Reigning champions St Finbarrs are taking on Carbery Rangers this afternoon in Bandon.

Michael Shields is one of the wily veterans in the St Finbarr’s line-up but he believes the new breed of footballer in Togher deserve huge credit for their county success.

When Tony Leahy was dispatched as an emissary by St Finbarr’s to recruit a new manager, he knew the first question his target, Ray Keane, would ask.

Bill Beckett’s memories of St Finbarrs’ opening round game of the 2017 Cork senior hurling championship are stamped in his memory.

Kevin McTernan, former St Finbarr’s goalkeeper and club stalwart.

For St Finbarr’s, hope comes through the bloom of youth.

Blackrock 2-11 St Finbarr’s 0-15: “We are delighted to bury the memory of Ballyhea,” said Blackrock coach, Eddie Murphy, following this Cork SHC second-round victory at Páirc Uí Rinn.

Blackrock take on St Finbarr’s tomorrow in the second round of the Cork senior hurling championship, but whereas 30 years ago that was a county final pairing, this season both clubs are struggling.