William Buckley gave Cork management something to think about after league panel snub
Cork's William Buckley in action against Tipperary's Joe Caesar in the 2023 Munster U20 Hurling Championship. Picture: ©INPHO/Ken Sutton
There was a lot to unpack from last year’s premier senior championship, but there was one game in particular that shocked everyone. That day down in Clonmult Memorial Park.
A historic and unforgettable one for Fr O’Neill’s. One of humiliation and despair for St Finbarr’s.
In 2022, the Togher outfit ended a 29-year wait for senior championship glory. The year after that brought semi-final elimination against Midleton, but 2024 was unacceptable by their own standards.
This year brings an opportunity to make amends for that, and as far as league openers go – the Barrs couldn’t have asked for much more.
An 11-point drubbing of northside rivals Glen Rovers. A total of 23 points from play. In March.
Exactly the start to the season that selector Seán McCarthy would have aimed for.
“Twenty-six points is a good score,” he began. “Now, there was a very strong breeze and it was probably a bit deceptive in the first half. We got a bit of momentum, we got scoring. We didn’t have that many wides.
“It was good scoring, and the scores were coming from all over.
“Wiliam Buckley obviously, 11 points, eight from play. It’s an exceptional return.”
It was the former Cork U20 star that did the heavy lifting. Torturing the Glen Rovers’ half-back line at every opportunity. Running at goal. Picking out passes. Streaking into space. He was unrelenting.
An outstanding performance that certainly gives the Cork management something to ponder after overlooking Buckley for the 37-man panel.
“I would think so, I was surprised he wasn’t included in the Cork panel,” McCarthy admitted. “I certainly would be carrying him, he’s a special talent.
“He had eight from play, three from frees and 11 overall. That’s a huge number. Some of the scores he got were exceptional scores to be fair.
“We had other good performers too. Adam Buckley he got four from play, Aidan Barry was exceptional wing-back – Thomas Egan made his debut. Ciarán Doolan was immense centre-back, so we’re delighted with that.
“It was a chance to try out a couple of the younger lads, and we’re happy they acquitted themselves well.
“It was a great start for us, our first game out. We haven’t played a game since we were defeated in the championship last year.
“I thought the work ethic was at 100%. The Glen obviously were short a lot and it’s early days, but we’re happy with that performance.”
While William Buckley unsurprisingly took the spotlight, the other Buckley, Adam was just as effective on the other wing.
His four points from play left an impression on the management but his movement around the half-forward line and middle third was exceptional.
He was a towering figure in the air, and harassed the Glen for possession.
“He worked very hard, and that’s all we’ve asked them – just to work, no stopping,” McCarthy added. “I think they did that today. Look there will be greater challenges ahead, but it’s a nice start for us.
"I’m sure they were short a lot, we were short a few but it’s nice to get off to a good winning start particularly after the season we had last year.”
The north and south divide and the derby between Glen Rovers and St Finbarr’s means it’s always a special occasion when these two meet, even if it’s only for a league game in March.
Many of the greatest to ever do it for Cork come from the two clubs. So it’s no surprise to see six of the current Cork senior hurling panel be Barrs or Glen men, seven if you include the recently transferred Micheál Mullins.
Their meeting at the weekend brought a rekindling of the Eucharistic Cup title, there for the winner to take home, but Barrs hold on to the old trophy.
“We keep the Eucharistic Cup for another year! It’s a great tradition, probably not at the same importance it was years and years ago,” McCarthy said. “But the Barrs and Glen, it’s a unique game and we’re certainly happy to win it.”
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