Blackrock reveal cutting edge to bridge 14-year final gap

Blackrock 0-21 Na Piarsaigh 2-14: While the spotlight was focused elsewhere, Blackrock went about their business in a most diligent and thorough fashion. Having moved within an hour of the county final without too much fuss or attention, yesterday was the afternoon where they forced all-and-sundry to sit up and take notice.

When the draws were made for the quarter-finals of the Cork SHC, most observers, this reporter included, identified this side of the draw as the weaker half. Na Piarsaigh had just knocked out three-in-a-row chasing Glen Rovers and, so, were rightly looked upon as favourites to come through and reach the final. Their quarter-final performance against Bandon reaffirmed this view.

That suited the Rockies fine, Fergal Ryan’s charges more than content to wear the tag of underdogs. They did their homework on Na Piarsaigh and it showed in almost every line of the pitch.