Avondhu powered through late on to see off Seandún in a gripping championship opener at Glantane on Tuesday evening.
The North Cork side produced a decisive final-quarter burst to secure a 3-17 to 3-14 victory and book their place in a Round 2 clash with Beara next week, but they were made fight all the way by a lively Seandún outfit.
Trailing by a point at the break, Avondhu leaned heavily on the influence of Conor and David Hanlon, along with the attacking threat of Mark Lenahan, to turn the tide after a fiercely competitive opening half.
Despite finishing with 14 players following a late black card for substitute Kevin Lenahan, Avondhu showed composure under pressure to close out the game.
Seandún, playing their first competitive fixture in seven years, made a huge impression and led at half-time after an impressive opening period. Blake Murphy was central to everything good in attack, finishing with 1-9, including a penalty and multiple two-point scores, while Brian Galvin and David Lynch also made key contributions.
Avondhu started brightly, registering four of the opening five points, but Seandún quickly settled and struck for goal through Lynch after a powerful run. The sides traded scores before Seandún hit a purple patch, with Galvin leading the charge to push the city side into a two-goal lead approaching the interval.
However, Avondhu responded in style. A well-worked move involving Ben Twomey set up Conor Hanlon for a crucial goal, and Twomey followed up with a point to nudge his side back in front. Seandún had the final say of the half though, with Murphy splitting the posts from distance to leave them 2-6 to 1-8 ahead at the interval.
Avondhu emerged with intent after the restart, hitting three points in succession, but Seandún responded emphatically when Murphy converted from the penalty spot to stretch their advantage once more.
The momentum swung again midway through the half. A vital goal from Mark Lenahan brought Avondhu level, and from there they began to take control. With the game in the balance entering the final quarter, the North Cork men raised their intensity and reeled off a series of points to open up a gap.
Murphy continued to keep Seandún in touch with his long-range accuracy, but another clinical finish from Lenahan pushed Avondhu clear heading into the closing minutes.
Seandún refused to fade and reduced the deficit to two late on, but Avondhu had the final word when substitute Colin O’Brien split the posts to seal the win.
In the end, it was Avondhu’s stronger finish that proved the difference, as they held firm to claim a deserved, if hard-earned, victory.