Hurling team of the week after thrilling first round of championships
Shane O'Regan, Sarsfields, gets his shot away under pressure from Kevin McSweeney, Douglas. Picture: Jim Coughlan.
Cork club hurling is back and so is the team of the week – and this one was as difficult to pick as it gets. Narrowing down a shortlist of over 30 players to just 15 and six subs is never easy, but with the number of outstanding individual performances last weekend in just the top three grades – so many missed out.
Among those to miss the cut was Newtown’s Jamie Coughlan – who delivered as always, while fellow Premier Senior hurlers Dan Harrington, Dave Cremin, and Alan Connolly narrowly missed out. Ballymartle’s Padraig Dorney is also worth a mention.
It’s no longer rare to see goalkeepers get scores in hurling – but a point from a puckout is a different question. Not only did Cork’s backup make two saves, but he scored an outrageous point from his own puckout and two frees to go with it.
Playing as a sweeper throughout, O’Leary was outstanding against Fermoy and made it look easy in the role – clearing everything that came his way and helping to fuel their direct approach.
As the Glen made a positive start to life at Senior A, Eoin Downey impressed with an excellent performance that saw the northsiders prevent Killeagh from finding the back of the net throughout.
Man marking Robbie O’Flynn, the Cork footballer excelled keeping the Erin’s Own star to just one score, a free. It was an outstanding performance and one of the best last weekend.
Na Piarsaigh’s number six did what he does best – pulling the strings and picking up valuable long range scores, while simultaneously defending well. No doubt his form and fitness will have a huge bearing on their championship prospects.
One of the best players this week, the Cork senior picked up two excellent scores and put in a huge defensive shift in the Magpies’ win. He was a constant thorn in Charleville’s side, and one of the best players across the weekend.
The reigning champions couldn’t have asked for a better start to their title defence – and Murphy stood out in their dominant win over Douglas, picking up two scores for good measure.
Kanturk were impressive in their win and O’Sullivan was a huge factor in it – with the former Cork minor captain scoring seven points and putting gin a strong shift.
As Bride Rovers demolished Cloyne in the opening round, Roche picked up four points from play and was one of their top performers.
Though Ballinhassig fell short against Dungourney, Collins was outstanding at centre forward and managed fourteen scores – a tally that on another day would have been enough to get over the line.
Lehane returned to club action in style with 1-4 from play, and a well taken goal capped off a brilliant second half shift from the Cork veteran.
O’Connell impressed, scoring 1-4 from play as he continuously proved to be a real challenge for the Cloyne defence to handle.
As the Hill produced a stunning fightback against Carrigaline, Adam Murphy was the saviour, with his free taking keeping them in check. The corner-forward scored six points from play and a sideline to go with his frees.
When Fr O’Neill’s needed rescuing, Deccie Dalton stepped up – scoring a goal from a free at the death to seal the win. He tormented the Newcestown defence throughout, and his personal tally is a reflection of that.
Sarsfields’ best forward in their win over Douglas, O’Regan fired off 1-5. He took his goal well just before half time to kill the game and with five scores from play – he’s going to be key for the Riverstown side this season.
Chris Kelly (Éire Óg)
Colin Moore (Ballincollig)
Stephen Murphy (Blackrock)
Rickard Cahalane (Ballymartle) 0-6
Jack Leahy (Dungourney) 0-15 (0-11 f, 0-2 65)
Cian Barrett (Blarney) 2-4 (0-1 f)
App?
