McCarthy Insurance Group Football League Finals wrap: Seven teams claim silverware with championship three weeks away

While Carrigaline celebrated winning the McCarthy Insurance Group Division 1 Football League title on Friday evening, there were six other football deciders down for decision over the past 36 hours.

There are no games today as all roads lead to Croker for the Cork hurlers All-Ireland SHC semi-final against Limerick at 4pm.

The match reports from Carrigaline’s narrow but deserved two-point victory over Nemo Rangers, Clonakilty’s hard-fought win over St Michael’s after extra time in Division 2 and Adrigole’s 2-8 to 0-13 success against Buttevant in Division 5, can be found on The EchoLive website.  

Kanturk took the Division 3 crown after getting past Castletownbere in what was a fascinating battle played before a sizable crowd in Ballingeary on Saturday afternoon. The Duhallow side, despite trailing by three points at half-time and down two with nine minutes remaining, reeled in Castletownbere to win by a point, 1-8 to 1-7.

A goal from experienced campaigner Lorcán McLoughlin with eight minutes to go proved vital for the eventual winners. Cian Clernon was awarded the man-of-the-match award. The forward ended up with four points, one which was a mark. Ian Walsh, Grantas Bucinskas, Gavin Kenehan and Alan Walsh kicked a point apiece.

3-2 from Iveleary’s Ian Jones set them on their way to a comfortable victory over Muskerry rivals Naomh Abán in the Division 4 final at the Castle Grounds in Macroom on Saturday evening.

Iveleary ran out 4-13 to 1-7 winners in what was a one-sided encounter. Cork senior footballer Chris Óg Jones hit 1-5, with just one coming from a free. Brian Cronin chipped in with two neat points, while Kevin Jones, Barry O’Leary, Brian O’Riordan and Seán O’Leary also got on the scoresheet.

After losing by a point at home to Gabriel Rangers two months ago, Ballinora got revenge against the Ballydehob based outfit in the Division 6 decider at Clonakilty on Saturday afternoon. Ballinora were in control from start to finish in this one in truth. The Muskerry side led 0-8 to 0-5 at half-time and went on to win by six points, 2-12 to 1-9.

Robert Quirke was the main scorer for the winners as the forward landed 0-8, four from play, three frees and a 45. Shane Kingston scored 1-2, one coming from a free. James Keohane got Ballinora’s second green flag while Andrew O’Sullivan and Ian Wycherley each kicked a point.

Finally, Cullen upset the odds by taking down a fancied Canovee side in the Division 7 decider in Clondrohid on Friday evening. It looked like Canovee had done enough as they led 0-8 to 0-7 four minutes into second half additional time until Tomás O’Keeffe was the Cullen hero with a rasper of a goal.

Canovee threw the kitchen sink at their opposition in the dying stages but Cullen stood tall.

McCarthy Insurance Group Football League Finals Results (Divisions 1 to 7) 

Division 1: Carrigaline 0-10 Nemo Rangers 0-8.

Division 2: Clonakilty 1-15 St Michael’s 1-14 (aet).

Division 3: Kanturk 1-8 Castletownbere 1-7.

Division 4: Iveleary 4-13 Naomh Abán 1-7.

Division 5: Adrigole 2-8 Buttevant 0-13.

Division 6: Ballinora 2-12 Gabriel Rangers 1-9.

Division 7: Cullen 1-7 Canovee 0-8.