Goals prove to be the difference as Gaeltacht side Cyr na Maltola qualify for All-Ireland interim final

In a game where there was little difference between two well-matched teams, quick-fire goals from Michel O De Asuna and Daniel O Duinin between the 40th and 41st minutes proved decisive.

The Roscommon and Connacht champions were on the back foot but put in a great performance, chipping away at their opponents’ five-point buffer with 20 minutes remaining before pressing hard for an equalizer in stoppage time.

Chill na Maltola dominated the early attacks but some brave defending from Castlerea St Kevin prevented the Cork and Munster champions from building a sizable lead.

At the end of the first quarter, both teams were tied 0-3. Sir na Maltra scored goals from Maitsch Ó Duinin, Daniel Ó Duin and Michel Ó Diasna (free), with Adam McDermott scoring from a free shot by him and Darren McDermott. Caught in between.

Castlerea St Kevin’s were dealt a blow when midfielder Michael Conroy was shown a black card, but they coped well with their captain’s absence.

Colm Mac Lochlin, Michel Ó Diasna (free) and Damien Ó Huldale added to the score for Chill na Maltra, while Dara Bruen’s side also had Adam McDermott (free), Darren McDermott, Adam McDermott scored and the score was even, 0 wins and 6 losses, going into break time. Amazing Shane Keenan.

Momentum briefly appeared to have shifted to Castlerea St Kevin’s when Adam McDermott led the team for the first time and Cyr na Maltola lost midfielder Antoin O Cuana to a black card.

However, goals from O Diasna and O Duinin turned the game on its head and despite Castlerea’s best efforts they were unable to regain their lead.

Scorers – Sil na Martra: M. De Asuna 1-3 (3f), D. Duinin 1-1, D. Hardale 0-2, M. Duinn, C. Mack Lochlein, T. Corcola, S. Duinn 0-1 each. Castlerea St Kevin’s: A. McDermott 0-7 (6f), D. McDermott 0-5 (3f), S. Keenan 0-2, P. Joyce 0-1.

Sil na Martra: P. O. Claudine. C Mac Lochlein, T O Corcora, F O Faolain. D. Conaill, S. Foraid, C. Foraid; A Ó Quaná, G Ó Goilide. D Ó Duinnín, C Ó Duinnín, D Ó HUrdail; M Ó Duinnín, M Ó Deasúna, F Ó hÉalaithe. sub: S Ó Duinnín for M Ó Duinnín (52), D Mac Lochlainn for C Ó Duinnín (55), C Ó Meachair for Ó hUrdail (60), G Ó Mocháin for Ó Deasúna (60).

Castlerea St Kevin’s: D Farrell; E Creaton, J Keene, T Callaghan. P Joyce, S Joyce, D Quinn. J. Hester, M. Conroy. S. Keenan, E. O’Connell, D. Brennan. D. McDermott, Adam McDermott, P. Farrell. sub: M. Kelly for Conroy (44), N. Connaughton for Farrell (44), N. Bly for P. Joyce (47), R. Curran for Brennan (47), S. Stenson for Hester (60).

reference: B. Coley (Kildare).