Cork Club Hurling: Team of the Week as championships get underway again
Bride Rover's Brian Roche scored 0-7 from play. Picture: Eddie O'Hare
The Cork club hurling championships are back, so that means it’s time to select the best 15 from the weekend of action.
With the team comprised of players from the PSHC, SAHC and PIHC – our picks come from a total of 18 games consisting of 32 teams, so it’s not easy. Undoubtedly, there were some brilliant performers left out this week, as is always the case. This week, the half-forward line was particularly challenging to select.
So here it is, the first team of the week of the 2025 season.
A big first-half penalty save against Bishopstown, and another week where his puckouts are a continuous asset to Castlelyons, it’s hard not to include Barry. One of the top ‘keepers in Cork at the moment.
In a game where Charleville’s defenders stood tall, Buckley was the standout from an excellent Charleville defence. He gets the nod over Jack Meade, but it was a real effort from the entire set of backs to keep Newcestown at bay.
It’s not often you see a full-back get on the scoreboard twice in one game, but if it was anyone – it was always going to be O’Donoghue. He’s played plenty of his hurling with Scarra in the forwards but was immense at the weekend in their win over Ballyhea at the back, where we’re used to seeing him in the blood and bandage.
As Bride Rovers managed to finally get one back over Blarney, they can thank Eoin Roche for his excellent display at full-back. His reading of the game and positioning stood out above the rest.
In the Barrs’ convincing win over Douglas, Cork senior Ethan Twomey nullified Shane Kingston and capping his performance with a well-taken point from play.
A huge physical presence, his aerial dominance and control from centre-back allowed Watergrasshill to counter-attack time and time again against Courcey Rovers. He will be a huge player for the Hill this season, especially in Daire O’Leary’s absence.
Immense against Na Piarsaigh. Got on plenty of ball, decision-making and passing accuracy on point, and worked hard to track down any of Na Piarsaigh’s runners. Probably Killeagh’s best player on the night.
The star of the show for Cloyne in their win over Carrigaline, his pace and energy make him a huge asset to have in the middle third. On top of that, Byrne scored four from play.
Truly the linking force between attack and defence for Carrig, he was there in space ready to receive the ball from the backs and pick someone out up front. Directly assisted 2-1, but was involved in plenty more of their scores. A brilliant performance.
His scoring return speaks for itself. Buckley doing Buckley things. His development in the league this year has been incredible to watch, and clearly, it hasn’t stopped there. An incredible performance for St Finbarr’s.
Like Buckley, another former Cork U20 who continues to throw the hand up for a chance with the seniors. Leahy was flying for Dungourney’s win over Mallow, finishing with a total of 10, including seven from play.
Another half-forward to hit seven from play, though unlike the other two, Roche featured in the championship for Cork this year. He was a real thorn in Blarney’s side and ensured there would be no second-half comeback.
A return of 2-2 will leave any forward pleased with their performance, but the quality of Mulcahy’s goals – and the timing – are what made his display stand out. All year he’s been Carrig’s primary goal threat, but he tormented Fermoy.
played first half at centre If the Hill have carried on their winning habit, Desmond has brought the goals along – another outrageous haul up front for his club. Having started the game at centre-forward, he was moved further up in the second half. His impact was deadly.
Not bad for a championship debut. His composure, physicality, decision-making and aerial ability all came to the fore against Na Piarsaigh. The goal alone was worthy of a team of the weak entry. The Cork U20 has a very bright future.
Darragh O’Sullivan (Ballinhassig)
Eoin Downey (Glen Rovers) 0-1
Brian O'Sullivan (Kanturk) 0-7 (0-4 f)
Tadhg O’Sullivan (Courcey Rovers) 0-4
Ross O’Sullivan (Na Piarsaigh) 0-5 (0-1 f)
Daire Connery (Na Piarsaigh) 1-8 (1-0 pen, 0-3 f)
Stephen Wills (Ballincollig) 0-16 (0-13 f)
Patrick Walsh (Carrigtwohill) 0-4
Darragh Fitzgibbon (Charleville) 0-11 (0-6 f, 0-1 65)
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