Huge test overcome, says Bowen

IT’S been a long 12 months for Erin’s Own and in particular for their secretary and hurling manager Martin Bowen.

This time last year the Glounthaune club made the decision to withdraw from the Cork SHC at the semi-final stage after failing to get their semi-final against Newtownshandrum postponed because of injuries sustained by two of their players on inter-county duty with Cork.

Yesterday at rain-lashed Páirc Uí Chaoimh Erin’s Own put all that behind them as they crushed the challenge of neighbours Sarsfields to reach their third county senior hurling final.

Understandably manager Bowen was delighted at this latest turn of events which has finally confined what happened in 2005 to the history books.

“Even though we had beaten them in the championship, this was always going to be a huge test for us, made more difficult by the treacherous conditions,” said Martin.

“It was something of a lottery out there and I’m just relieved that, number one, the game was completed, and secondly, we came out on top.

“The opening exchanges were very even in the prevailing conditions, and in such tight games the first goal was always going to be crucial.

“It came our way early in the second-half and gave us a lead we never relinquished. Defensively I thought we did very well. There is always the chance of mistakes playing in such conditions but our backs kept them down to the minimum.

“With all that went on last year and the heavy defeat we suffered in 2004, this is a most welcome result, but we have nothing won. Whoever is going to provide the opposition in the final, it’s going to be very difficult for us.

“We have worked extremely hard to get to where we are, and all credit to the players, selectors and coach for that. Even though it’s only just happened, it’s a great feeling to get to a county final, and we’ll enjoy the experience.”