CASTLEHAVEN kicked off their McCarthy Insurance Group Division 1 Football League campaign with an away draw (0-11 to 1-8) against Éire Óg.

Despite trailing by five at the break, Seanie Cahalane’s men battled back into contention, led by Cathal Maguire who kicked 0-3, including a two-pointer.

The experienced Mark Collins – he had a second-half penalty saved by Chris Kelly before later scoring the equaliser – and youngster Danny O’Donovan chipped in with 0-2 each. Jack Cahalane, Jack O’Neill, Kevin O’Donovan and Jamie O’Driscoll also got on the scoresheet. Daniel Healy scored 1-2 for Éire Óg while former Kerry player Mark Griffin added 0-4.

Meanwhile, Newcestown led at half time (0-8 to 0-5) away to Cill na Martra, but were pegged back to draw, 0-13 apiece. Dan Ó Duinnín was the hero for the home side with 0-3, including a two-pointer to level. Eoghan Collins was in top form for Newcestown with 0-4 while Richard O’Sullivan (0-3), Jack Meade (0-2), Ciarán O’Donovan (0-2) and Micheál McSweeney also scored.

The battle of premier senior champions St Finbarr’s and senior A victors Knocknagree ended level too, 0-14 each. Cork captain Ian Maguire lined out in this game due to his suspension for the Rebels’ trip to Derry, and he got on the scoreboard. Cillian Myers Murray was the star of the Barrs show with 0-8 from play but Knocknagree had Anthony O’Connor (0-7) and Denis Rory O’Connor (0-4) in top form.

Elsewhere, Nemo Rangers comfortably saw off city rivals Douglas, winning 0-18 to 1-6 as Bryan Hayes bagged 0-9.

In Division 2, O’Donovan Rossa and Dohenys enjoyed opening day wins. The Rossas, now managed by Liam Hurley, beat Clyda Rovers 0-13 to 1-8 in Skibbereen – Niall Daly excelled with 0-6. Crucial scores also came from Darren Daly (two-point free) and Elliot Connolly (0-2). Brian Crowley, Ciarán Coombes and James Goulding scored too.

Niall Hurley’s Dohenys saw off Valley Rovers 0-12 to 1-7 with former Cork footballer Fionn Herlihy getting 0-3, including a vital two-pointer.

Carrigaline won well against Ballincollig, 3-14 to 1-13. Kevin O’Reilly (1-4) and Brian Coakley (1-3) performed well. Also, Uibh Laoire got off the mark with a 1-16 to 0-6 victory over St Michael’s.

In Division 3, Bandon suffered an opening day defeat at home to Mallow, 2-9 to 1-7. Their opponents operate at premier senior level in the championship so Bandon will target other games. Naomh Abán and Fermoy shared the spoils, 0-12 to 1-9, while Bishopstown and Kilshannig got wins over Aghabullogue and Newmarket respectively.

A West Cork derby took place in Division 4 with Adrigole edging Gabriel Rangers 0-9 to 0-8. Gabriels were 0-8 to 0-6 up with ten minutes to go but the Beara club hit the final three scores. Meanwhile, Buttevant (beating Macroom), Nemo Rangers’ seconds (toppling Aghada), Boherbue (winning against Glanmire) and Kilmurry (beating Kiskeam) all won.

Division 5 saw Bantry Blues open with a draw against Ballinora, 2-6 to 1-9. The Blues recovered well after trailing 1-3 to 1-1 at the break. Ilen Rovers fell short to Mitchelstown, 1-9 to 1-7, while Kinsale, St Vincent’s and St Nick’s beat Millstreet, Ballydesmond and Canovee respectively.

Kilmacabea and Argideen Rangers began life in Division 6 with contrasting fortunes. The Kilmacs edged Cullen 2-8 to 2-7 and, after leading 2-8 to 0-4 on 46 minutes, the Leap and Glandore club were relieved to secure the two points. Argideen fell to Kildorrery 3-3 to 2-5 in a goal-heavy encounter.

There were more wins in Division 6 for Dromtarriffe, Aghinagh and Glenville while Castlemagner got off the mark in Division 7. Inniscarra and Passage West drew 1-12 apiece in the bottom tier too.