Ó Mainnín delighted with 'character and spirit' at Mon fightback to win northside derby

Joy for Gaelcholaiste Mhuire AG after their win in the Dr Harty Cup hurling- Christian Brothers College, Cork CBC Cork v Gaelcholáiste Mhuire North Monastery AG at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh 4G. Picture Larry Cummins

Harty Cup: Gaelcholáiste Mhuire AG 2-21 Christian Brothers College, Cork 2-19

An old truism of Cork hurling requires pulling out and dusting off. The North Mon is once again the dominant nursery on either side of the River Lee.

The past 12 months have seen one significant step forward after another. In chronological order: Dean Ryan Cup finalists for the first time since 2013, Harty Cup semi-finalists for the first time since 1996, O’Callaghan Cup champions for the first time since 1991.

Each gap bridged brought greater connection to the school’s storied past.

Wednesday down the Páirc (4G) brought another step forward, brought further confirmation of a shift in the balance of power on the northside.

Christians, who had been the ruling force in that raised part of the world since their rejoining of the Harty ranks 10 years ago, were eliminated from the current edition by their neighbours over the road.

And in putting quarter-final involvement beyond the reach of their rivals, Gaelcholáiste Mhuire AG positioned themselves for knockout progression. To achieve such, they’ll need to take at least a point off Templemore in their final group outing.

Having drawn their opener, this first win of the campaign was achieved from a position of 2-7 to 1-2 in arrears after only 13 minutes.

“Went eight down, and just the character and spirit, they are the two words we always speak about, they showed both in abundance,” said a delighted Gaelcholáiste Mhuire AG manager Tomás Ó Mainnín.

“We put a big emphasis on it being a big game for the northside, and I know it is a northside derby, but we have 37, 38 northsiders on the sideline; Vincent's, Na Piarsaigh, Glen men, it just means so much to them. Just really proud of the players.” 

After falling 1-2 to 0-1 behind inside six minutes, the 2-6 Christians proceeded to reel off was provided by seven different players. Eoghan O’Shea, from a free, banged in their opening goal. Sean Hurley sniped their second off a delivery broken down to him by Ben Hegarty.

Their first-half was without a single wide. It was a first-half, as enjoyable for its free-scoring nature as the edge to proceedings, that Christians finished 2-14 to 2-11 in front.

A couple of converted placed-balls from Gabhán Ó Ceallacháin and Craig Ó Súilleabháin began the Mon’s road back into contention midway through the first half. That journey was fast-tracked when a Josh Ó Brosnacháin delivery was not dealt with and Callum Ó Cofaigh, who had a brilliant duel with David Kingston, blasted to the net.

The prominent Trevor Ó Bruadau, Ó Súilleabháin, and Ó Brosnacháin brought Gaelcholáiste Mhuire AG level at 2-14 apiece by the 41st minute. Christians, by this juncture, had tallied their opening wide, along with two more, and a fourth effort short.

An Eoghan O’Shea brace to leave the scoreline reading 2-17 to 2-16 on 48 minutes represented the last occasion Christians led. The latest Mon three-in-a-row from Ryan Ó Cróinín, Ó Súilleabháin, and Ó Ceallacháin opened up a two-point gap with eight minutes remaining.

Christians twice reduced the deficit to the minimum. No equaliser was found. They were made to work ferociously hard for an opening, never mind a flag.

A first-ever Harty win for Gaelcholáiste Mhuire AG over Christians. One northside institution goes out, the other quickens their gallop.

Scorers for Gaelcholáiste AG: C Ó Súilleabháin (1-7, 0-3 frees); G Ó Ceallacháin (0-6, 0-4 frees, 0-1 ‘65); C Ó Cofaigh (1-2); T Ó Bruadau (0-2); R Ó Cróinín, SJ Ó Dalaigh, J Ó Brosnacháin, R Ó Buachalla (0-1 each).

Scorers for CBC: E O’Shea (1-6, 0-4 frees); S Hurley (1-2); J Murray, M Murphy, M Quill (0-2 each); J Hegarty, B Hegarty, M Brosnan (free) C Lawton, B Power (0-1 each).

GAELCHOLÁISTE MHUIRE AG: J Ó Gabhláin (Fánaithe na Ghleanna); N Ó Cofaigh (Na Piarsaigh), R Ó Cróinín (Na Piarsaigh), R Ó Buachalla (Fánaithe na Ghleanna); SJ Ó Dalaigh (Naomh Uinseann), J Ó Brosnacháin (Fánaithe na Ghleanna), G Ó Duibhir Ó hArracht (Na Piarsaigh); T Ó Bruadau (Naomh Uinseann), E Mac Eochán (Fánaithe na Ghleanna); G Ó Ceallacháin (Fánaithe na Ghleanna), C Ó Súilleabháin (Na Piarsaigh), J Ó Cathaláin (Na Piarsaigh); D Ó Scannláin (Na Piarsaigh), L Ó Muirthile (Na Piarsaigh), C Ó Cofaigh (Na Piarsaigh).

Subs: D de Barra (Dúbhghlas) for J Ó Cathaláin (45); J Ó Riain (An Bhlarna) for Mac Eochán (54); A Ó Murchú (Naomh Uinseann) for Ó Ceallacháin (62).

CBC: K Flood (Ballygarvan); J Costello (Clonakilty), D Riordan (Kilworth), D Kingston (Mallow); M Brosnan (Glen Rovers), C Connolly (Glen Rovers), M Murphy (Midleton); C Lawton (Midleton), J Murray (St Finbarr’s); J Hegarty (Ballinora), J O’Mahony (Glen Rovers), M Quill (Blackrock); B Hegarty (Ballinora), E O’Shea (Ballinhassig), S Hurley (Éire Óg).

Subs: B Power (Ballincollig) for B Hegarty (52).

Referee: C McAllister.