SAHC final analysis: Glen Rovers always in control as they return to big time

Job done for Glen Rovers as they make a swift return to the top tier of Cork hurling.

A superb first-half showing aided by a strong wind saw the city side crowned Co-Op SuperStores SAHC winners following victory over Blarney in the final at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh in tough conditions on Sunday afternoon on a scoreline of 3-17 to 1-13.

The celebrations weren’t exactly over the top for a team that just claimed silverware, but the Glen were on a mission ever since losing their Premier Senior status 13 months ago following a loss to Kanturk in the relegation play-off. They have returned to the top tier at the first time of asking.

For Blarney, they have suffered the heartbreak of losing a second consecutive final having lost to Newcestown after a replay in the decider last year.

The Glen handled the conditions better with a gale of a wind blowing from the city terrace down towards the Blackrock end. Glen Rovers' defending playing against the wind in the second half was excellent which played a part in securing the win despite Blarney’s best efforts.

The city club never trailed and never looked like they were going to be reeled in. Patrick Horgan finished up with 2-6 (1-4 f), with 1-5 (1-3 f) coming in the first 30 minutes. Conor Power did his utmost to curb the threat of the Cork talisman, but due to a lack of protection in front of him and the delivery into Hoggie, it made his task difficult.

The strength of the wind was underlined by the first score. Glen wing-back Brian Moylan, who was the Player of the Match, on his own 65 had an attempt for a point and his effort flew over the bar.

It was a day for the long game, with both sides realising that in the early stages. Blarney wouldn’t have been pleased with the first half even if the elements were against them. On top of that, Shane Barrett was well-marked by a mixture of Eoin Downey, David Dooling and Liam Coughlan. Mark Coleman was used occasionally as an option for Paul Hallissey’s puck-outs, and when they did take that choice, the Muskerry side looked threatening.

SET THE TONE

The Glen pushed 0-7 to 0-1 ahead with Stephen McDonnell and Eoin Downey particularly sticking out in the Glen rearguard. A crucial period arrived after 17 minutes, Patrick Crowley’s attempts to clear the ball was excellently blocked by Horgan and the latter was then fouled outside the 20-metre line. Hoggie stepped up to the free and rifled the ball to the net. A mountain to climb already for what was a nervy Blarney display even taking the conditions into consideration.

The wind was getting stronger and stronger as the half wore on as Tomás Mulcahy’s side led 1-10 to 0-3 at half-time. They could also afford nine wides while Blarney had six wides.

The strength of the wind just couldn’t be overstated enough and despite the 10-point deficit, Blarney still had a chance but required a strong start to the new half.

Blarney switched Shane Barrett to midfield with Cathal Hegarty going to centre-forward and it worked straight away when the pair combined for Hegarty to slot over a neat point 12 seconds in. 

That was followed though by the score of the game, a Moylan free in front of his management team sailed over the bar for the winners, against the wind too.

After 34 minutes, the game looked all but over when Moylan found space to give a beauty of a ball to Hoggie and the latter finished with aplomb, brilliant goal, a 13-point advantage, 2-11 to 0-4.

There wasn’t a surge of scores from Blarney despite the wind advantage. They did outscore their opposition after the green flag, 0-4 to 0-1, with Declan Hanlon’s first score in this year’s championship a highlight, 2-12 to 0-8 with 15 minutes remaining.

The Glen were more patient playing against the wind, and two of the unsung heroes Rhys Dunne and Liam Coughlan dovetailed well which saw Coughlan point to settle them. Blarney needed to do something now and with Coleman’s running from deep, Blarney hit 1-3, with Cathal McCarthy’s goal 13 minutes from time majestic, into the roof of the net after a splendid pass by Cian Barrett, down to five points after 50 minutes.

LEADER

Glen Rovers’ first score in eight minutes was much-needed when Brosnan pointed after 54 minutes as they were using all their experience to keep Blarney at bay. Simon Kennefick’s missed goal chance from close range when the goal was gaping didn’t prove costly. 

The Glen had weathered the storm in more ways than one.

They led 2-17 to 1-12 before impressive sub Lee Quilligan was rewarded for a bursting run as he finished to the Blarney net. The cherry on the cake for the northsiders.

Blarney did get the last score from a Pádraig Power point, his second, on a day he was starved of real possession.

The celebrations were muted after the game, 13 months on from the lowest point in the club’s history, the Glen are back at the top table of Cork hurling. Job done.