Cork All-Star hurler Mark Coleman on what it means to win with your club

SATURDAY night was a special night for Blarney hurlers as they were crowned Co-Op Superstores PIHC champions.

This was expected to be a tight game and one that was difficult to call but inspired by Mark Coleman they drove on to a well-deserved victory, running out winners by 1-20 to 0-15.

From start to finish they were the better side, with sweeper Declan Hanlon playing a crucial role in their win.

He picked up ball after ball, turning defence into attack, and outside him in midfield, Mark Coleman was simply sublime.

Their Cork star led by example, scoring 14 of their points and it was no great surprise to see him named Man of the Match.

Coleman said it was an unbelievable feeling to win and be going back up to the senior ranks.

“It's unbelievable, it means everything to us to win the title in what has been a bit of an up and down year for us,” said Mark.

“We didn't take the easiest route really to win and obviously Castlelyons kind of thought us a lesson the first day (when they beat them in the group stages). We had to ask ourselves a lot of tough questions after that and the way they beat us.

“You always learn more from a defeat than a victory and it certainly was a motivating factor for us.

“But we turned it around and it led us to where we are now, it's just unbelievable to have won.

“We just said before the game leave everything out there and I tried to that myself as did everyone around me did the same. There is a great bunch of lads there and I think everyone did that, left it all on the pitch and thankfully it worked out well for us.”

Whilst delighted for the win he also had a word for his fellow Cork star, Colm Spillane, who went off with a bad hand injury just three minutes in.

“Colm was a massive loss for them and a huge blow. I didn't get the chance to see him after the game but I hope he will be alright,” concluded Mark.