Rockies an acid test for resurgent Glen

CORK’S All-Ireland hurling success will yield an immediate dividend this weekend, with the county's four SHC quarter-finals sure to draw large crowds.

Both Glen Rovers and Blackrock are steeped in Cork hurling, the latter having slightly the better of the exchanges over the years.

When Blackrock defeated the Glen in the 1956 final, the clubs didn’t meet in the final again until 1973 when the Rockies were successful. In the intervening 17 years Glen contested eight county finals and won them all.

It’s been six years since Blackrock and Glen Rovers last met in the senior championship. But they get together on Saturday (3 p.m.) as part of an attractive double header at Páirc Uí Chaoimh with St. Finbarr’s and Cloyne clashing at 4.20.

According to Blackrock official Roger Ryan, it should be a cracking match. “We have David Cashman and Derek Gosnell back from the States, while Sean Murphy is back from suspension, big plusses for us,” he said.

“Unfortunately Chris Murphy is out with a broken finger from the Muskerry game.

“There are four members of the Cork All-Ireland winning team involved which should lift this game above the ordinary.”

Glen coach Paddy Barry is expecting a huge effort form his charges after last week’s surprise but deserved win over Imokilly in the third round replay.

“There was a great buzz around after that victory and hopefully they can lift it again for Blackrock,” he said.

“The Rockies have a tremendous record in the championship over the last six years, winning three titles and losing one. The bulk of those winning teams are still playing which is going to make them very difficult to beat.

“We have a couple of bumps and bruises from last week but I expect them to clear up as the week goes on.

“More importantly now is the availability of Ray Considine.

“He is back from a hand injury and will be a huge addition, but match practice may be a problem for him. We’ll wait until the day of the game before deciding whether to start him or not.

“It’s been 15 years since the Glen last won the county, a life time for the club. We have been working steadily at under age level over the last 10 years with good success but that doesn’t guarantee anything.

“The present team is very young and are still learning. Every championship win brings them on a bit more but Blackrock are going to be very difficult for us.

“Heart and a never-say-die attitude won the game against Imokilly and the players won’t be lacking in that department on Saturday. We’ll need every player at his very best if we are to win this one, but we can only do our best, and hopefully it will be good enough.”