Cahalane delight as Barrs book semi-final with Blackrock 'but nothing won yet'

Éire Óg set up a last-four clash with St Catherine’s after a win over Glen Rovers on Sunday.

ON THE MARK: St Finbarrs’ Orlaith Cahalane celebrates after scoring the only goal in the first half of the Senior Camogie Championship quarter-final against Killeagh. Picture Chani Anderson

The semi-final pairings of the SE Systems Cork senior camogie championship are confirmed with reigning champions St Finbarr’s renewing acquaintances with Blackrock, while St Catherine’s take on Éire Óg, and both games are due to be played next Saturday.

St Finbarr’s served notice of their intent following their 4-20 to 0-13 win over Killeagh in MTU on Saturday.

They were just three points ahead at the break, but goals from Eimear Hurley (two), Sorcha McCartan and one in the first half courtesy of Orlaith Cahalane paved the way.

Second-half sub Hurley marked her return to the club in some fashion after a stint in Dublin that saw her line out in goals for the Sky Blues earlier this season.

Centre-back Méabh Cahalane said the team is going in the right direction, with special mention for Hurley.

“We really took off and got ourselves into good positions. We were a goal up at half time but felt we hadn’t played. That was credit to Killeagh too. They were making driving runs through the centre and probably asked questions of us.

“We sorted a couple of things and had the breeze in the second half, which was important from a puck-out perspective. It was the opposite in the first half where Killeagh were getting a lot of joy out of their puckouts. 

“Eimear Hurley is a huge addition, all she has on her mind is goals. Delighted with the second half but nothing has been won yet.” 

When St Finbarr’s and 2023 Premier intermediate champions Blackrock met in the group stage, St Finbarr’s emerged with 11 points to spare. However, and as they well know they can expect a different Blackrock in the last four - a Blackrock outfit that is finding its rhythm, as was demonstrated in their gritty 2-19 to 1-19 extra-time victory over Ballinora at MTU on Saturday.

Hayley Ryan bagged 1-11 and she also set up Cliona O’Callaghan for the second green flag.

While the Barrs have scored 12 goals in four games, the Rockies are just one behind having nailed 11 across their five games.

In the second semi-final, St Catherine’s will play Éire Óg after the Ballynoe outfit pulled off a shock result in their 2-10 to 1-11 triumph over last year’s beaten finalists Sarsfields in Castle Road on Saturday. Ally Mulkerrins and Laura Hayes (penalty) goals went a long way towards securing their place against Éire Óg.

GOING SOLO: Glen Rovers' Leanne O'Sullivan is chased by Erin Healy of Eire Óg during the Cork SE Systems Senior Camogie Championship quarter-final at Castle Road on Sunday. Picture: Martin Walsh.

On Sunday, Éire Óg got the better of Glen Rovers at Castle Road, 2-13 to 1-14.

Both Blackrock and Éire Óg finished third in their respective groups and triumphed over Carbery and Courcey Rovers respectively in the two preliminary quarter-finals.

Meanwhile, at the other end of the table, former Cork and Munster champions Inniscarra succumbed to fellow mid Cork side Aghabullogue in the relegation final replay 1-10 to 1-7 at Coachford.

Camogie results:

Quarter-finals: St Finbarrs 4-20 KIlleagh 0-13, Blackrock 2-19 Ballinora 1-19 (AET), St Catherine’s 2-10 Sarsfields 1-11, Éire Óg 2-13 Glen Rovers 1-14.

Relegation final replay Aghabullogue 1-10 Inniscarra 1-7.

Semi-finals to be played on Saturday September 27: St Finbarr’s v Blackrock, St Catherine’s v Éire Óg.