Roche and O’Driscoll goals pave way for Sars triumph

TWO goals in the opening half set up Sarsfields for a hard-fought win over Midleton in the replay of the East Cork U21AHC final at Ballynoe yesterday.

Fielding nine of their senior team, who captured the senior title just over a month ago, Sars did what was expected of them.

Rolling off the production line down in Glanmire over the past few seasons have been a clutch of some outstanding players.

Their level of skill was warming to watch and from ‘keeper William O’Flynn to corner-forward Robert O’Driscoll – who grabbed their second goal, they play the game to an art. Though Midleton were desperately unlucky not to goal near the end – Pádraig O’Keeffe’s angled effort just going over the crossbar – they can take enormous satisfaction that they contributed to a thrilling game.

Conor Lehane’s prowess is well documented and yesterday the 18-year-old gave another fine display of heart, endeavour and some sublime stickwork. Though six of his tally came from placed balls, he was the architect for much of his side’s ingenuity in attack.

Sars had stars all over the field but perhaps one of their lesser known lights would deserve the man-of-the-match award. Daniel Kearney at midfield was exceptional, scoring four points from play and was everywhere in his side’s cause.

Sars got a brilliant start when Dan Roche fired home from close range after only two minutes. Backed by the wind, they extended their advantage and by the end of the opening quarter they were well in control, 1-4 to two points after scores by Eoin O’Sullivan.

Things got even better when another failed clearance resulted in Roche gathering possession, off-loading to Robert O’Driscoll who billowed the net to put his side 2-4 to 0-3 in front. Lehane responded with three points for Midleton but they still trailed 2-5 to 0-7 at the break.

A goal was needed by Midleton, but it never looked like coming. Kearney was immense for Sars as Midleton rattled over points in the 12th and 21st minute, the latter a beauty by corner back Killian Burke.

Ian Kennefick then brought it back to a single point with an inspirational solo effort but they just couldn’t gain parity and Cian McCarthy landed a late free to seal Sars’ win.

Scorers for Sarsfields: D Kearney 0-4, D Roche 1-1, C McCarthy 0-3 (0-2f), R O’Driscoll 1-0, E O’Sullivan 0-2.

Midleton: C Lehane 0-8 (0-6f, 0-1 65’), L O’Farrell 0-3, P O’Keefe 0-2, I Kennefick 0-1.

SARSFIELDS: W O’Flynn; N Fitzpatrick, C Smith, C O’Sullivan; G O’Kelly Lynch, C Leahy, W Kearney; J Cashman, D Kearney; D Roche, C McCarthy, J Burke; E O’Sullivan, G Grey, R O’Driscoll.

MIDLETON: T Wallace; K Burke, P O’Mahony, A Kearney; J O’Donnell, P O’Shea, J Nagle; P O’Keeffe, S O’Farrell; C Lehane, I Kennefick, C Walsh; P Haughney, L O’Farrell, J Keane.

Subs: F O’Mahony for J O’Donnell, D Morrissey for P Haughney, P White for C Walsh, J O’Mahony for J Keane.

Referee: Barry Day (Aghada).