A strange evening in Páirc Uí Rinn, with a Cork intermediate hurling final that never caught fire — despite one side winning three penalties.

Blackrock won this Cork IHC final, edging out Cloughduv in a disappointing game in Pairc Ui Rinn.

NOT WITH STANDING the magnificent Briege Corkery, the other key reason why holders Cork won through to meet Kilkenny in the Gala All-Ireland senior camogie decider was simply that as a unit, they responded so effectively to a below par first-half display.

PRESENTATION Brothers, Cork were ultimately comfortable winners over Ard Scoil Rís at Musgrave Park, Cork yesterday — but not before they were made to dig deep by a team who won their place in the last eight through the back door system.

Kilmacud Crokes (Dublin) 4-4 Blackrock (Cork) 1-4