Co-Op Superstores Senior A Hurling Final Courcey Rovers v Fr O’Neills Match Report

Fr O’Neill’s Declan Dalton celebrates the win over Courcey Rovers in the Co-Op Superstores Cork senior A hurling championship final. Picture: Eddie O’Hare

 

Report by Denis Hurley of the Echo

Fr O’Neills 0-20 Courcey Rovers 2-12

IT was third time lucky for Fr O’Neills as they came good in the second half to see off Courcey Rovers in the Co-op SuperStores Cork SAHC final at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Sunday.

Beaten finalists the last two years, the Ballymacoda/Ladysbridge side trailed by five points, 1-11 to 0-9, at half-time against the 2021 Premier IHC winners but the second period saw them take control of the game, not conceding until injury time, when Courceys almost salvaged something.

Ger Millerick was freed from his duty marking Seán Twomey, with Seán O’Connor taking over as the Cork star benefited from the more open prairie of the half-back line. Declan Dalton, with just one point – a 65 – to his name in the first half after being heavily policed by Fergus Lordan, began to find more latitude and the tone was set as his pass allowed Jason Hankard a shot at goal. His lobbed effort hit the crossbar and bounced wide, but they began to harness some momentum.

Two Dalton frees and one from play after a mazy run were followed by Billy Dunne’s second of the afternoon and they were level as Hankard set up Dalton for his fifth of the day. While Courceys goalkeeper Stephen Nyhan saved from Dunne, there was no stopping O’Neills, who pushed two points ahead through Joe Millerick and Billy Dunne.

Courceys hadn’t shot a wide in the first half but that tally began to build worryingly in the final quarter as Richard Sweetnam and Stephen Nyhan put balls wide while O’Neills were finding a lot more space in attack.

Dunne was proving a real handful, drawing a foul that led to Dalton’s sixth and then scoring his fourth of the game to make it 0-18 to 1-11 with 54 minutes on the clock. Dunne almost got the goal to make it safe but, under pressure from Martin Collins and Billy Mulcahy, he couldn’t get a shot in – and almost injured himself as he ran into the post.

Tomás Millerick and Dalton left six between the sides in injury time and two and a half of the four minutes had gone when Twomey was fouled for a Courceys free that was deposited to the net by netminder Nyhan.

There was time for one last, potentially levelling attack. When captain Tadhg O’Sullivan won the ball on the left, he passed to Sweetnam and his shot was well-hit but just too high and O’Neills were the champions.

The victors had begun in roaring form, with a pair of John Millerick points sandwiching one by Billy Dunne in the opening three minutes, but the rest of the first half saw them outscored by 1-11 to 0-6.

Courceys centre-back Fergus Lordan sacrificed his own game to follow Declan Dalton wherever he went, including a stint closer to goal, while midfielder DJ Twomey set the tone for them with his intensity-work around midfield.

Olan Twomey got them off the mark and four straight points followed. Seán Twomey, the focal point of their attack, had Ger Millerick for company in the first half, meaning that clean possession were rare but they still profited from the breaks after deliveries inside. One of them almost resulted in a Ronan Nyhan goal but they had the advantage and Richard Sweetnam made it 0-5 to 0-3.

At the other end, O’Neills might have had a goal as Courceys goalkeeper Stephen Nyhan was dispossessed but, in the slippery conditions, Cillian Broderick was unable to get shot away before the danger was cleared by Martin Collins. Even so, the East Cork side were level at 0-6 each on 19 after Tomás Millerick pointed following a turnover.

Courceys pushed on in the closing stages of the half, notwithstanding a Billy Dunne goal attempt for O’Neills that fizzed past the post. Sweetnam, Crowley and DJ Twomey were on target as they moved 0-10 to 0-7 in front. In the third second minute of injury time, the scoreboard read 0-11 to 0-8 when Crowley’s delivery towards Twomey ended up with the ball squirting loose for Nyhan to pull to the net.

Joe Millerick pulled one back for O’Neills before half-time but something big was needed on the resumption if they were to avoid a third consecutive final defeat. They certainly came up with that and now the premier senior grade awaits.

Scorers for Fr O’Neill’s: D Dalton 0-7 (0-3 f, 0-1 65), B Dunne 0-4, Joe Millerick, John Millerick 0-3 each, T Millerick 0-2, K O’Sullivan 0-1.

Courcey Rovers: R Sweetnam 0-5 (0-3 f), R Nyhan, S Nyhan (f) 1-1 each, DJ Twomey, O Crowley 0-2 each, C Roche 0-1.

FR O’NEILL’S: P O’Sullivan; M Millerick, G Millerick, S O’Connor; M O’Keeffe, D Harrington, R Kenneally; T Millerick, K O’Sullivan; J Hankard, D Dalton, Joe Millerick; John Millerick, C Broderick, B Dunne.

Subs: E Motherway for Kenneally (half-time), P McMahon for John Millerick (48), J Barry for M Millerick (60), P Hassett for Joe Millerick (60).

COURCEY ROVERS: S Nyhan; B Mulcahy, M Collins, C Daly; S McCarthy, F Lordan, C Roche; DJ Twomey. L Collins; B Ryan, T O’Sullivan, O Crowley; R Nyhan, S Twomey, R Sweetnam.

Subs: B Collins for McCarthy (28, injured), J O’Neill for Ryan (44), J McCarthy for Collins (47), D O’Donovan for R Nyhan (59).

Referee: C O’Regan (Ballyhea).

Co-Op Superstores Intermediate A Hurling Final Cloughduv v Dungourney Match Report

Dungourney captain Dylan Healy raises the Paddy Walsh Cup Picture: George Hatchell

 

Report By John Coleman of the Echo

Dungourney 1-16  Cloughduv 0-13

IT wasn’t the prettiest of affairs, but that won’t matter a jot in Dungourney as they savour the winning feeling after defeating Cloughduv in the final of the Co-op Superstores Cork IAHC in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh on a wet Sunday afternoon.

In a game of six missed goal chances, it was Ryan Denny’s penalty just after half-time that sent Dungourney on their way to a famous victory.

The home of Jamesie Kelleher had many heroes on the day, Shane Hegarty hit 0-4, Ryan Denny covered every blade of glass while young Jack Leahy’s status continues to grow.

However, when the dust settles over the next few days it will be their goalkeeper, Paul Flynn who will receive the biggest accolades as he gave an exhibition of goalkeeping, saving from point blank range on four occasions across the hour, a contribution that will haunt Cloughduv over the winter.

The first half was a tale of steel over style, perspiration over inspiration and missed goal chances as both sides struggled with the greasy conditions.

Three of those goal chances fell to Cloughduv inside the opening eight minutes and on each occasion Dungourney Flynn, proved more than able, saving brilliantly from Aidan Murphy, Brian Verling and Mark Verling.

The Imokilly side grew in stature after each repulsion as they raced into a 0-3 to 0-1 lead after ten minutes. Jack Leahy had two of those points for Dungourney, John Ahern had the other while Brian Verling tapped over an important free for Cloughduv after missing two earlier efforts.

Shane Hegarty was everywhere for Dungourney at this stage, and two points from him and a Ryan Denny free gave them a 0-6 to 0-3 lead at the end of the first quarter, Verling and Mark Walsh with the scores for Cloughduv.

Gradually, however, the Muskerry side began to impose themselves on the game and three-in-a-row from Murphy, Mark Verling and Walsh levelled the game for the first time at 0-6 apiece.

A Brian Verling free then edged Cloughduv ahead, before the fourth goal chance of the game fell to Dungourney’s Leahy but unfortunately for him, Conrad Crowley saved brilliantly.

Nonetheless, Leahy soon added a free to level proceedings again before Hegarty and Brian Verling exchanged scores to leave the sides deadlock at 0-8 each at the break.

Dungourney moved Hegarty in to the edge of the square on the resumption and it was soon to pay a significant dividend.

Denny pushed his side ahead with a smart point from play before Paul Flynn once again saved brilliantly, this time from Brian Verling.

The miss was made more significant moments later when Hegarty gathered a long delivery from Cormac Griffin before being fouled for a penalty.

Captain Denny stepped up and crashed it home and suddenly Dungourney had the wind in their sails.

Leahy tapped over another couple of frees, with Hegarty winning one of them but Cloughduv showed their resolve, replying with three of their own, Stephen O’Donoghue with the pick of them to leave Denny’s golden goal between them with 15 to play.

It was all to play for now as two Leahy frees pushed Dungourney ahead before Cormac O’Driscoll and a Verling free brought Cloughduv within three again.

But it was Dungourney who finished in style with Leahy, Hegarty and Griffin landing the final scores of the game to secure them a place in next year’s PIHC.

 

Scorers for Dungourney: J Leahy (0-8, 6 f), R Denny (1-2, 1-0 pen, 0-1 f), S Hegarty (0-4), C Griffin and John Ahern (0-1 each).

Cloughduv: B Verling (0-6, frees), A Murphy and M Walsh (0-2 each), C O’Driscoll, M Verling and S O’Donoghue (0-1 each).

DUNGOURNEY: P Flynn; M Leahy, M McGrath, D Healy (c); S Rohan, S Motherway, C Padden; J Leahy, S Hegarty; James Ahern, B Forbes, John Ahern; N McGrath, N Flynn, R Denny.

Subs: C Griffin for N McGrath (h/t), C Flynn for N Flynn (41), W McCarthy for Rohan (47), C Canty for Mannix (48), N McGrath for James Ahern (58), C O’Doherty for M McGrath (inj, 61).

CLOUGHDUV: C Crowley; L Kelleher, B Ahern, Ó O’Driscoll; S Curzon, C O’Driscoll, E Clifford (c); A Murphy, W Ahern; M Walsh, E Moynihan, J Mannix; M Verling, B Verling, C Ryan.

Subs: S O’Donoghue for Moynihan (h/t), P Buckley Curzon (47), S O’Connor for Ryan (54), D Walsh for O’Driscoll (62).

Referee: Pat Lyons (Bishopstown).

Scór Sinsir Chorcaí 2022 Torthaí

The Cork Scór Sinsir Finals provided an exciting spectacle on a staging at the Eire Óg GAA Pavilion, Ovens. The Mid Cork venue was host to the 52nd staging for a feast of music, song and verse.

Overall honours were divided across the county in a keen and exciting competition. Duhallow completing a hat trick outright wins, thanks to a double recorded by Millstreet in addition to victory for Cullen with Iveleary, Carbery Rangers and Kilshannig earning first positions for Muskerry, Carbery and Avondhu.

Carbery Rangers added the Overall Shield for Best Club in Scór Sinsir and the Paddy Carroll Memorial Cup for Best Club across the three Scór competitionsin 2022.

Prizes were presented by Dónal MacSuibhne, Oifigeach na Gaeilge & Cultúir and Tony McAulliffe, Cathaoirleach Coiste Scór Chorcaí. The Cork winners progress to the Munster Scór Sinsir Final in Cappamore, Co. Limerick on Sunday, October 16. We wish them the very best of luck. Go n-éirí libh & Corcaigh Abú!

Na Torthaí;

Amhránaíocht Aonar: (1)Muireann Vaughan(Cuileann Uí Chaoimh), (2)Claire O’Regan (Raonaithe Cairbre);

Aithriseoireacht: (1)Tracey Cronin(Uibh Laorie), (2)Elaine Moore(Raonaithe Cairbre);

Bailéad Ghrúpa: (1)Raonaithe Cairbre, (2)Sráid a’ Mhuilinn;

Tráth na gCeist: (1)Sráid a’ Mhuilinn, Cilliath.

Nuachleas: (1)Sráid a’ Mhuilinn, (2) Carbery Rangers,

Ceol Uirlise: (1)Cill Seannaigh, (2)Clann na nGael.

 

2022 Co-Op Superstores Cork Senior A Hurling Championship Final Courcey Rovers v Fr O’Neills

The Co-Op Superstores Cork Senior A Hurling Championship Final takes place this Sunday 9th October at 4:00pm, in what will no doubt be a great spectacle with a place in the Premier Senior grade for 2023 on offer. Courcey Rovers and Fr O’Neills will be facing off in the final for the second time this season, having played in Round 2 of the Group Stages at the beginning of August where Fr O’Neills got the better of Courcey Rovers by a margin of 7 points.

Fr O’Neills were impressive in their performances in Group B with three wins from three. They met Bride Rovers at the Semi Final stage in what was a tough encounter but a surge of scores without reply in the fourth quarter saw Fr O’Neills home. Fr O’Neills will be hoping it is a case of third time lucky this Sunday, having been beaten finalists in the 2020 and 2021 Finals previously.

Less than 12 months after winning the Co-Op Superstores Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship title, Courcey Rovers have made it to their first final at this level. Big wins over Killeagh and Blarney rewarded Courcey Rovers with a Quarter Final meeting with Ballyhea, with Courceys winning out by the minimum. Four goals from Seán Twomey helped them to an emphatic 5 goal win over Fermoy to see them through to the Final which is an incredible achievement by the club from Ballinspittle and Ballinadee.

Ciarán O’Regan (Ballyhea) will be the referee for the final, having previously refereed county finals at Premier Minor & Premier Intermediate Hurling grades, as well as divisional finals with Avondhu and numerous County Premier u21 Finals. At provincial level he has refereed the Munster Junior B Hurling Championship Final, Junior B Football Championship Final and the All Ireland Junior B Hurling Championship Final and numerous Munster Minor Hurling Championship games.

The Linesmen will be Cormac Dineen (Douglas) & Patrick O’ Mahony (Kilbrittain). The Umpires will be Jamie Lane (Dungourney), Adrian O’ Regan (Ballyhea), Tom Woulfe (Mallow), Damien O’Regan (Mallow).

Tickets for the Co-Op Superstores SAHC Final Courcey Rovers v Fr O’Neills are available now here https://www.universe.com/events/633af292069088002eb48fdb

2022 Co-Op Superstores Cork Intermediate A Hurling Championship Final Cloughduv v Dungourney

The Co-Op Superstores Cork Intermediate A Hurling Championship Final takes place this Sunday 9th October at 2:00pm in what promises to be a tight encounter. Cloughduv and Dungourney will meet again in the Final, having faced off in Group B of the Cork Intermediate A Hurling Championship at the beginning of August, where Cloughduv ran out winners by 2 points on that occasion.

Three wins out of three in the Group Stage gave Cloughduv the confidence going into the knockout stages, where they faced a Lisgoold side that brought them to the very end but it was Cloughduv who prevailed. This win brought Cloughduv to their first Intermediate A Hurling Final since 2019 when they lost out to Blackrock. Cloughduv have also featured in the Quarter Finals and Semi Finals in 2020 and 2021 respectively, and they will be aiming to go all the way this year.

Since losing to Cloughduv in Round 2 of the Group stages, Dungourney have been gaining significant momentum on their way to the final by beating Midleton and Sarsfields in the Quarter & Semi Finals with some inspired performances by Ryan Denny, Jack Leahy and Shane Hegarty to see them through in both games. Dungourney are featuring in the Final at this grade for the first time, and they will be hoping to make it to the Premier Intermediate grade for 2023.

The Referee for the final will be Pat Lyons (Bishopstown) who will be taking charge of his first county final at adult grades. He has previously refereed county finals at Premier Minor & U21B Hurling grades as well as divisional finals with Seandún and he was also linesman in the County Senior Hurling Final in 2018.

The Standby Referee will be Mark Maher (St Finbarr’s) and the Linesman will be Cathal Nolan (Bishopstown). The Umpires for the game will be Colm Coffey, Frank Hynes, Peter Driscoll & Bernard O’Keeffe (All Bishopstown).

Tickets for the Co-Op Superstores IAHC Final Cloughduv v Dungourney are available now here https://www.universe.com/events/633af292069088002eb48fdb