Glen hurlers create minor upset to set up a showdown with Midleton on Monday

GLEN Rovers pulled off an upset in the Premier 1 Minor Hurling Championship last night to set up a final showdown with Midleton.

The Magpies defeated the Glen by eight points in the first round, and now the teams will clash again next Monday night at Páirc Uí Rinn, 8.15pm, for this year’s prestigious Rebel Óg hurling crown.

The northside outfit made the early running against a highly-fancied Douglas, who had knocked out champions Na Piarsaigh in the quarter-final, but it took a late free from top-scorer Evan Murphy to seal the deal: 0-15 to 1-11.

Douglas hit a first-half goal through Cork minor ace Brian Turnbull but were left to rue a tally of 17 wides, against a Glen side that got a Man of the Match display from their county man Robert Downey. He hurls at centre-back instead of up front for the club, with Shane Busteed firing 0-5 from play to go with Evan Murphy’s seven points.

Midleton were well on top in their semi against Duhallow, with Cork U17 All-Ireland winner Tommy O’Connell on song to the tune of 1-10, 1-4 from play. They were anchored by Cork minor captain Sean O’Leary Hayes at centre-back, while Kevin Finn struck their other goal. 

The Magpies reached U14 and U16 Premier 1 finals already this season, losing narrowly to Douglas and Sars in both recently. In the U15 Premier 1 competition, a late goal from Luke Horgan, who lines out for their minors, gave the Glen a dramatic victory over Sars.

In the Premier 2 grades, the final pairings are also set after Wednesday night’s action.

Inniscarra hit 10 unanswered points against St Finbarr’s to move into a Premier 2 decider against Blackrock, who saw off a highly-rated Shandrum 3-16 to 3-13, thanks to Robert Cregan and Alan Connolly’s efforts. Scarra and the Barrs clash in Monday's opener at Páirc Uí Rinn before the Premier 1 final.

In the Premier 2A competition, Fermoy will take on Carrigtwohill in that final.