Barrs blitz sees off Ballinascarthy

St Finbarr’s 2-7 Ballinascarthy 0-4

In the curtain-raiser at Páirc Uí Rinn, an assertive second-half display saw them emerge with nine points to spare. In a powerful final quarter, they closed out with the match-winning goals, coming from Eoin Hill and Ger McCann.

Ballinascarthy, coached by Teddy Holland, and looking for their first county football title at adult level, were just two points adrift at the break, 0-5 to 0-3, but would rue a penalty miss on eight minutes. Luke Murray was fouled by Barrs keeper Gary O’Sullivan, who subsequently received a black card. It was another Gary O’Sullivan who replaced him and with his first touch, he stopped Cillian Cullinan’s spot kick.

Philip Kelleher moved the Barrs three points clear in a dogged third quarter, with both teams finding scores hard to come by.

Significantly it was Hill’s 49th-minute goal involving Colm Keane and Shane Long that set the Togher side on their way. McCann put the issue beyond doubt when he soloed through for a second goal five minutes from time.

Scorers for St Finbarr’s: G McCann and E Hill (1-1 each), R Kelleher (0-2), P Kelleher, C Keane and P Kerins (0-1 each).

Scorers for Ballinascarthy: C Cullinane (0-2, one free), D Nyhan and C Hennessy (0-1 each).

ST FINBARR’S: Gary O’Sullivan; M Russell, K O’Neill, C Power (Capt); M O’Donovan, E Comyns, P Kelleher; G McCann, C Keane; R Haines, R Kelleher, P Kerins; C O’Sullivan, E Hill, S Long.

Subs: Gary O’Sullivan for Gary O’Sullivan (bc, 8), M Twomey for R Haines, K McCarthy for S Long (both 60), P Kelly for E Hill (61), S E Murphy for P Kerins (65).

BALLINASCARTHY: G Kirby; M Kirby, C Ryan, Daniel O’Brien; J Ryan, David O’Brien, D Walsh; C Nyhan, D Nyhan; B Walsh, E O’Brien A O’Donovan; L Murray, C Cullinane (Capt), C Hennessy.

Subs: S Condon for David O’Brien (19 inj), A Ryan for B Walsh (40), C Crowley for M Kirby (45 inj).

Referee: John O’Leary (Mallow).