On song Muskerry surprise Avondhu

Muskerry 1-15 Avondhu 1-8

THE two teams in action in the opening senior football championship game at Páirc Uí Rinn on Monday afternoon last were much changed from what appeared on the programme and Muskerry appeared to be the worst effected.

None of the players who are currently being considered for Cork senior duty were present for the mid Cork side so it was anticipated that Avondhu would have the edge. The players on duty for Muskerry got into their stride quickly however and their fellow divisional side, opponents, found themselves on the back foot.

A significant factor in the winner’s early dominance was the inspiring play of former Cork senior Fintan Goold at centre field and scores for the Muskerry side were appearing on the board fairly regularly as they were surmounting the Avondhu challenge.

Mark Healy, who impressed at full-forward, raised two white flags in the early minutes to boost the winner’s prospects and their general play was subsequently more impressive than their opponents.

Both sides were off target with scoring efforts subsequently and a long range point from Goold then had a very positive effect on Muskerry. They significantly consolidated their position with two minors from Brian Cronin being followed by a major from James Moynihan following an impressive bout of combined play.

Avondhu did not open their account until the 25th minute when John Sheehan raised a white flag and there was an immediate response from Muskerry. Aidan Murphy and Conor Cotter both registered minors and they were followed by two more from David Horgan and Mark Healy respectively.

Avondhu’s only reply was a John Browne point from a free. Muskerry consequently appeared to be well in control at the interval leading 1-9 to 0-2 unless the north Cork side with the wind to their backs could turn their situation around.

Muskerry went on the offensive when the action resumed and another Mark Healy point from a free increased their lead. Avondhu then produced their best period, however, and they made progress in attack when a Jessie O Callaghan goal meant that they reduced the arrears to five points ten minutes into the second half.

Muskerry determinedly regained the initiative however and a strong bout of attacking play won them a close in free, Mark Healy sent the football between the uprights from same.

That score steadied the ship and Muskerry were on the road to victory when a long range point from play by Fintan Goold further increased their lead.

Goold then sent the ball between the uprights when his effort from the ground from a long distance free was on target in the 48th minute and a 1-13 to 1-5 lead at that stage meant they would surmount the first hurdle in the colleges and divisions senior football championship.

A couple of points from Ryan Fowler improved the Avondhu position, but Aidan Murphy and Mark Healy replied for Muskerry to make it 1-15 to 1-8 a true reflection of the winner’s dominance.

Scorers

MUSKERRY: Mark Healy (0-6, 5f), Fintan Goold (0-3, 1f), James Moynihan (1-0), Brian Cronin (0-2), Aidan Murphy (0-2), David Horgan (0-1), Conor Cotter (0-1)

AVONDHU: Jessie O’Callaghan (1-0), John Sheehan (0-3, 2f), Ryan Fowler (0-2), Liam Cronin (0-1), Cathal O’Mahony (0-1) John Browne (0-1f)

J Creedon (Iveleary), B Casey (Aghabullogue), J Mullins (Eire Óg), C Cotter (Kilmichael), A O’Raw (Inniscarra), P Ring (Aghabullogue), D O’Connell (Cill na Martra), F Goold (Macroom), A Murphy (Canovee), D Horgan (Macroom), B Cronin (Iveleary), D Ambrose (Aghinagh), J Moynihan (Canovee), M Healy (Canovee), E O’Sullivan (Aghabullogue). Subs: L Kelleher (Canovee) for A O’Raw (46th min), A O Raw for E O’Sullivan (54th min), E O’Sullivan for D O’Connell (57th min, black card)

AVONDHU: K McMahon (Kilshannig), G O’Carroll (Mitchelstown), E O’Donoghue (Glanworth), J Browne (Abbey Rovers), W Fouhy (Kildorrery), B Guerin (Kilshannig), S O’Sullivan (Mitchelstown), D Dineen (Mitchelstown), S O’Regan (Killavullen), J Walsh (Glanworth), R Fowley (Buttervant), S O’Neill (Kildorrery), J Sheehan (Mitchelstown), T Healy (Ballyclough, C O’Mahony (Mitchelstown). Subs: L Cronin (Killavullen for T Healy (half-time), J Kearny (Kilshannig) for J Walsh (44th min), D Roche (Grange) for J O’Regan (59th min), P Angland (Killavullen) for D Browne (59th min)

REFEREE: C Murphy (Brian Dillons)