Cill na Martra 2-15 Béal Átha ‘n Ghaorthaidh 2-14 Cill na Martra survived a stern test of their credentials to eventually see off Béal Átha ‘n Ghaorthaidh and book their place in the knockout stages of the McCarthy Insurance Group Cork SAFC in a resplendent Baile Bhuirne on Sunday afternoon. The win, coupled with Carrigaline’s victory over Kiskeam, means that those two teams have now qualified from Group 1 while Béal Átha and Kiskeam must face off to try and stave off the threat of relegation. A powerful third quarter seemed to have put Cill na Martra in total control as they led by 2-12 to 0-11.
However, Ben Seartan had other ideas. The inside forward was outstanding all through, kicking eight points, six of which came from play. He kicked two beauties to narrow the gap before Seán Ó Luasa turned the game on its head.
He was on the end of a fine move involving Donagh Seartan and Colmán Ó Tuama to rattle the Cill na Martra net, and to give his supporters hope. Dan Ó Duinnín responded with a point immediately, but soon Micheál Ó Desúna was picking the ball out of his net again. This time Diarmuid Mac Tomáis and Ben Seartan combined to put Séamus Ó Tuama through.
He finished to the net brilliantly, and the sides were level for the first time since the 15th minute, 2-13 each. Cill na Martra dug deep, however, and a Damien Ó hUrdail free and a beauty from Maidhcí Ó Duinnín put them two clear with two to go. Nollaig Ó Laoire brou.