Premier S.H.C 

Fri. Aug. 2nd 2024

Blackrock 3 – 15 V St.Finbarrs 2 – 17 @ P.Ui Rinn.​

Report:  Roger Ryan

The age-old rivalry which exists between The Rockies and The Barrs was very much in evidence at Pairc Ui Rinn on Friday evening when they clashed in the first round of the Premier Senior Hurling Championship. While the game may not have lived up to it's billing as a classic, it was a very close and exciting game and the result was in doubt right up to the very last minute.

An opening point by Niall Cashman was answered by a point from the Barrs. Niall then scored again and this was also answered by a point from the Barrs. A great movement involving David O'Farrel who passed to Kevin O'Keeffe who found Robbie Cotter and from an acute angle Robbie found the net for our first goal. Daniel Meaney followed up with a point to push ahead by 4 on a score 1 – 03 to 0 – 02. The Barrs reduced this to 2 when they scored 2 points but on the 15th minute Alan Connolly pounced for a goal to put us ahead on double scores 2 –02 to 0 – 04. We were motoring well now and playing some excellent hurling and Kevin O'Keeffe with 1 point and Alan with 2 points pushed us 8 points ahead, things were certainly looking good for us. The Barrs then replied with 4 points on the trot to cut our lead to 4 points, 2 – 06 to 0 – 08. Robbie tacked on a point but the Barrs finished out the first half with the next 2 points to leave us ahead by 3 points with the board reading Rockies 2 – 07, Barrs 0 – 10 as the boys trooped off for well earned break.

Shortly after the restart the Barrs were back on level terms when they scored a goal. Peter Linehan pushed us ahead with a pointbut the barrs equalised again with a point. Daid O'Farrell, Alan Connolly and Fionn Coleman responded with 1 point each to give us a lead of 3 on a score of 2 – 11 to 1 – 11. The Barrs had the next 2 points followed by a goal to go ahead by 2, 2 – 11 to 2 – 13 but Robbie with 1 point and Alan with 2 soon had us back in the lead again with the board showing Rockies 2 – 14, Barrs 2 – 13. The Barrs struck back and with 2 points took the lead again by 1 point. Alan O'Callaghan with a mighty effort from way back put the ball sailing over the bar to equalise again 2 –15 each. Alan Connolly then found Robbie Cotter in beautiful isolation and Robbie made no mistake for his second and our third goal. The Barrs responded with two pointed frees and with clock showing just over 32 minutes played and the Rockies attacking, the Ref blew full time with the Rockies ahead by the minimum on a score of 3 – 15 to 2 –17.

Overall this was certainly the best display of teamwork we have seen by these boys in quite a while, one in which each man played his heart out. Our combined play at times was a joy to watch with our half-backline in control and centre field and half forward line in sparkling form. Robbie Cotter was in deadly form and his contribution of 2 – 02 was immense.

Scorers: Robbie Cotter 2 – 02, Alan Connolly 1 – 05(04f), Niall Cashman 0 – 02, Kevin O'Keeffe, Peter Linehan, David O'Farrell, Fionn Colemab. Alan O'Callaghan 0 – 01 each.

Team: Gavin Connolly, O Mc Adoo, John Cashman, Stephen Murphy, Cathal Cormack, Alan O'Callaghan, Niall Cashman, David O'Farrell, Daniel Meaney, Peter Linehan, Alan Connolly, Kevin O'Keeffe, Robbie Cotter, Shane O'Keeffe, Ciarán Cormack.

Subs Used: Fionn Coleman, Ryan Sweeney, Joe Golden.

Referee: Cathal Mc Allister