Cork PIFC: Ruairí Deane inspires Bantry Blues comeback against Nemo Rangers but both are eliminated

Permutations came to haunt both sides after a thrilling second half of football in Rosscarbery

Bantry Blues 2-13 (2-1-11) Nemo Rangers 1-11 (1-2-7)

There were times when survival looked the likeliest outcome for Bantry Blues. There were times when the knockouts were in sight. And, for a stretch, the relegation playoff loomed largest of all in their Premier Intermediate Football Championship bout with Nemo Rangers on Saturday.

By the close in Rosscarbery, Bantry had secured their status but lost their chance. They beat Nemo Rangers by five, which spared them the drop, but not by the eight-point margin needed to edge Aghada on scoring difference, who were beaten by Aghabullogue.

Nemo, for their part, were dragged under by Bantry’s victory. Level with Aghada on points (2) and scoring difference (-4), their superior head-to-head counted for nothing once Bantry joined the jam. Aghada’s higher “points for” column proved decisive.

Scorers for Bantry Blues: A Coakley 1-7 (0-5 f), D Sheedy 0-4 (1 tp), P Cronin 1-0, D McCarthy, J Sheedy 0-1 each.

Scorers for Nemo Rangers: B O’Driscoll 0-4 (0-2 f), T O’Brien 1-0, L Healy 0-3 (1 tp, 0-1 f), C Shalloe 0-2 (tp), C O’Donovan (f), O Whyte 0-1 each.

NEMO RANGERS: J Lyons; D Quinn, C Coughlan, T O’Brien; N O’Shea, C Shalloe, C O’Neill; D Coughlan, B O’Neill; S Burke, L Healy, O Whyte; B O’Driscoll, C O’Donovan, A Cronin.

Subs: C Yelland for Cronin (40), F Twohig for O’Driscoll (43), E Kelly for D Coughlan, R Hogan for Burke (both 52).

BANTRY BLUES: S Murray; S Thornton, B Foley, C Cronin; E O’Shea, K Coakley, M Óg O’Sullivan; R O’Mahony, S O’Leary; D Sheedy, K Casey, J Sheedy; E Minihane, A Coakley, P Cronin.

Subs: R Deane for Minihane (HT), C O’Brien for Foley (40), D McCarthy for J Sheedy (42), D Daly for Cronin (52), S Keevers for O’Shea (59).

Referee: J Enright (Ballyteague)

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