Hayes hits dramatic winner as UCC edge Cork to regain Canon O'Brien Cup

UCC had to come from behind to secure victory, drawing level early in the second-half with the sides deadlocked four more times before a Brian Hayes point decided things

TIGHT TUSSLE: Daniel Hogan, UCC getting in a tackle on Shane Kingston, Cork during the annual Canon O'Brien Cup match at the Mardyke, Cork. Pic: Dan Linehan

Canon O'Brien Cup final: UCC 1-24 Cork 1-23

UCC regained the Canon O’Brien Cup at the Mardyke on Saturday. In an earlier than usual date for this much-anticipated clash and watched by a big crowd, managers Pat Ryan and Tom Kingston will be happy with the response from their respective teams in this hugely entertaining encounter.

UCC had to come from behind to secure victory, drawing level early in the second-half 1-15 apiece, and from there to the finish there was deadlock four more times before a Brian Hayes point proved to be the winning score.

Second-half substitute Declan Dalton did have an opportunity from a close-in free to achieve parity for Cork after substitute Tadhg O’Connell was fouled, but he went for goal and his shot was saved and cleared to safety.

But this was a formidable UCC team that included three players who featured in Cork’s final group loss to Limerick last summer - captain Rob Downey, (who was forced off late with a leg injury as a precaution), Ger Millerick and Hayes, while a number of Ben O’Connor’s All-Ireland U20 medalists were represented in both panels.

Cork, meanwhile, had one starter from that Limerick match - Shane Kingston (top-scored with seven points) - while a number of regulars were listed among the substitutes.

Aided by the wind, Cork did the early running and were eight points to four ahead before goal scorer Seán Twomey extended their lead with Eoin Carey providing the assist in the 17th minute.

Both sides showed great hunger and desire as UCC upped the tempo and raised a green flag six minutes later, Hayes was the finisher after being set up by Robbie Cotter. William Buckley was prominent too at this juncture.

Cork remained in front, outscoring UCC five points to three, to leave them 1-13 to 1-10 ahead at the interval, goalkeepers Bríon Saunderson and Ger Collins playing their part too.

UCC hit a purple patch after the break, five different scorers including substitute Fionn Coleman were on target as they overtook their opponents.

From there to the end, it went one way and then the other before Hayes’ winner.

Overall a good workout as Cork prepare to renew rivalry with Limerick in the Munster Hurling League tomorrow week in Mallow where it is expected Pat Ryan will continue to rotate his squad.

UCC, meanwhile, travel to Mary Immaculate College Limerick for their opening round Fitzgibbon Cup on January 24.

Scorers for UCC: B Hayes (1-3), B Cunningham (0-2 frees) and W Buckley (0-5 each), R Cotter (0-3), C O’Brien, L Elliott and F Coleman (0-2 each), D Stakelum and D Hogan (0-1 each).

Scorers for Cork: S Kingston (0-7 (0-1 free, 0-1 65), S Twomey (1-0), C Lehane (0-3), S Quirke, E Carey, C Beausang and D Flynn ( 0-2 each), C O’Callaghan, J O’Connor, S Walsh, D Dalton, S Desmond (0-1 each).

UCC: (Cork unless stated): B Saunderson (Midleton); G Millerick (Fr O’Neill's), S Kingston (Ballinora), M Carey (Nenagh Éire Óg, Tipperary); L Elliott (Sarsfields), R Downey (Glen Rovers, Capt), C O’Brien (Newtownshandrum); S Daly (Randal Óg), W Buckley (St Finbarr’s); B Cunningham (St Finbarr’s), P McGarry (St Mary's Clonmel, Tipperary), B Hayes (St Finbarr’s), R Cotter (Blackrock), D Hogan (Sarsfields), D Stakelum (Thurles Sarsfields, Tipperary).

Subs: F Coleman (Blackrock) for P McGarry (34 inj), S Barrett (Blarney) for D Stakelum (40), C McGoldrick (Éire Óg) for L Elliott (47), E O’Leary (Glen Rovers) for D Hogan (51), S Moore (Carrickshock, Kilkenny) for M Carey (51 inj), Colm McCarthy (Sarsfields) for R Downey (52 inj).

CORK: G Collins (Ballinhassig); Cathal McCarthy (Sarsfields), D O’Leary (Watergrasshill), D O’Sullivan (Ballinhassig); C O'Callaghan (Dromtarriffe), T O'Connell (Midleton), D Harrington (Fr O'Neills); S Quirke (Midleton), E Carey (Kilworth); S Kingston (Douglas), C Lehane (Midleton, Capt)), D Flynn (Ballygiblin); J O'Connor (Sarsfields), S Twomey (Courcey Rovers), C Beausang (Midleton).

Subs: D Dalton (Fr O’Neill’s) for D Flynn (half-time), S Desmond (Watergrasshill) for S Twomey (half-time), T O’Connell (Ballincollig) for S Quirke (44), S Walsh (Carrigtwohill) for C Beausang (44).

Referee: Colm Lyons (Nemo Rangers).