Blackrock and Fr O’Neill’s served up a hurling classic at Kilfinane, a Munster club intermediate championship quarter-final that defied the tough conditions for this time of the year and that was fully enjoyed by the huge crowd at the Blackrock venue.

NEVER were three cheers for a losing team rendered more heartily to the heavens than at chilly Croke Park on Saturday evening as Blackrock captain, Brendan Hennessey called for tribute to be paid to a gallant effort by St Colmcille’s of Tyrone in this All-Ireland club junior hurling final.