Super-sub O’Regan delivers for Clon

IT may have been a routine affair for long stretches, but yesterday’s Evening Echo Cork SFC final in Páirc Uí Chaoimh still managed to conjure up a breathless finish.

The prospect of a finale laced with drama and tension had looked quite remote entering the third quarter as Clonakilty stood tall on the scoreboard with a 1-12 to 0-7 advantage. In front of 10,172 observers, the West Cork men had firmly bossed proceedings with the consequential effect that notions of a contest had drained away.

Yet St Finbarr’s, who had been limp and lifeless for three quarters of the game, summoned a brave and defiant closing display that nearly carried them to an improbable victory.