Brilliant Barr’s send Erin’s Own packing

IT may be premature to forecast a return to the glory days for St Finbarr’s but at Páirc Uí Chaoimh last night they hinted of better things to come when claiming the scalp of 2006 and 2007 title-holders Erin’s Own in the quarter-final of the Cork SHC.

The match was largely shaped by St Finbarr’s devastating opening to the game.

At the close of the opening quarter they were 1-7 to 0-3 ahead and it was difficult to spy any faults in their unit. Corner-backs Damien Cahalane and John Neville attacked the ball in a tenacious and vigorous fashion while at the edge of the square Keane knitted the challenge together with admirable composure.

While in the scoring department they unleashed points from the top-drawer. Robert O’Mahony, Glen O’Connor, Ger McCarthy and Aidan Fitzpatrick all weighed in with superb efforts but their pivotal score came in the 6th minute when they notched the only goal of the game.

It owed much to O’Connor’s perseverance when he chased a ball before directing it across goal and amidst a goalmouth scramble, Joe Fitzpatrick nipped in to boot to the net. It was good times all over the pitch for St Finbarr’s, whereas Erin’s Own were left reeling.

Yet Erin’s Own never visibly panicked and they charged into the final quarter with a strong momentum, narrowly trailing 1-11 to 0-12. There was an escalating sense either side of the interval that their hurling experience and nous would wear down St Finbarrs’ challenge.

St Finbarrs’ propensity for giving away frees was ruthlessly punished by Murphy and Cian O’Connor also pitched in with two scores from play. By the interval, Erin’s Own were in a more agreeable position as they were just 1-8 to 0-7 adrift. They maintained their strong pursuit of St Finbarrs in the third quarter, and while St Finbarr’s did at one juncture lead 1-10 to 0-8, Erin’s Own rattled over the points to trim that advantage.

But, critically, Erin’s Own could never regain parity and St Finbarr’s wrested back control.

O’Mahony, the experienced Kevin Murray, David O’Leary, who excelled throughout, and Cathal McCarthy all pointed to push St Finbarr’s six clear, 1-15 to 0-12.

Erin’s Own mounted a late barrage of pressure, launching two 65’s, two sideline balls and a 20-yard free in the direction of Fergal O’Mahony’s goal, but the St Finbarr’s backline was resolute.

The tough exchanges spilled over into a brawl late on but referee John Sexton settled matters before brandishing five yellow cards.

Scorers for St Finbarr’s: J Fitzpatrick 1-1, G McCarthy, D O’Leary, C McCarthy (0-2f), R O’Mahony, A Fitzpatrick, K Murray 0-2 each, E Keane (0-1f), G O’Connor, M Ryan 0-1 each

Erin’s Own: E Murphy 0-8 (0-5f), C O’Connor 0-2, K Murphy, M O’Connor, M O’Carroll 0-1 each.

ST FINBARR’S: F O’Mahony; D Cahalane, E Keane, J Neville; R McCarthy, R Curran, D O’Leary; G McCarthy, C McCarthy; G O’Connor, A Fitzpatrick, J Crowley; M Ryan, R O’Mahony, J Fitzpatrick.

Subs: K Murray for Crowley (half-time), P Wiley for R McCarthy (43),

ERIN’S OWN: S Bowen; R O’Carroll, B McHugh, S Murphy; S Cronin, P Kelly, B Clifford; S Kelly, C O’Connor; C Coakley, K Murphy, M O’Connor; M O’Carroll, E Murphy, A Bowen.

Subs: M Collins for S Kelly (43).

Referee: John Sexton (Ballyhea).