Cian McCarthy the ace in Sarsfields pack

Sarsfields 0-28 Youghal 0-11: Winning manager Pat Ryan insisted after this trouncing of Youghal in Rostellan yesterday that there has been “no talk” of Sarsfields attempting once more to win back-to-back Cork senior hurling championship titles. But, on this evidence they will be strongly in contention, certainly ahead of a quarter-final clash with either Imokilly or Ballyhea.

Youghal did what was expected of them by making an excellent start, but after losing ground approaching half-time, their challenge as good as evaporated in the face of a strengthening Sars onslaught to which Cian McCarthy made a massive contribution with 14 points.

The fact that nine came from frees indicated a lack of discipline in Youghal’s play, which “shattered” manager Christy Cooney alluded to afterwards. It was obvious that they needed to be consistent and disciplined in their approach but their failure to do so cost them dearly.