JUST like Troy Parrott in Ireland’s memorable 3-2 World Cup qualifier win away to Hungary, Cillian Fitzpatrick delivered his own hat-trick heroics in Drinagh Rangers’ 4-3 victory over Dunmanway Town.
With Clonakilty Soccer Club idle last weekend, Drinagh seized the chance to move six points clear at the summit of the Premier Division.
Fitzpatrick opened the scoring after seven minutes, but Dunmanway replies from Oran McCarthy and Ciaran Kelleher flipped the game on its head. Fitzpatrick levelled on the stroke of half-time and then nudged Drinagh back in front on 59 minutes.
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Steven O’Donovan looked to have secured a point for Town, only for Padraic Hegarty to grab the decisive goal as Drinagh pocketed all three points.
Earlier in the week, Drinagh eased into the next round of the Premier Cup with an emphatic 7-2 win over their B team. Remarkably, the second string actually led 2-1 after 21 minutes as Daniel and Damien Fernandes cancelled out Eoin Hurley’s opener.
Hurley equalised on 34 minutes before Robbie McQueen put Drinagh ahead just before the break. Straight after the restart, Barry O’Driscoll made it 4-2. McQueen and O’Driscoll then completed their braces before Mark Grace rounded off a comfortable win.
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The top-of-the-table Championship clash between Bay Rovers and Beara United was packed with drama and finished 1-1. After a scoreless first half, Beara hit the front through Declan Dunne on 57 minutes. They looked set to leapfrog Bay at the top, but a foul in the box deep in added time gave Paddy Cronin the chance to rescue a draw from the penalty spot – and he made no mistake.
The big beneficiaries were third-placed Ardfield, who weren’t in action but now hold games in hand on both sides and sit just four points off Bay Rovers.
Bunratty moved up to fourth and can’t be dismissed from the title race after a 4-0 win over Aultagh Celtic B. Killian O’Sullivan and Milan Verncombe put them 2-0 up at the break before Verncombe and Dan Bucer wrapped up the victory.
A mid-table meeting saw Castlelack edge Aultagh Celtic 3-2. Early goals from Brian Lordan and Aaron Elliot put Castlelack in control before Sean McCarthy pulled one back. Eoin Lane sealed the points late on, with Colm O’Neill replying for Aultagh.
Spartak Mossgrove finally claimed their first win of the season – and in style – with a 5-0 triumph over Skibbereen AFC. Eddie Keanneally gave them a 1-0 half-time lead before they cut loose in the second half, Jack Meade firing a hat-trick and a John Paul Reen own goal completing the rout.
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In the Women’s 7s League, Drinagh Rangers drew level with Aultagh Celtic at the top after a 2-0 win over Mizen. Second-half goals from Rachel O’Sullivan and Roisin O’Driscoll sealed the points.
Third-placed Beara swept past Sullane 8-0, with Shannon Hanley Murphy scoring four. The others came from Clare O’Shea (2), Nina Murphy and Lara Scapin.
Meanwhile, a Meadhbh Coomey first-half brace sent Lyre on their way to a 3-0 win over Dunmanway Town, with Ellen Hall adding another after the break.

