Show Notes
There's a detailed analysis of a bumper slate of Cork GAA hurling semi-finals on this week's Echo Sport Podcast.
The 10 finalists are now set, with the five deciders spread across the last two weekends in October, including a first Glen Rovers versus St Finbarr’s top-level county final in Cork for 38 years.
The main event was the Glen’s 2-21 to 1-18 victory over top seeds Midleton. Micheál Mullins, primarily utilised as a midfielder or wing-back by Cork teams, pilfered two goals from his half-forward berth. The Glen could even afford to miss a late penalty, which Patrick Horgan rifled wide, with the Downey brothers powerful in defence.
Rob was particularly influential at full-back, keeping a tight leash on Conor Lehane before the Midleton talisman was moved further out. Food for thought for Ben O'Connor and the Cork management.
Having started the season with a very sluggish display against Midleton, St Finbarr’s are peaking at the right time after a gritty victory over newcomers Kanturk. Paudie Murray’s side were four points down after Alan Walsh hit the net early in the second half in the Páirc, having trailed by five after 20 minutes, but rallied after a terrific Ethan Twomey goal.
Cork U20 Conor Noonan put the Duhallow outfit 1-22 to 1-20 up in the 55th minute but the Barrs hit the last seven points. Key for the Togher side was Hayes’ haul of 0-5 from play, a tally matched by Cunningham. Keeper Shane Hurley made some key saves.
In the Senior A grade, Carrigtwohill pulled off a shock by taking out favourites Blarney. Denis Walsh's side are without their leading marksman Sean Walsh through injury but his younger brother Patrick hit 0-6 from play, including the score to clinch it. The East Cork outfit, beaten in the last four 12 months ago, were pumped from the off and deservedly set up a clash with Erin's Own.
The Premier Intermediate Hurling semi-finals both ended explosively. Ballincollig hit 1-10 in the last quarter to overturn an eight-point deficit against Carrigaline while corner-back D Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
More from The Echo Sport Podcast
The Echo Sport Podcast crew breaks down the Premier Senior and Premier Intermediate Hurling finals on this week's show, as well as previewing a busy Bank Holiday weekend as the Cork GAA season hits its thrilling conclusion. The big prizes on Sunday afternoon went to Glen Rovers and Ballincollig. Neither game fully caught fire but the Glen won't care after edging the first county final against the Barrs in 38 years thanks to a pair of Eoin O'Leary goals and a steady showing overall. O'Leary's haul of 2-2 took him to 5-13 for the season and surely on the radar of the Cork selectors. The Glen were just that bit better balanced than the Barrs, who did have a late shout for a penalty to force a draw, and it was a sweet victory after being relegated in 2023. It also atoned for county final losses in 2018, '19 and '20. Barrs were 0-12 to 0-10 up at the break having finished the first half well but O'Leary's opening goal turned the tide. Patrick Horgan finished with 0-3 from play but so too did midfielder Rhys Dunne. Ethan Twomey clipped a staggering 0-5 from play in the second half for the Barrs but it wasn't enough. Ballincollig were a point down at half-time against Dungourney after a slow start but took control in the second half to make up for losing the PIHC final 12 months ago to Ballinhassig. Adam Wills rifled the goal, his brother Stephen Willis picked up Man of the Match for his clinical shooting from play while Theo Morgan and Cian O'Driscoll nailed 0-3 apiece. In defence, James Dwyer, Ross O'Donovan, Barry Coleman and Fenton Denny were also immense. It's a blend of hurling and football next weekend, with the Premier Junior Hurling final on Friday night pairing St Catherine's and Kilshannig. On Sunday afternoon, there's a football double-header, Cobh versus Canovee at Premier Junior, followed by champions St Finbarr's against great rivals Nemo Rangers in a repeat of last year's Premier Senior decider. Now in its fourth season, every Monday, Éamonn Murphy is joined by The Echo team, including Barry O’Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field. You can listen on Echolive.ie/podcast or anywhere you get your podcasts. Don’t forget to log onto www.IrishExaminer.com as well to catch up on their analysis including The Replay, the new highlights show anchored by Seanie McGrath, Dalo’s Hurling Show and The Gaelic Football Show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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