Richie Kelleher 'proud' as Glen Rovers dig themselves out of a deep hole to set up Blackrock final

The Cork star scored 14 points in all to defy brave Erin's Own 

Patrick Horgan of Glen Rovers is tackled by Shay Bowen of Erin's Own during the Cork County Premier Senior Hurling Championship Semi-Final match between Glen Rovers and Erins Own at Páirc Ui Chaoimh in Cork. Photo by Eóin Noonan/Sportsfile

Cork PSHC semi-final: Glen Rovers 0-22 Erin's Own 3-10

Glen Rovers took a while to find their feet in Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Saturday night but once last year’s defeated finalists hit their stride, they gradually pulled clear in this Co-Op Superstores Cork Premier SHC semi-final.

The four-week break was a concern for the Blackpool club and when they trailed Erin’s Own by five points after a sluggish first half, and by two at the second water break, it looked like their fears were being realised.

They outscored Erin’s Own eight points to three thereafter.

They grew into the game with ace attacker Patrick Horgan top-scoring on 14 points. However, the Glounthaune team certainly didn’t make life easy for them. Robbie O’Flynn, in particular, was in brilliant form.

Glen Rovers manager Richie Kelleher was happy with the second-half improvement.

“Our fear was that we hadn’t played in a month, this was our first knockout match since Borris-Ileigh beat us last year in the Munster championship. We played three group matches, we won the three of them, we won well in two.

“But we knew deep down they meant nothing because they weren’t knockout. And Erin’s Own had a great game against Sarsfields, they won a great match and were full of confidence. They played a quarter-final, we hadn’t and you could see the difference.

“We were in a hole. The team has been in many holes down through the years but they got out of it. And I am so proud of them.

“They knew themselves they hadn’t hurled in the first half. Fellas were giving out at the first water break. I said hang on a second, we are only a couple of points down. Next thing Erin’s Own went out and got a goal. But, look, we have experience and we have youth.

“We were in right trouble tonight but we got out of it. I would have taken a one-point victory.

“It goes back to 2016 in the county final. We had beaten them and they were gunning for us. We have a week to prepare for a county final and we are thrilled to be in it.

“Patrick Horgan was outstanding. The further you go in competition, you need your big players. If they are not performing you are in trouble. We needed him tonight and he is always there for us.”

Erin’s Own burst out of the blocks and were 2-6 to 0-7 up at half-time. The margin should have been greater given the amount of possession put their way from an extremely hard-working rearguard that was well on top. Wides proved costly though.

Goals in the seventh and 18th minute from Maurice O’Connell and Cian O’Callaghan respectively gave them an edge. Shay Bowen pulled off a superb save from Conor Dorris, all the while the Glen struggled to find rhythm.

Horgan, Donal Cronin and Dean Brosnan were their opening half scorers, of the seven four were from play.

Injury had ruled out veteran defender Shane Murphy and matters got worse for Erin’s Own when they lost two more of their impressive back line to injury in the first 30 minutes — James O’Flynn and Stephen Cronin.

Straight from the restart, the Glen set about changing the scoreboard. Six unanswered points put them in the ascendancy, including one from wing-back David Noonan and Simon Kennefick. Management also made two changes to their lineout bringing in David Cunningham and Mark Dooley to bolster their forward unit.

Erin’s Own gave themselves hope when Robbie O’Flynn fired a brilliant goal just before the second water break, 3-7 to 0-14.

Undeterred, the Glen landed four points on the trot — super scores from Donal Cronin, Noonan and Kennefick from over his shoulder. Robbie O’Flynn replied.

Horgan’s sweet striking from placed balls continued and there was one from play from substitute Dale Tynan to push Glen Rovers into a 0-21 to 3-8 lead as the clock ticked into the red.

Erin’s Own went chasing goals, the Glen grateful to ‘keeper Cathal Hickey for coming to their rescue.

They dug deep to withstand the challenge. Robbie O’Flynn pointed a free to cut the deficit to one score. Horgan added his 14th point in the 63rd minute and even though the east Cork men battled on, all they could come with was another Robbie O’Flynn free.

Glen Rovers, whose most recent county successes were in 2015/2016 meet Blackrock in next Sunday’s final.

Scorers for Glen Rovers: P Horgan (0-14, 0-9 frees, 0-1 65), D Noonan, D Cronin and S Kennefick (0-2 each), D Brosnan and D Tynan (0-1 each).

Scorers for Erin’s Own: R O’Flynn (1-5, 0-2 frees), M O’Carroll (1-1), C O’Callaghan (1-0), A Bowen (0-3, 0-1 free), E Murphy (0-1 free).

GLEN ROVERS: C Hickey; S McDonnell, D Dooling, A Lynch; R Downey, B Moylan, D Noonan; D Cronin, A O’Donovan; D Brosnan, P Horgan, L Horgan; C Dorris, S Kennefick, L Coughlan.

Subs: D Cunningham for C Dorris (half-time), M Dooley for L Coughlan (half-time), D Tynan for L Horgan (42).

ERIN’S OWN: S Bowen; C O’Connor, C Dooley, D Twomey; S Cronin, J O’Flynn, J O’Carroll; S Kelly, C Coakley; K Murphy, R O’Flynn, M O’Carroll; E Murphy, A Bowen, C O’Callaghan.

Subs: B Óg Murphy for J O’Flynn (22 inj), S Horgan for S Cronin (32 inj), R Twomey for E Murphy (36), C Lenihan for C O’Callaghan (39), S Guilfoyle for A Bowen (52).

Referee: Simon Stokes (Tullylease)