Cill na Matra and Dromtariffe a tasty draw

THE meeting of Cill na Martra and Dromtariffe emerged the plum tie in the opening round to the Tom Creedon Cup at a formal launch hosted by Macroom GAA.

Sixteen Premier intermediate and intermediate football teams are entered, interestingly, two sides that dominated the popular tournament in the past three years, Beál Athan Ghaorthaidh (winners 2016/18) and Newmarket (2017 victors) are not involved this season.

No question surrounding the top of the bill is the meeting of 2018 County IFC winners Cill na Martra and reigning County JAFC holders Dromtariffe. For Cill na Martra, there were little arguments about who went home with the bragging rights with an emphatic victory over Mid Cork neighbours Aghabullogue in the County IFC Final.

In doing so, the Gaeltacht side delivered a highly impressive performance to claim their first county title in the grade, having come up short against Carrigaline in the 2009 decider.

With a promising side emerging drawn from a successful Under 21 side coupled with Division 1 League involvement, Cill na Martra converted growing confidence into a series of impressive wins en route.

Meanwhile, Dromtariffe completed a meteoric rise to prominence culminating on a County JAFC triumph and coming ever so close to adding a Munster title. A positive run in last season’s Duhallow JAFC saw Dromtariffe come up short to holders Boherbue, they got back on track to end the interests of Charleville, St Michaels, Iveleary and Kilmacabea to secure a dramatic county title.

The meeting of Knocknagree and Rockchapel revives a meeting from last spring, IFC babes Knocknagree conjured up a late winning point from sharpshooter Anthony O’Connor to overcome their neighbours by the narrowest of margins.

As it transpired, the Munster and All-Ireland JAFC kingpins were given the most searching examination by a fired up Rockchapel and while Knocknagree took their time about, they seized the opportunities at the latter end of both halves to land four points without reply to land victory.

Elsewhere, County Premier IFC runners-up St. Michaels face quarter-finalists Naomh Abán; Aghada, regraded from senior level face Nemo Rangers second team and hosts Macroom welcome Millstreet.

In the presence of Coard Board Vice-chairman, Marc Sheehan and Tom Creedon Junior, Macroom club chairman Joe Carroll spoke of the memory of Tom Creedon senior whose life was cut short by a tragic accident in the prime of his playing career.

“Tom stood out as a dedicated and strong player, striking up consistent performances and an integral part of Cork teams during the 1970s and early 80s. Thankfully, Tom Creedon’s name is still alive, Macroom honouring him, no doubt the standard of competition will be as good as Tom’s consistency for club and county,” said Joe.

“He was an inspiration to a generation of footballers in club and county, his talents surfacing on playing minor with Cork and progressing to the senior side.”

First round draw:

(A) Kinsale v St.Vincents; (B) Knocknagree v Rockchapel; (C) Naomh Aban v St. Michaels; (D) Millstreet v Macroom; (E) Glanmire v Glenville; (F) Aghada v Nemo Rangers; (G) Ballydesmond v Ballinora; (H) Dromtariffe v Cill Na Martra