Béal Átha'n Ghaorthaidh and Naomh Abán clash this evening in Comórtas qualifier

A huge prize on the line this evening in the battle of the near neighbours that should draw a large crowd.

Muskerry rivals Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaidh and Naomh Abán lock horns in Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaidh with throw-in at 7pm in what is a qualifier match for the Comórtas Peile na Gaeltachta which is taking place only over the road in Cill na Martra on the June bank holiday weekend.

It has all the makings of an exciting match in what is effectively a championship contest in all but name. There’s never anything between these two rivals, this evening’s match shouldn’t be any different.

The home side Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaidh apply their trade in the senior A football ranks while the men from Ballyvourney are a grade below at premier intermediate level.

There’s a great buzz in the respective parishes in the build up to this one and for Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaidh chairman Donal O’Leary, this clash is a big deal for many reasons.

“There’s a healthy rivalry between the clubs and everyone is looking forward to the game,” says O’Leary.

“In fairness to Naomh Abán, they have done a lot of restructuring and it looks like it’s paying off for them. We have full respect for them and I am sure this match will bring the best out of both teams. It’s a huge occasion, the winners will represent Cork and the exposure that you will get from it given the matches will be on TG4.

“We will be treating this as a county final, it’s a do or die game. There’s no backdoor and there’s also the element of bragging rights. The team are in good enough shape, you just have to go with the hand you are dealt with really.” 

The weather is expected to be dry this evening and O’Leary is confident a big crowd will turn up with both clubs always well backed.

“We are anticipating the attendance will be large. There’s always a crowd at Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaidh v Naomh Abán matches and given the magnitude of this one, I would be disappointed if we didn’t get a crowd. I actually teach in Ballyvourney and everyone is talking about the game.” O’Leary concluded.

Naomh Abán are under no illusions about the size of the challenge facing them as they enter into enemy territory later on this evening. Manager Diarmuid Scannell is looking forward to the occasion though.

“Naomh Abán have great history and tradition in this competition and given that it’s on in Cill na Martra, there’s a big emphasis on trying to get over the line against Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaidh,” he said.

“Both sides know each other well. They have had the upper hand on us in the last few meetings and in fairness they are going well enough above in senior. We haven’t got out of our group below in premier intermediate in the last two seasons so I suppose we will have the underdog tag coming into this one.

“The match will be as good as a championship game really. It will be hell for leather. The prize is a big one for the winners. It would be great for our lads to be in the Comórtas. The majority of our players wouldn’t have experienced Comórtas before so it would be great if we could get there especially when it's only next door to us.” 

There has been plenty of change in Ballyvourney since Scannell took over before the 2023 campaign. It’s a young and hungry group of players but playing away to their rivals in the shape of Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaidh in an important fixture will be a good indicator as to where Naomh Abán are at.

“The aim first of all is to put in a performance. If you look at the Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaidh side, they have been playing with each other for the last seven or eight years. They have experience and are well drilled by manager Johnny Crowley, like any good Kerry man. We just have to focus on ourselves. We are relishing it.” Scannell concluded.