Macroom A into second after win over Celtic

Adult Teams: Macroom A moved into second spot in the Premier league following a 4-2 win over visitors Glenthorn Celtic at Murrayfield. The opening half was closely contested but in the 35th minute Jack O’Donovan struck to give a half-time lead for the hosts.

Andrew Hegarty began the second period in blistering fashion, notching a hat trick in a devastating 10-minute spell. Macroom were then reduced to 10 men and the visiting city side came into the game with two goals of their own. Macroom however tightened up considerably and eased to a good win.

In the FAI Junior Cup it was an away trip to fellow Premier league side Innishvilla. Macroom led through Szymon Sanetra (after good John James Healy work) but two late goals gave the home side the victory.

Macroom were short no less than 10 squad members. Youth team player George Lowrie and B team members Connor Sheward and Daniel Buckley helped bolster numbers.

Macroom B had a big win at the Town Park over Churchvilla to qualify for the semi-finals of the President’s Cup. Craig Ronan broke the deadlock midway through the first-half with a cracking effort. Macroom continued to push and the in-form Darren Dineen doubled the advantage. The visitors pressed and pulled a goal back on the hour mark. Macroom then spurned several good chances. But a late Mike Hourihane run set up Dineen to seal a fine victory. Excellent performance from Damien Hoare, Darren Cullinane, Shane Keane and Cathal O’Riordan.

The U16 Premier team visited Kinsale and gained a superb 5-2 victory. Goals were flying in during the first half and Macroom notched four to Kinsale’s one. Kacper Smardz scored Macroom’s fifth in the second half following a great run and cross from Jesus Roig. The home side got a late consolation but this was Macroom’s day. A great performance from the entire squad with Patrick Kelleher to the fore.

Also in U16 Premier, Mallow arrived at Murrayfield having won the division last season. The visitors took the lead on nine minutes but Macroom gave a great response. Danny O’Driscoll restored parity. Jack Martin then hit the crossbar and he reacted quickest to force the ball home. In the second-half the inform O’ Driscoll was again on target when he latched on to Daire McMahon’s through ball to finish well. Mallow pulled a goal back but Macroom recorded another fine win. They now lie in second place in the Premier league.

On the back of these excellent performances, Daire McMahon, Daniel O’Driscoll and Ryan Leahy have been called to the Cork Schoolboys League U16 squad.

In U16A, Macroom had an ample supply of chances but went down 2-1 to Ballinhassig. Eoin Healy had Macroom ahead on 22 but the visitors equalized just before half-time. A late penalty saw Ballinhassig take the points.

Macroom boys U12 played their first league game and it was a cracker, ending 4-4 against Innishvilla at the Town Park. Both sides were very well matched. Macroom goals from Jack Leavy (2), Billy Murphy and Kyle Cronin.

The U12 A team continued their unbeaten start to the season with a 0-0 draw away to Riverstown.

The U13 girls headed to play Riverstown at Glanmire. They gave a fine account of themselves but lost out 3-1. Erin Kelleher was the Macroom goal scorer and there was also a fine performance from stand in keeper Aoife O’Leary. The U11 girls entertained Passage at Murrayfield and performed well.

The U10 boys have also been busy with games at home to Corinthians and away to Kinsale.