Ben Cooney claims first Munster title since bowling’s return to the roads of Cork

File photo: Cathal Noonan

Ben Cooney wafted a wave of optimism into bowling by winning the first Munster final since the Covid-19 lockdown last year.

His win at Carraig na bhFear epitomised everything hopeful in a sport struggling to find its feet. This was the Boys U12 final, normally no more than a ripple but now a tide-turner. Cooney seized the moment with bowling of poise and style in a mesmerising combination of youth and optimism. His opponent, David O’Riordan, rose to the challenge too to make a score to remember.