A look back at Avondhu's run in the county SFC in 1979
In 1979, Avondhu footballers had defeated Seandun 2-10 to 1-8 and followed with a 1-10 to 1-8 victory over Duhallow. Then, in the county quarter-final, Avondhu defeated Bishopstown by 2-7 to 1-8, followed by a meeting with St Finbarr’s in the Co SFC semi-final.
BARR'S NOT FLATTERED BY VICTORY MARGIN St Finbarr's 0-14 Avondhu 1-8
St Finbarr's were not flattered by their 3 point win in the Co SFC semi-final at Midleton on September 16 against Avondhu. Avondhu fought gamely throughout this match and gave the city side some uneasy moments before the final whistle blew.
So superior were Barr's in most departments, that they appeared to be coasting to victory with 15 minutes to go, with a lead of 6 points. However, a bad goal keeping error by Bertie O'Brien let Avondhu's Gerry Mulcahy in for a well taken goal, which was followed by a Damien O'Hagan point. With their concentration lapsing, Barr's looked vulnerable for the first time in the match.
A penalty awarded to Avondhu with only two points between the sides raised the possibility of a real upset. Ned Kirby, arguably the best footballer on view, failed to convert the chance driving the ball wide of the post. Despite that blow, Avondhu kept fighting, but the superior craft of the Barr's saw them through in the end.
The Barr's performance was erratic to say the least. At times they produced fast flowing movement, but at various stages their play was strangely indecisive.
The city side started well with John Allen scoring two fine points from play as well as hitting the post within 5 minutes of the opening whistle. Three further points by Gerry McCarthy and Christy Ryan were followed before Damien O'Hagan, who was proving a handful for Mick Carey, opened the Avondhu side’s account with a point. With Flan Groarke and John Fouhy gaining parity at midfield with the Barr's Christy Ryan and Damien Philpott, the Avondhu side began to play more confidently. Patsy Lonergan and Ger Mulcahy had goal bound shots well saved by Bertie O'Brien. But overall Avondhu's energy was not marked by accuracy.
Even allowing for a disallowed goal by Jimmy Barry Murphy, St Finbarr's turned over 4 points to the good at half-time and generally looked in command up to the final quarter.
For Avondhu, Ned Kirby had a fine hour at centre back curbing the threat of Richie Kenny and marshalling the divisional side’s defence to good effect. John Fouhy, despite some hard knocks, was industrious throughout, as was Ger O'Connell who managed to hold a subdued Jimmy Barry Murphy scoreless.
The Barr's Gene Desmond at centre back blotted out Cork Under 21 star Michael Mullins and Christy Ryan, particularly in the second half, played to good effect.
Up front Gerry McCarthy was easily their best forward being deadly accurate from frees and notching two fine points from play as well.
TEAMS & SCORERS
Avondhu: Ger Mulcahy 1-3 (0-2f), Damien O'Hagan 0-2, Tom Monaghan 0-2, Patsy Lonergan 0-1.
St Finbarr's: Gerry McCarthy 0-7 (0-5f), Christy Ryan 0-3 (0-1f), John Allen 0-2, Fergal O'Mahony 0-2.
Avondhu: Billy McCarthy (Grange), Dave Magner (Fermoy), Dave Roche (Grange), Ger O'Connell (Kilshannig), Mike Monaghan (Kildorrery), Ned Kirby (Grange), John O'Connor (Kildorrery), Flan Groarke (Fermoy), John Fouhy (Kildorrery), Damien O'Hagan (Grange), Michael Mullins (Mitchelstown), Andrew Monaghan (Kildorrery), Patsy Lonergan (Fermoy), Gerry Mulcahy (Mitchelstown), Tom Monaghan (Kildorrery). Subs: Bosco O'Neill (Grange) for Andrew Monaghan, Billy Barry (Grange) for Donie Magner.
St Finbarr’s: B O'Brien, D O'Grady, M Healy, N Aherne, D Brosnan, G Desmond, M Carey, C Ryan, D Philpott, F Twomey, R Kenny, F O'Mahony, J Barry-Murphy, J Allen, G McCarthy. Sub: D O'Grady for M Carey.