Cork began their Allianz Hurling League campaign with an impressive win over Wexford at Chadwicks Wexford Park. Despite difficult weather conditions that hindered fluid play, the Rebels delivered a commanding team performance, laying down an early-season marker.
Key players Brian Hayes, Niall O’Leary, Padraig Power, and Cormac O’Brien led the charge, ensuring Cork stayed in control throughout the match. The team showed excellent cohesion and determination, setting a solid foundation for the season ahead.
The game wasn’t without its challenges, however. Declan Dalton received a straight red card in the second half, ruling him out of Cork’s clash with Limerick next Saturday night. His absence will be a blow, but the team’s collective effort and depth provide hope for a strong showing in the upcoming fixture.
C Byrne 0-7 f, C Dunbar, R O’Connor, D Codd, C McGuckin, J Redmond 0-1 each.
D Dalton 1-5 (1-0 pen, 0-2 f, 0-1 sl), P Power 1-4, B Hayes, D Fitzgibbon (0-2 f) 0-4 each, E Twomey 0-2, S Kingston, S Harnedy 0-1 each.
M Fanning; N Murphy, S Donohoe, E Ryan; C McGuckin, C Foley, D Carley; C Hearne, D Codd; C Dunbar, R O’Connor, C Byrne Dunbar; K Foley S Casey, C Byrne.
S Rowley for D Carley (22), R Lawlor for K Foley (34), J Redmond for S Rowley (35 inj), T Kinsella for C Byrne Dunbar (54), C Flood for S Casey (66).
P Collins; N O’Leary, G Millerick, S O’Donoghue; T O’Mahony, R Downey, C O’Brien; L Meade, D Fitzgibbon; D Dalton, S Barrett, B Roche; B Hayes, P Power, S Kingston.
D Cahalane for S O’Donoghue (33 inj), E Twomey for R Downey (47 inj), S Harnedy for B Roche (56), R Cotter for S Barrett (64), C Lehane for S Kingston (68).
Michael Kennedy, Tipperary.
On Friday night, Cork reclaimed the Canon O’Brien Cup with a 6-24 to 0-13 victory over UCC at the Mardyke. After narrowly losing by a point last year, Pat Ryan’s side ensured there was no doubt this time. Cork led 1-11 to 0-5 at halftime, with Shane Kingston contributing 1-7, including a superbly taken goal.
The Rebels extended their lead after the break as Kingston converted a penalty following a foul on Alan Walsh, bringing his tally to 2-8. While UCC enjoyed a brief purple patch midway through the second half, scoring four points in a row through Darragh Flynn and others, they never truly threatened a goal. Cork’s defence, led by Cormac O’Brien and Conor Cahalane, held firm throughout.
Cork’s midfield, anchored by Brian Roche, impressed, while Diarmuid Healy caused problems with his powerful running from wing-forward. The Rebels emptied their bench in the second half, adding further attacking firepower. Robbie Cotter, Brian Hayes, and Declan Dalton found the net late, ensuring a resounding victory.
UCC goalkeeper Paudie O’Sullivan produced several outstanding saves to deny Cork additional first-half goals, but the gap at the break was already nine points. UCC will now turn their focus to the Fitzgibbon Cup.
S Kingston 2-8 (1-0 penalty, 0-5 f), R Cotter 2-1, B Hayes, D Dalton 1-0 each, P Power, T O’Mahony (0-1 f, 0-1 65) 0-2 each, A Walsh, C Cahalane, D Healy, B Roche, E Carey, G Millerick, P Horgan (0-1 f), D Fitzgibbon, L Meade 0-1 each.
B Cunningham 0-5 (0-4 f), F Coleman, D Flynn, W Buckley (0-1 f) 0-2 each, B Keating, E O’Leary, D McSweeney 0-1 each.
B Saunderson; S O’Donoghue, N O’Leary, E Roche; C Cahalane, R Downey (capt), C O’Brien; T O’Mahony, B Roche; D Healy, S Barrett, S Kingston; P Power, A Walsh, J Cahalane.
E Carey for O’Brien, L Meade for Power, D Fitzgibbon for Downey (all half-time), G Millerick for C Cahalane (35), B Hayes for Barrett, P Horgan for Kingston (both 39), R Cotter for J Cahalane, D Dalton for Walsh (both 42).
P O’Sullivan (Fr O’Neills); S Daly (Randal Óg), C Doolan (St Finbarr’s), M Mullaney (Stradbally, Waterford); E Guinane (Valley Rovers), J Dwyer (Ballincollig), T Wilk (Cobh); E Twomey (St Finbarr’s), D Flynn (Ballygiblin); B Cunninghan (St Finbarr’s), B Keating (Ballincollig), E Stokes (Doon, Limerick); D Cremin (Midleton), F Coleman (Blackrock), W Buckley (St Finbarr’s).
O O’Regan (Erin’s Own) for Daly, C McCarthy (Blarney) for Guinane, E O’Leary (Glen Rovers) for Cremin (all half-time), M Howell (Douglas) for Dwyer, D McSweeney (Blarney) for Flynn (both 42), E Kirby (Blarney) for Coleman (44), C Geary (Youghal) for Mullaney, C O’Mahony (Ballygunner, Waterford) for Stokes (both 47), J McCarthy (St Finbarr’s) for O’Sullivan (49), Flynn for Keating, K Lyons (Ballygarvan) for Cunningham (both 51).
C O’Regan (Ballyhea).
The Cork Senior Hurling team will take on Waterford in a special fundraiser match for the Friend’s of Brian Greene in conjunction with Waterford Hospice. This exciting clash will now take place on Saturday, 4th January, at Fraher Field, Dungarvan, with the game starting at the revised time of 2:00 PM due to a weather advisory.
We urge everyone to travel safely and only make the journey if it is safe for you to do so. Your safety is paramount, and we appreciate your understanding.
Can’t make it to the game? The match will be streamed live on Clubber for fans to enjoy from home. Tickets for the game can be purchased online at https://www.universe.com/events/friends-of-brian-greene-fundraiser-senior-challenge-waterford-v-cork-tickets-BYFWL1.
This event brings two great hurling counties together for an important cause, with proceeds supporting the incredible work of Waterford Hospice in providing compassionate care.
Let’s come together as a community to remember Brian Greene and make a difference for Waterford Hospice.
