Cork IAHC: Mark Keane plays part as Ballygiblin secure safety with win over Russell Rovers 

Ballygiblin's Darragh Flynn and Russell Rovers' Kieran Walsh in a race for the sliotar during the Co-Op Superstores IAHC relegation/Playoff at Rathcormac. Picture; Eddie O'Hare

Cork IAHC relegation playoff: Ballygiblin 2-14 Russell Rovers 0-9

Joy and relief for the Ballygiblin faithful following this Co-Op Superstores IAHC relegation playoff at Rathcormac on Saturday.

Joseph O’Sullivan was lethal on the frees and from the penalty spot for Ballygiblin while former Cork panellist Darragh Flynn clipped two points. Mark Keane, during the Aussie Rules off-season, also made his presence felt.

In a first half which had a bit of everything, both sides exchanged scores in the opening minutes, through 65s and frees. Josh Beausang grabbed two for Russell Rovers, while O’Sullivan got on the scoreboard for Ballygiblin. Both players would continue to play a starring role throughout the half.

Darragh Flynn, a late starter, notched Ballygiblin’s third score in the sixth minute to put the Avondhu outfit ahead. O’Sullivan grabbed another, before a double from Beausang brought Russell Rovers back into the game.

Luke Duggan-Murray, Beausang, Brian Hartnett and Jack McGrath each grabbed another score between the 18th and 22nd minutes. But Eoin Flynn and Aaron O’Brien contributed to the Ballygiblin cause before star man O’Sullivan slammed home a penalty, to leave the score at 1-6 to 0-8 in favour of the north Cork men.

Russell Rovers' Pierce Cummins and Ballygiblin's Aaron O'Brien go high for the sliotar during the Co-Op Superstores IAHC relegation/Playoff at Rathcormac. Picture; Eddie O'Hare

A further score for Beausang and an effort from Cathail O’Mahony to start the second period kept the difference at a point before the game entered a lull.

A free from O’Sullivan in the 44th minute extended the Ballygiblin lead, and after each team squandered numerous scoring opportunities, they went on a rampage in the final 10 minutes.

Registering six further scores, three from O’Sullivan, Pat O’Brien’s charges made sure to take care of business and confirm their status in the grade. The icing on the cake came in the 57th minute, with the sliotar creeping into the back of the Russell Rovers from Shane Beston.

To compound Russell Rovers’ misery, Josh Beausang was sent off in the dying embers, a sour ending to a strong performance from the half-forward.

A difficult day for the Shanagarry side, but a memorable one for Ballygiblin, as they confirm their place in the Intermediate A Hurling Championship for 2027.

Scorers for Ballygiblin: J O’Sullivan 1-7 (0-6 f), S Beston 1-0, D Flynn 0-2, E Flynn, A O’Brien, Cathail O’Mahony, S O’Sullivan, C Walsh 0-1 each.

Russell Rovers: J Beausang 0-6 (0-3 f, 0-1 65), L Duggan-Murray, B Hartnett, J McGrath 0-1 each.

BALLYGIBLIN: C Noonan; M Keane, F Herlihy, A Barry; E Geary, L Finn, R Donegan; C O’Mahony, K Roche; E Flynn, J O’Sullivan, D Flynn; M Walsh, A O’Brien, S Beston.

Subs: J Mullins for E Geary (41), S O’Sullivan for L Finn (46 inj), D Sheehan for A O’Brien (53), C Walsh for E Flynn (55), B Coffey for M Walsh (62).

RUSSELL ROVERS: R Walsh; P Lane, S O’Donoghue, K O’Brien; F Murray, P Cummins, K Tattan; J Kennefick, K Aherne; J Beausang, K Walsh, K Ivers; J McGrath, B Hartnett, L Duggan-Murray.

Sub: D Crotty for S O’Donoghue (h-t).

Referee: Pat Lyons (Bishopstown).