wing back Brian Villiers was at the end of a great movement to kick over a fine point, 1-1 to 0-3. At the other end, Shanballymore, who over-elaborated the short passing at times, had a goal scoring chance by Jake Buckley cleared off the line by the Rovers’ keeper, Pat Ryan.

Instead, it was Deel Rovers that were showing the greater urgency. In the 22nd minute Ciaran O'Sullivan, Ryan O'Gorman and Brian Murphy worked very well to set up Jamie O'Connor for a point, 1-2 to 0-3. Shanballymore's response was immediate with Darragh Palmer setting up Corey Buckley for a long range point.

In the closing moments Henry O'Gorman and Noah Butler traded points, as Deel Rovers held a 1-3 to 0-5 advantage at the short whistle.

On the changeover, Deel Rovers who had some fine displays throughout the team, started in a very determined manner. Anthony Watson and Jamie O'Connor combined very well to set up Tadgh O'Flynn for a great point in the 32nd minute, while three minutes later a timely interception from a Shanballymore attack by Kieran O'Flynn resulted in Brian Murphy kicking over, that opened up a three point advantage.

In a thrilling half, both teams battled hard for supremacy. Shanballymore created many movements but at times found it difficult to break down a solid Rovers’ backline. Corey Buckley had a point from a free in the 37th minute.

Scores were at a premium for the next 15 minutes with the next coming in the 52nd minute when substitute Eoin Dillon had a point for the winners. With time running out Shanballymore threw caution to the wind. A great point by Eoin McHugh was followed by a Corey Buckley free in the 56th minute and extra time seemed likely when just a point separated the teams, 1-6 to 0-8.

Try as they might, Shanballymore were unable to get the levelling score and instead it was Deel Rovers that held on for a close but fully deserved victory.

After the game, North Cork GAA Board Chairman, Arthur O'Keeffe presented the cup to the winning captain, Pat Watson.

Deel Rovers: Patrick Ryan, John O'Flynn, Pat Watson, Stephen O'Flynn, Brian Villiers 0-1, Kieran O'Flynn, Ryan O'Gorman, Ciaran O'Sullivan, Tadgh O'Flynn 0-1, Kevin O'Leary, Anthony Watson, Henry O'Gorman 0-1, Tommy Curran, Jamie O'Connor 0-1, Brian Murphy 1-1. Subs Eoin Dillon (0-1f) for Tommy Curran, Michael O'Flynn for Kieran O'Flynn (inj), Ben Geary for Kevin O'Leary.

Shanballymore: Stephen Donegan, Conor McDonald, Barry Sheedy, Padraigh Fitzgerald, Leon Fitzharris, Brian O'Reilly, Billy O'Grady, Shane Looney, Darragh Palmer 0-1, Jamie Sheedy, Eoin McHugh 0-1, Corey Buckley 0-4 (0-2f), Eoin O'Regan 0-1, Noah Butler 0-1f, Jake Buckley. Subs: Richard Hallinan for Noah Butler, Micheal Burke for Billy O'Grady (inj).

Referee Alec Morrissey (Newtownshandrum).