Sarsfields pass stern Cloyne test

Sarsfields illustrated why they are regarded as one of the front-runners for this year’s Cork SHC after carving out a deserved, but hard-fought victory over Cloyne in their opening bout on Saturday evening.

And ‘bout’ is probably the appropriate word too, for against Cloyne’s band of harriers, Sarsfields had to use all the experience that saw them garner county titles in 2008 and ’10 to eventually see off the most dogged and determined of opponents.

Little wonder their manager, and former Cork star Pat Ryan, was so relieved at the final whistle, with an eight-point win probably even a touch flattering for his side.