O’Keeffe inspires CIT to All-Ireland freshers glory
A resilient Cork IT were crowned All-Ireland Division 1 Fresher hurling champions at their own sports complex yesterday, bridging a seven-year gap since they last claimed back-to-back titles in 2008 and 2009. They had to withstand a strong finish from the Dublin side, but a spectacular first-half goal from Liam O’Keeffe proved vital in the end.
The Kanturk man, who tallied 1-7, volleyed an amazing shot past Robbie Gillen after being put through by Kevin Duggan. Arriving towards the end of the first quarter, it handed the home side an advantage they would not relinquish. They went on to lead 1-6 to 0-6 at the interval. Crucially, Cork IT goalkeeper Patrick Collins pulled off a marvellous save from Harry O’Connor a few minutes before O’Keeffe’s superb strike.
