Ryan’s challenge to get into Rockies’ heads

Blackrock supporters will be hoping last season’s beaten finalists can go a step further this year and land their first Cork senior hurling title since 2002.

County champions Imokilly had four points to spare over the Church Road side last October, leaving Blackrock manager Fergal Ryan with the challenge of regrouping his charges ahead of their first-round tie with Carrigtwohill (Sunday, Páirc Ui Rinn, 3.45pm).

They’ve had the winter now to mull over it. Just how much did they learn from that defeat?