Kanturk’s Division 1 HL struggles offer lessons ahead of championship
Kanturk's Conor Sheahan clears his lines under pressure from Sarsfields' Colm McCarthy, during their SHL clash at Riverstown. Picture: David Keane.
Kanturk’s Division 1 Hurling League campaign never really got going. From the very first round, they were on the back foot — and things only got tougher as the weeks went on.
Take their draw with Fr O’Neill’s. A gritty display. A massive effort. But just a single point to show for it.
Even before that game, the problems had mounted. Rory Sheahan, Lorcán O’Neill and Noel Forde were all ruled out the week prior. Then, during the match, an injury to Seán O’Connor forced Grantas Bucinskas outfield and Brian Kenneally into goal. That sort of disruption became a theme for the season.
And it showed in the results.
No team conceded more than Kanturk. Their total of 240 points against was the highest in the division – six more than Carrigaline and 10 more than Carrigtwohill, despite the fact Kanturk played one game fewer after failing to field against Blackrock in the final round.
They finished with two draws and seven defeats. A bleak return on paper.
But the numbers don’t tell the full story. There were mitigating factors throughout, and to their credit, Tom Walsh’s side never threw in the towel. In fact, there are plenty of positives to take as they head towards the championship.
They lost to Douglas by three. Were desperately unlucky not to take something against Carrigtwohill, falling short by a single point. Against Fr O’Neill’s, a freak own goal denied them victory. And all the while, the dual-player factor complicated everything further.
Despite the setbacks, they’ve had standout performers. Alan Walsh, Brian O’Sullivan and Lorcán McLoughlin have led the way – not just in terms of performance, but in setting standards while the squad was stretched to its limits.
It’s no surprise. Walsh was part of the Cork senior panel earlier this year. McLoughlin is a veteran in every sense and a former Cork senior. And O’Sullivan has shown what he can do back when he was with the Cork U20s. Between them, they’ve offered consistency, quality and leadership.
Their impact has been felt especially among the younger crop – fringe players thrust into action far sooner and more frequently than expected.
After the Fr O’Neill’s draw, the wheels came off. Heavy defeats followed – Glen Rovers, Sarsfields, and St Finbarr’s all dished out punishment.
But in their final two outings, there were signs of life. A draw with Carrigaline. A four-point loss to Charleville. Improvement, at last.
For all the hardship, the campaign has broadened the panel. Minor graduates like Noel Forde and Seán O’Connor have seen game time, as have a host of others. And that will matter come championship time.
Last year, they put together a strong run – unbeaten in the group stage before falling to Blackrock in the quarter-final.
Rory Sheahan has continued his impressive form from placed balls. Colin Walsh lit up games with his pace and accuracy, finishing with 0-22 – all from play. Ian Walsh and Daniel O’Connell have impressed too, giving management a much clearer view of the full panel heading into the summer.
That clarity will be needed. They’ve been without John Browne all year, and four of the Walsh brothers – Rory, Paul, Tommy and Aidan. All five started last year’s knockout tie against Blackrock. Aidan Walsh, of course, has since moved to An Ghaeltacht in Kerry, and won’t feature this season. A significant loss.
Kanturk will have to adapt – but they’ve been doing that all season.
Their championship group doesn’t make life easier: Blackrock (who they’ll face first), Douglas and St Finbarr’s. But don’t be too quick to write them off. They’re hardened, they’re battle-tested — and they have that edge that comes with north Cork hurling.
On their day, they can take anyone.
Rory Sheahan 2-38 (0-33 f, 1-0 pen), Brian O'Sullivan 1-35 (0-28 f, 1-0 pen, 0-2 65), Alan Walsh 4-19, Colin Walsh 0-22, Ian Walsh 1-10, Daniel O'Connell 1-7, Lorcán O'Neill 0-4, Liam O'Keeffe 1-0, Conor Sheahan 0-3, James Fitzpatrick 0-3, Lorcán McLoughlin 0-3, Bryan Healy 0-1, Dan O'Donoghue 0-1, Grantas Bucinskas 0-1 f, Sean Moylan 0-1, Gavin Kenehan 0-1.
Rory Sheahan, Alan Walsh, Brian O'Sullivan, Colin Walsh, Lorcán O'Neill, Conor Sheahan, Bryan Healy, Dan O'Donoghue, Daniel O'Connell, Lorcán McLoughlin, Gavin Kenehan, Ian Walsh, Grantas Bucinskas, Noel Forde, Mark Healy, John McLoughlin, Diarmaid O'Connor, Oisin O'Connor, Brian Healy, James Fitzpatrick, Sean O'Connor, Christopher Mullane, Sean Moylan, Barry Kenneally, James Moylan, Ryan Walsh, Liam O'Keeffe.
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