Ballinora Secure Historic IAFC Title in Extra-Time Thriller

Ballinora claimed their first-ever McCarthy Insurance Group Intermediate A Football Championship title after a captivating extra-time replay victory over Ilen Rovers at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Sunday.

The final score saw Ballinora win by the narrowest of margins, thanks to a last-gasp goal from Kevin Werner.

In normal time, the game was a contest of two halves. Ballinora established a significant lead, going ahead by eight points at one stage (0-10 to 0-2 at the break). However, Ilen Rovers launched a stirring comeback, fueled by a goal from Aaron O’Sullivan and a late two-point free from Micheál Sheehy that forced extra-time with the sides inseparable.

Ilen Rovers looked to have seized the momentum in the added periods, taking a two-point lead. But their chances were hampered late on when Jack Collins received a black card. Ballinora capitalised on the numerical advantage, closing the gap before Werner’s dramatic winning goal secured the county title, their first in football since 1997.

Heartbreak for Ballinhassig in Munster Semi-Final

Heartbreak for Ballinhassig in Munster Semi-Final

 

Ballinhassig’s dream of provincial glory ended in disappointment at Semple Stadium as they fell to Tipperary champions Upperchurch Drombane, 2-14 to 0-17, in a tough AIB Munster Intermediate Hurling semi-final.

While the Cork champions showed immense grit and fought back to level the scores twice—first in the second quarter and again after the break—they ultimately paid the price for failing to convert opportunities into goals. The two crucial green flags raised by Upperchurch Drombane proved to be the difference.

Ballinhassig relied heavily on the accuracy of Ger Collins, who landed six frees, but the team’s relentless effort to breach the Upperchurch defence was thwarted time and again. The decisive second goal conceded with nine minutes remaining was a major blow.

Despite a spirited finish and a late scramble for a major, the necessary goal never materialised. While the defeat is a painful end to their club campaign, Ballinhassig can hold their heads high, having represented Cork with pride on the Munster stage. Their focus now turns to building on this successful county-winning season.

Scorers for Upperchurch Drombane: L Shanahan 0-5 (0-3 f), A Ryan 0-3, Pat Ryan 1-1 (0-1 sl), C Fahey 1-0, P Shanahan, G Ryan (f), P Greene, D Carew, P Phelan 0-1 each.

Ballinhassig: G Collins 0-6 f, S McCarthy, M Collins 0-2 each, P Collins (f), F O’Leary, E Cullinane, S O’Neill, D O’Sullivan, B Lynch, C Desmond 0-1 each.

UPPERCHURCH DROMBANE: C Shortt; M Lavery, K Ryan (c), D Carew; N Grant, G Ryan, T Corbett; D Grant, A Ryan; C Fahey, P Phelan, P Shanahan; Pat Ryan, P Greene, L Shanahan.

Subs: C Ryan for P Greene  , M Griffin for D Grant  , Paul Ryan for Pat Ryan  .

BALLINHASSIG: P Collins; D O’Donovan, K Maguiure, P O’Leary; J O’Callaghan, D O’Sullivan, E Lombard; C Grainger, C Desmond; E Cullinane, M Collins, S McCarthy; F O’Leary, G Collins (c), S Lombard.

Subs: J Lyne for J O’Callaghan (h-t), B Lynch for F O’Leary  , S O’Neill for E Cullinane  , G Kirby for M Collins  .

Referee: Seaghán Walsh (De La Salle)

Sarsfields’ Munster Dream Crushed by Ballygunner 

Sarsfields’ Munster Dream Crushed by Ballygunner

BALLYGUNNER 4-18 SARSFIELDS 2-17

Sarsfields’ brave run in the AIB Munster Club Senior Hurling Championship was brought to a decisive halt on Sunday afternoon as the Cork champions succumbed to the unstoppable force of Ballygunner , losing  4-18 to 2-17  at Azzurri Walsh Park.

Ballygunner quickly established a significant lead, built on a clinical first-half performance that included two goals from Dessie Hutchinson. At one stage, the deficit stretched to 14 points, making the task seem insurmountable.

However, Sarsfields showed immense character.  Daniel Hogan  sparked the Cork challenge with a magnificent individual goal just before the break, cutting the margin. He followed this up immediately after the restart with a second quick goal, narrowing the gap to just five points and truly making it ‘game on’.

Unfortunately, Ballygunner’s pedigree shone through. They immediately punished defensive lapses in the Sarsfields rear-guard with two devastating goals from **Patrick Fitzgerald** and **Kevin Mahony**. This clinical burst effectively killed the contest, restoring the substantial lead.

While Sarsfields fought bravely to the end, with  Colm McCarthy  (0-5) and  James Sweeney (0-4) registering scores, the final whistle confirmed the end of the provincial journey. Ballygunner marches on, while Sarsfields must regroup after a hard-fought battle.

Scorers for Ballygunner: Pauric Mahony 0-10 (0-9 frees, 0-1 65), Dessie Hutchinson 2-1, Patrick Fitzgerald 1-2 (0-1 free), Kevin Mahony 1-1, Mikey Mahony, Mark Hartley 0-2 each.

Scorers for Sarsfields: Daniel Hogan 2-3f (0-2 frees), Colm McCarthy 0-5 (0-3 frees), James Sweeney 0-4, Barry O’Flynn 0-2, Conor O’Sullivan, Luke Elliott, Ben Graham (0-1 free) 0-1 each.

BALLYGUNNER: Stephen O’Keeffe; Aaron O’Neill, Tadhg Foley, Ian Kenny; Harry Ruddle, Philip Mahony, Ronan Power; Conor Sheahan, Paddy Leavey; Pauric Mahony, Mikey Mahony, Peter Hogan; Kevin Mahony, Dessie Hutchinson, Patrick Fitzgerald. Subs: Mark Hartley for Pauric Mahony (49), Conor Tobin for Sheahan (54), Eoin O’Brien for Ronan Power, Eoin Cuddihy for Fitzgerald (both 60+1), Cormac Power for Kevin Mahony (60+4)

SARSFIELDS: Ben Graham; Conor O’Sullivan, Cillian Roche, Donal English; Luke Elliott, Craig Leahy, Bryan Murphy; Daniel Kearney, Killian Murphy; Jack O’Connor, Cian Darcy, Daniel Hogan; Barry O’Flynn, James Sweeney, Colm McCarthy. Subs: Eoghan Murphy for Roche (37), Ben Nodwell for Bryan Murphy (42), Shane O’Regan for Kearney (45), Luke Hackett for K Murphy (58).

Referee: Alan Tierney (Tipperary).

Munster SHC Semi-Final | Sarsfields meet Ballygunner

Munster Senior Hurling Club Championship Semi-Final

Sarsfields (Cork) v Ballygunner (Waterford)
Date: 16th November 2025
Venue: Walsh Park, Waterford
Throw-in: 1:15 PM

Sars travel to Waterford this Sunday for a huge Munster SHC Semi-Final clash against
Waterford champions Ballygunner. Best of luck to The Sars as they represent Cork in the Munster Championship


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Munster Intermediate Hurling Championship Semi-Final Ballinhassig v Upperchurch-Drombane (Tipperary)

Munster Intermediate Hurling Championship Semi-Final

Ballinhassig  v Upperchurch-Drombane (Tipperary)
Date: 16th November 2025
Venue: Semple Stadium, Thurles
Throw-in: 1:15 PM

Ballinhassig make the trip to Thurles for a massive MIHC Semi-Final clash against
Tipperary champions Upperchurch-Drombane. Best of luck to the Blues as they represent
Cork in the Munster Championship.


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