U20 hurlers lose in Munster Semi-Final against Clare
Cork’s Munster U20 hurling campaign ended in frustration at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh as a strong position slipped away late on against Clare, who ran out 3-20 to 2-17 winners.
This was a game Cork will feel got away. Having already beaten Clare a week earlier to secure home advantage, the Rebels showed resilience and quality to fight back from a six-point half-time deficit (2-9 to 0-11). Goals from Johnny Murphy and Barry O’Flynn were central to that response, while James O’Brien’s impact off the bench helped swing momentum.
When O’Flynn struck for Cork’s second goal in the 50th minute to make it 2-17 to 2-14, the home side looked in control and on course for a Munster final place.
However, Cork couldn’t build on that advantage. Despite their work rate and determination, they were held scoreless for the remainder of the game. Clare capitalised, but from a Cork perspective, it was the loss of momentum and missed chances that proved decisive.
There was plenty to admire in Cork’s spirit and fight.
Scorers for Cork: Barry O’Flynn 1-3; Johnny Murphy 1-2; James O’Brien 0-4 (1f); Zack Biggane, Barry Walsh (1f) 0-2 each; Darragh Heavin, Conor Noonan, Finn O’Brien, Jack Counihan 0-1 each.
Scorers for Clare: Fred Hegarty 0-8 (5f); Marco Cleary 2-0; Paul Rodgers 1-0; Ronan Kilroy, Thomas O’Connor 0-3 each; Daniel Costello 0-2; Ryan Hayes, Ronan Keane, Michael Collins, Harry Doherty 0-1 each.
CORK: Óisín Walsh; Denis Fitzgerald, Matthew Barrett, Darragh Heavin; Ben Walsh, Colm Garde, David O’Leary; Michael Tadhg Brosnan, Conor Noonan; John Murphy (Mallow), Zack Biggane, Barry Walsh; Finn O’Brien, Johnny Murphy (Dromina), Barry O’Flynn. Subs: Craig O’Sullivan for F O’Brien (16, inj), James O’Brien for O’Sullivan (27), Jack Counihan for Fitzgerald (h-t), Jack O’Brien for John Murphy (50), Mark O’Brien for Biggane (57).
CLARE: Mark Sheedy; Eoghan Gunning, Robert Loftus, Joe Casey; Matthew O’Halloran, James Hegarty, Ryan Hayes; Daniel Costelloe, Ronan Keane; Michael Collins, Ronan Kilroy, Fred Hegarty; Marco Cleary, Thomas O’Connor, Paul Rodgers. Subs: Graham Ball for Casey (28, inj), Harry Doherty for Collins (43), Seán Arthur for Rodgers (45), Seán Boyce for Ball (49-50, blood), Daire Neville for Kilroy (60+2), Boyce for Cleary (60+4).
Referee: Alan Tierney (Tipperary).
Cork U20 hurling team to play Clare in U20 Fulfil Munster HC Semi-Final
Cork U20 Hurling Manager Noel Furlong has announced his team to face Clare this Wednesday evening at 7:35pm in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh in the Fulfil Munster U20 Hurling Championship Semi-Final.
The Cork team to play Clare is as follows:
Update on Electric Ireland Munster Minor Football Championship
Following the conclusion of two rounds of the Munster Minor Football Championship, two wins from two sees Cork top Phase 2 and book their place in the Munster Final (May 18th).
Kerry and Clare now face a straight shootout this on Monday for the second final spot, while Cork host Waterford in Páirc Uí Rinn.
| Team | P | W | D | L | Scores For | Scores Against | Diff | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cork | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 7-43 (64) | 1-26 (29) | +35 | 4 |
| Kerry | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4-31 (43) | 5-27 (42) | +1 | 2 |
| Clare | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2-20 (26) | 4-33 (45) | -19 | 2 |
| Waterford | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2-17 (23) | 5-25 (40) | -17 | 0 |
📅 Results & Fixtures
Round 1 – April 27
- Kerry 3-17 def. Waterford 2-9 (Lemybrien)
- Cork 4-25 def. Clare 0-12 (Clarecastle)
Round 2 – May 4
- Cork 3-18 def. Kerry 1-14 (Austin Stack Park)
- Clare 2-8 def. Waterford 0-8 (Lemybrien)
Round 3 – May 11
- Cork vs Waterford
📍 Páirc Uí Rinn | 🕖 7:00pm - Kerry vs Clare
📍 Austin Stack Park | 🕖 7:00pm
Final
- Cork vs TBC
📅 May 18
🕢 7:35pm
Minor footballers win on the road in Tralee
Cork produced a superb all-round display to power past Kerry by 10 points in Tralee, sealing their place in the Munster Minor Football Championship final with a game to spare. Despite missing key players, the Rebels showed composure and quality throughout, taking control after a steady start and never looking back.
Playing into a strong breeze in the first half, Cork were clinical and efficient, building a commanding nine-point lead by the break. Their attacking play was sharp, highlighted by a well-worked goal finished by Eoghan Ahern, while Ben Hegarty kept the scoreboard ticking with accurate frees.
With the wind at their backs, Cork maintained their grip in the second half. Strong defending, including crucial blocks from Gabriel Oronsaye, ensured Kerry never gained real momentum. Late goals from Riley O’Donovan and Luke O’Neill capped an impressive performance.
Scorers for Kerry: D Keane 0-7 (1 2pt, 0-2 f), D Laide 1-1, D Lane 0-3 (0-1 f), L Mac Gearailt, D Murphy, C Moynihan 0-1 each.
Cork: B Hegarty 0-6 (0-5 f), R O’Donovan 1-3, E Ahern 1-2 (0-2 f), A O’Herlihy 0-3, L O’Neill 1-0, K O’Shea, R Twohig (1 2pt f) 0-2 each.
KERRY: C O’Donnell (Tarbert); E Mangan (Austin Stacks), J Breen (Listowel Emmets), C Clifford (Dr Crokes); D Murphy (Listry, capt), S Clifford (Listry), M Corridon (Ardfert); M Ó Sé (An Ghaeltacht), T Slattery (Na Gaeil); L Mac Gearailt (An Ghaeltacht), D Keane (Kilcummin), J Collins (Ballymacelligott); D Lane (Austin Stacks), O Buckley (Beale), S Scroope (Legion).
Subs: J Ziober (Milltown/Castlemaine) for C Clifford (11-14, temp), C Moynihan (Rathmore) for S Scroope, D Laide (Finuge) for O Buckley (both h-t), T Lenihan (Churchill) for T Slattery (45), P O’Sullivan (Firies) for M Corridon (51), T Kenneally (Listowel Emmets) for J Collins (55).
CORK: R Twohig (Kilmeen); R McCormack (Midleton), G Oronsaye (Liscarroll/Churchtown Gaels), C Garvey (St Finbarr’s); D O’Sullivan (Erin’s Own), C Downing (Adrigole), E Lynch (Ballincollig); K O’Shea (Urhan), P Kelly (Naomh Abán); E Ahern (Carrigaline), B Hegarty (Ballinora), J Miskella (Ballincollig, capt); A O’Herlihy (St Finbarr’s), J Barry (Aghinagh), D Herlihy (Shamrocks).
Subs: R O’Donovan (Barryroe) for J Barry (42), L O’Neill (Carbery Rangers) for D Herlihy, P O’Connor (Lisgoold) for R McCormack (both 50), M Corkery (Nemo Rangers) for J Miskella (51), M Power (Charleville) for C Garvey (58).
Referee: Eoin Keane (Clare).
