Sarsfields still hungry for more

Sarsfields will be hoping that beating Ballinhassig in the Cork SHC first round is an omen, as they achieved that in 2008 before ending a 51-year wait for a county title.

Five years ago, however, they saw a big lead almost evaporate, just about holding on, while this year the Riverstown club needed a strong finish after falling behind nearing the end.

The ability to keep the composure and do what they needed to do was a sign of the maturity of the side, according to goalkeeper Alan Kennedy. With Ballinhassig now in the relegation play-off, the margin between winning and losing is exceedingly tight.