Clon getting rewards

Cork U21B HC final: With nine Cork SFC titles, the most recent in 2009, Clonakilty are seen as a footballing powerhouse.

There’s little chance of them abandoning the O’Neills size 5 anytime soon, but hurling is making a rumble in the brewery town. This year, Newcestown were the only other West Cork club to be competing at Premier 2 level or higher in minor hurling and tonight, Clon face Killeagh/Ita’s in the U21BHC final in Páirc Uí Rinn (6.15pm).

Their emergence as a hurling force hasn’t been an overnight affair; rather the result of a concerted effort to turn things around, as manager Séamus O’Brien reveals.