It’s been six years since Bishopstown reached the Cork SHC final, when they fell just short against a strong Sarsfields team.

There were three county hurling finals and four county football finals played around the country today.

Imokilly 1-24 Sarsfields 2-21: Paudie O’Sullivan’s 64^th-minute equaliser for Imokilly ensured that the East Cork division and Sarsfields must meet again to determine Blackrock’s opponents in the Cork SHC final.

A rousing closing quarter from Blackrock – during which they outscored their opponents by 0-6 to 0-1 – advanced them to a first Cork SHC final since 2003.

Here’s a briefing on some of the stories and issues highlighted on irishexaminer.com today

Pa Kearney was one of Waterford’s brightest hurling talents.

At 32, Donal Cronin has been part of the Glen Rovers senior hurling squad for exactly half his life.

Ask Martin Bowen what game stands out for him this summer and he gives the answer you’re least expecting.

Glen Rovers have reached a second consecutive Cork SHC final but they will have to wait another week to find their opponents in the October 11th decider, with Erin’s Own and Sarsfields drawing in the second semi.

Michael Cussen is hoping to play some part in the Cork SHC final for his club Sarsfields after he had a pin removed from his thumb.

Conor Lehane, that was the name on everyone’s lips after this Cork SHC final in Páirc Uí Chaoimh yesterday.

Midleton 2-21 Na Piarsaigh 1-06

THE notion of Carrigtwohill, a club that have flirted with relegation in the last couple of years, triumphing in the Cork SHC final was scarcely believable at the start of this season.

TEN MINUTES into the interview the mood changes.

MICHAEL FITZGERALD can name the gang who helped drive Carrigtwohill to Sunday’s Cork SHC final against CIT.

FOR Carrigtwohill’s captain Brian Lordan, Sunday’s Cork SHC final is a far cry from the relegation battles of recent years.

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.

GLEN ROVERS selector Liam Martin has vowed his side will “rise again” after the heartbreak of yesterday’s Cork SHC final defeat to Sarsfields.

SARSFIELDS qualified for their third successive Cork SHC final with a 0-17 to 0-15 semi-final victory over East Cork neighbours Erin’s Own at Páirc Uí Chaoimh yesterday.

Newtownshandrum 0-15 Cloyne 0-9

CORK’S All-Ireland winning manager John Allen is to stay for another season.

MICHAEL DONNELLAN looks set to captain Galway following the county final win by his adopted Salthill/Knocknacarra.

LIMERICK minor hurling team manager Tim O’Connor acknowledges that they may be carrying a heavy weight of expectation into tomorrow’s Munster final showdown against Cork as 21 years have passed since they were last crowned champions.

Aisake Ó hAilpín suffered a minor injury scare yesterday on the last day of Aussie Rules outfit Carlton Blues' training camp in Victoria.

CORK GAA chiefs may now defer the county hurling final from Sunday week to enable Seán Óg and Setanta Ó hAilpín play with Ireland in the second test against Australia on the same day.

Newtownshandrum 0-17 Blackrock 1-9

A WINTER of discontent awaits the losers of Sunday’s Cork SHC final. However, no matter what the outcome, for Blackrock’s Alan Cummins the months ahead are sure to be filled with warm sunshine and happy memories.