Premier 1 MFC: Éire Óg strike late to get the better of Carrigaline

Carrigaline 1-11 (1-1-9) Éire Óg 0-15 (0-4-7)

Ethan Hyde and Seán Hurley were the Éire Óg heroes as they got their Rebel Óg Premier 1 MFC campaign off to a winning start with a dramatic late win away to Carrigaline on Wednesday night.

With the game moving in to injury time, the Ovens side trailed by two points after Carrigaline had produced a strong final quarter, but Hyde stepped up to nail his third two-point free of the evening to level matters.

Then, when Éire Óg's Michael Sheehan - influential in a deep role, having been named corner-forward - won possession and drove forward, he was fouled and Hurley knocked over his fourth of the game.

There was time for Carrigaline, who lost their opener to Glanmire, to salvage something but a free from Ben Delaney from well outside the 45 just tailed away at the end. However, Bishopstown's win over Glanmire means that Carrigaline still have a small hope of qualification.

Éire Óg’s Cian O’Flynn takes a shot under pressure. Picture Chani Anderson

They had given themselves a great chance when, in response to Hyde's first two two-point frees on 38 and 43, they scored four of the next five, with Delaney getting two while Jack Shanhan provided impetus. That put them back in front, 1-11 to 0-12, having led for most of the night.

Jack Connolly of Carrigaline scores the game's only goal. Picture: Chani Anderson

A fine two-pointer from centre-back Cian O’Flynn put Éire Óg 0-2 to 0-1 in front after three minutes and they might have even followed that with a goal as Cathal Murphy had a chance when a Seán Hurley free dropped dangerously but Daniel McSorley saved well.

Carrigaline responded well to that let-off as Delaney raised an orange flag from a free and then made it 0-4 to 0-2 with another dead ball before they worked a lovely goal opportunity, Sam Tivy’s effort hitting the post and going wide.

After Hurley brought the visitors back to parity with a pair of points, Carrigaline did conjure a goal. Following a patient period of possession, Liam Davis found Fionn Walsh on the run and he came in along the endline before passing across for Jack Connolly to palm home.

Éire Óg’s Ethan Hyde strikes a free. Picture: Chani Anderson

The goal was to prove to be the difference at half-time, Éire Óg back to within two, 1-5 to 0-6, and unlucky not to have found the net themselves as Rian Coakley and Seán Murphy both went close.

Hurley’s third had the deficit down to a point on the restart but Carrigaline’s response was strong as excellent wing-back Seán Turner pointed and then centre-back Jack Shanahan had a shot that had to be tipped over by Nathan Taite.

Such is the nature of modern football that such a lead can be quickly wiped out but, when it was, Carrigaline kept their composure. Ultimately, though, it was Éire Óg's night.

Scorers for Carrigaline: B Delaney 0-6 (1 2ptf, 0-2 f), J Connolly 1-0, J Shanahan, S Turner, E Ahern, F Walsh, L Jordan 0-1 each.

Éire Óg: E Hyde 0-6 (3 2ptf), S Hurley (0-1 f) 0-4, S Murphy 0-3 f, C O’Flynn 0-2 (1 2pt).

CARRIGALINE: D McSorley; A Walsh, D Scannell, G O’Brien; S Tivy, J Shanahan, S Turner; M Kiernan, C Hanratty; L Davis, E Ahern, F Walsh; J Carolan, B Delaney, J Connolly.

Subs: L Jordan for Davis (41), J Vesey for Hanratty (50), O Lynch for Tivy (53), I Horan for Walsh, C Gregson for Carolan (both 56).

ÉIRE ÓG: N Taite; L McLaughlin, E Hogan, J O’Connell; D Strand, C O’Flynn, J Sullivan; K Beechinor, E Hyde; C Sheehan, S Murphy, R Coakley; S Hurley, C Murphy, M Sheehan.

Sub: C Ahern for Coakley (52).

Referee: P Finnegan (Douglas).

Click here to read article