Inspired by county star Niall McCarthy, 2011 Cork SHC champions Carrigtwohill got the defence of their title off to a good start in Páirc Uí Rinn on Saturday evening but they were tested all the way by the 2011 Premier IHC champions Courcey Rovers.

FORMER Cork senior football boss Larry Tompkins is one game away from claiming his first county title as a manager after his Mitchelstown side overcame Courcey Rovers 1-4 to 0-6 in dramatic fashion in the Cork JAFC semi-final in Páirc Uí Rinn last night.

THREE unanswered points in the final 10 minutes helped Ballyduff past Courcey Rovers at Cloughduv in the Munster IHC yesterday, a first hurling victory for a Kerry club in the provincial competition.

CORK footballer Nicholas Murphy earned Carrigaline a replay in yesterday’s Cork Premier IHC quarter-final in Páirc Uí Chaoimh with an injury-time goal.

A FINE second-half display from Courcey Rovers saw them power past Inniscarra in the opening round of the Cork PIHC at Páirc Uí Rinn last night.

BALLYMARTLE justified their status as championship favourites once more in Minane Bridge last night when they staved off a spirited challenge from local rivals Courcey Rovers before triumphing in the Evening Echo Cork PIHC semi-final.