Carrigtwohill daring to dream

THEIR winning performance was almost dwarfed by the massive achievement in ending a 74 year wait for a place in the Cork SHC final, but it took an outstanding team display from Carrigtwohill, highlighted by inspirational play from Niall McCarthy and superb defending, to thwart Midleton in Páirc Uí Chaoimhy esterday.

Effectively, the backs ensured a fairy-tale ending to the game by absorbing intense pressure against the wind in the second half and defending the goal lead which ultimately separated the teams.

2007 Premier IHC winners Carrigtwohill, — who played in successive relegation battles in ‘08 and ‘09 hurled with a passion and a level of skill which belied their outsiders tag. But, manager James O’Connor – alluding to their 50/1 tag at the start of the campaign – insisted they always believed they were in ‘with a real fighting chance.’