Cloyne get down to business after early scare

FOLLOWING champion Newtownshandrum’s opening round Cork County SHC victory over Bride Rovers on Friday, Cloyne, the beaten finalists for the last two years, got down to business in fine style at Ballynoe yesterday when beating Killeagh 4-10 to 3-6.

But Cloyne had to survived an early scare from Killeagh before winning comfortably. Two early goals, the first an unstoppable penalty from full-forward Mark Landers after he had been dragged down by Killian Cronin, and the second from impressive wing-forward Larry Collins, had Killeagh 2-1 to 0-2 ahead after 12 minutes, setting up the possibility of a shock for the huge crowd massed around the fabulous new pitch.

It didn’t materialise, however, and really, it was all over by half time. Playing an intelligent, economical game, Cloyne slowly but inexorably worked their way back into the game. A potent full-forward line did the scoring damage, a goal apiece in the first half from young Paudie O’Sullivan and Conor Cusack in the corners, the experienced Phillip Cahill with another after a low 65 by Diarmuid O’Sullivan deflected off the full-forward.

There was a further three points from placed balls by Paudie, a point from play by Phillip, all of which helped Cloyne to a 3-6 to 2-3 half-time lead. Considering that Killeagh had played with the assistance of a good wind, it never looked look good for them afterwards.

Scorers: Cloyne: P. O’Sullivan 1-5 (0-5 frees); P. Cahill 2-1; Diarmuid O’Sullivan 0-3; C. Cusack 1-0; J. Cotter 0-1. Killeagh: J. Deane 1-1; L. Collins 1-1; M. Landers 1-0 (pen.); Brendan Barry, Brian Barry, K. Lane, D. Kelleher, 0-1 each.

THE winning margin was just a point less than the lead they enjoyed after just five minutes, but Erin’s Own were never pushed in their clash with Sarsfields in the opening game at Páirc Ui Rinn on Saturday, winning 1-13 to 1-7.

Sarsfields never managed to achieve a real level of competitiveness in a disappointing contest and the result flattered them. Given that the Erin’s Own goal came in the third minute — with Fergus Murphy’s excellent finish matching the opening made by Eoghan Murphy — it would have been considered surprising that they didn’t get another. But, it wasn’t from the want of trying and Brian Corcoran would have had the ball in the net but for a vital interception and Kieran Murphy blew a penalty over the bar.

As the game developed, it was clear Erin’s Own had more to offer. They were missing some key players and this applied particularly to their forward unit. Sars, missing Garvan McCarthy, suffered because of some poor shooting at times, but more especially a real lack of scoring power. Erin’s Own led 1-7 to 0-5 at the break.

Scorers: Erins Own: K. Murphy 0-5 (0-2 ‘65’s, 0-1 free); E. Murphy 0-4 (0-2 frees); F. Murphy 1-0; B. Corcoran 0-2; S. Cronin and S. Bowen 0-1 each. Sarsfields: B. McCarthy 1-0; J. Murphy, P. Ryan (0-1 free) and M. Cussen 0-2 each; G. O’Loughlin 0-1.

AFTER an absence of several years, Ballinhassig made a spirited return to the SHC at Páirc Ui Rinn, where no-one could deny that they were good value for a draw (0-12 apiece) with Na Piarsaigh in an exciting game.

Ballinhassig showed dogged belief throughout and their famed city rivals were unable to shake them off despite the outstanding display of Sean Og Ó Hailpin.

The multiple-award winner was flawless at left half back and one could only have a twinge of sympathy for his marker, left half-forward Diarmuid Duggan who definitely got the short straw.

Ballinhassig, who had the wind, retired at half time 0-7 to 0-4 ahead.

Scorers: Na Piarsaigh: Stephen R. O’ Sullivan 0-6 (0-4 frees), J. Gardiner 0-2, C. O’ Sullivan, Stephen P. O’ Sullivan, S. Og Ó Hailpin and R. Healy 0-1 each. Ballinhassig: D. Dineen 0-8 (0-7 frees, 0-1 ‘65), D. O’ Sullivan, P. O’ Sullivan, S. Dineen and F. O’ Leary 0-1 each.

AT half-time in Fermoy, the St Finbarr’s sideline were seething. And with every justification.

Having seen their charges outplayed in this battle of the saints in the opening 30 minutes, 2-4 to 0-5, by a lively and tuned in St Catherine’s, drastic action was required.

And whatever wise old heads Jimmy Barry Murphy, Charlie McCarthy and co concocted in the dressing room at half-time, it worked — a much more positive Barr’s side powering past the Ballynoe men 2-13 to 2-4 with clinical efficiency in the second-half.

Splendid goals from Cathal McCarthy and Kevin Murray laid the foundation for a workmanlike victory, holding St Catherine’s to just two Johnny Sheehan frees in the second-half.

Scorers: St. Finbarr’s: K. Murray 1-6 (0-6 frees), C. McCarthy 1-2, R. O’Mahony, B. O’Driscoll (0-1 ‘65) 0-2 each, M. Ryan 0-1. St. Catherine’s:S. Kearney, P. Cotter (pen) 1-0 each, S. Cotter (frees), J. Sheehan (frees) 0-2 each, Junior Sheehan, B. Hogan 0-1 each.

In the all northside local derby at Church Road, Glen Rovers proved too good for Delanys, winning 1-15 to 0-8.

Scorers: Glen Rovers: J Anderson 1-8 (0-7 frees, 0-1 65); S Kennefick, S McGrath 0-2 each; K O’Callaghan, D Dorris, P Horgan 0-1 each. Delanys: B Egan 0-5 (0-3 frees, 0-1 65); M O’Dricoll, M McElhinney, J Egan (free) 0-1 each.