Cork club hurling team of the week as quarter finals conclude

Barring the replay of Kilworth and Aghabullogue – each of the Cork hurling championships have moved on to the final four, after last weekend's quarter finals and relegation playoffs.

That means it’s time for the team of the week – and as always there were many tough calls to make.

Na Piarsaigh’s Padraig Guest and Luke Donovan, as well as Mallow’s Mark Tobin are notable mentions, but Eoin Davis was outstanding, and so unfortunate to miss the cut.

The Imokilly goalkeeper made a superb penalty save late on, and managed five points against Milford for St Catherine’s in the PJHC, including the equalising and winning scores.

But at this stage the focus remains on the top three grades, so here it is.

Goalkeeper: Gavin Connolly (Blackrock) 

 A crucial save for Blackrock just before half time and consistent puckouts throughout – the preservation of a clean sheet ensures Connolly makes this week’s team.

Corner-back: Dinny Walsh (Killeagh) 

Despite playing centre-back for Killeagh, Walsh often found himself in a deeper role, and put in a superb defensive performance as they were narrowly defeated by Blarney.

Full-back: Paul Lyons (Mallow) 

A formidable display at full back, Paul Lyons showed his strength in both codes with an excellent performance against Dungourney, as Mallow move on to the Premier Intermediate semi-finals.

Corner-back: Ciarmhac Smyth (Midleton) 

Dealt with the threat of Jamie Coughlan – keeping the Newtown veteran to just the one goal from play, which he could do little to prevent. It was an excellent performance from the Midleton defender, who has been impressive so far this year.

Half-back: Daniel Murnane (Carrigtwohill) 0-4 (0-1 f) 

A breathtaking display of hurling – Murnane starred for Carrigtwohill in their defeat of Cloyne. Scoring three points from play and a free late on, he was a physical presence all throughout.

Centre-back: David Griffin (Carrigaline) 0-3 

 Bossing the half-back line in their defeat of Ballinhassig, Griffin scored three points from play as Carrigaline continue to impress in both codes.

Half-back: Eoin Moloney (Midleton) 0-1 

Another top display from Moloney, the Midleton wing back was as consistent as ever against Newtownshandrum. He popped up with a well taken point as he so often does – and got on countless possessions throughout.

Midfielder: Darragh Fitzgibbon (Charleville) 0-7 (0-5 f) 

An outstanding performance for Charleville – Cork’s Hurler of the Year nominee scored seven points and ran the show as they put Bishopstown to the sword once and for all in their relegation decider.

Midfielder: Alan Fenton (Castlelyons) 1-11 (1-4 f 0-2 65) 

As Castlelyons continue to impress – so too does Alan Fenton, who bounced back from their defeat to Bride Rovers with an impressive 1-11 from midfield against Na Piarsaigh, with five of those coming from play.

Half-forward: Ryan McCarthy (Killeagh) 1-2 (0-1 f) 

A terrific performance where he scored one and was involved in the other two goals – Ryan McCarthy showed just how integral he is to Killeagh with a man of the match worthy display.

Centre-forward: Keith O’Leary (Castlelyons) 0-5 

A stunning showing from O’Leary as he scored five from play for Castlelyons in their captivating penalty shootout win against Na Piarsaigh, he takes centre stage in the half-forward line.

Half-forward: Aidan Walsh (Kanturk) 0-4 

Walsh stood out once again, but unfortunately for Kanturk they fell short against the Rockies in their quarter-final. He scored four and was arguably their best player throughout.

Corner-forward: Michael Bradley (Aghabullogue) 1-14 (0-8 f) 

An outrageous scoring return as Aghabullogue forced a replay with Kilworth, with his goal bringing the contest to extra time. His tally of 14 points with six from play guarantees his inclusion in the team.

Full-forward: Tim Hawe (Charleville) 3-2 

A hat-trick for the north Cork side brought his total tally this season to 7-7 from play, as Charleville preserved their Premier Senior status defeating Bishopstown. While not the season the club would have wanted – Hawe can hold his head high after an outstanding personal campaign.

Corner-forward: Seán Walsh (Carrigtwohill) 2-6 (0-5 f 1-0 pen) 

There was a gulf in class between Carrigtwohill and Cloyne – largely due to Walsh. An impressive return of 2-6, the 1-1 from play deceives. Unfortunate to be denied a hat-trick despite playing through an injury, he assisted the other green flag and caused countless problems for their east Cork rivals.

Substitutes:

Mark Coleman (Blarney) 

Ciarán Joyce (Imokilly) 

Colm Barry (Castlelyons) 

Luke O’Farrell (Midleton) 1-4 

Alan Connolly (Blackrock) 1-6 (0-3 f) 

Padraig Power (Blarney) 1-2 

Diarmuid Healy (Imokilly) 0-4 

Craig Hanifin (Na Piarsaigh) 1-3