O’Sullivan the ace as late goal powers Dripsey through

IT came late, very late, but big Mark O’Sullivan’s 59th minute goal was crucial as Dripsey saw off stubborn Carrignavar to reach their first Evening Echo Cork Co JHC decider in their short history under lights at Páirc Uí Rinn on Saturday.

It drove the Dripsey sideline wild and no wonder coach Johnny Keane was happy: “I’m thrilled, we’re just a small area, six townlands, and to hurl our way this far after a short few years is a dream. I suppose we’ll be favourites in the final now, after beating the Glen. But, favourites or not, we’ll be ready for Ó Mathúnas. I’m looking forward to it.”

In wasn’t a great semi-final — hurling wise – and Dripsey got nothing soft from Carrignavar whose 13 wides over the hour proved their downfall. As well as goal-scorer O’Sullivan, the Mid Corkmen also had aces in Diarmuid O’Riordan and David O’Sullivan up front; Conor Hayes at midfield and a strong defence in which John O’Riordan, John O’Mahony and Barry Kelleher excelled.