Steven Sherlock hat-trick, Ian Maguire’s engine and Pa Lucey’s haul headline Team of the Week
Ian Maguire, St.Finbarrs, scored 1-1 in their dominant win against Castlehaven. Picture: Jim Coughlan.
Only the semi-finals remain now. Quarter-finals boxed off, and like with the hurling, most of the relegation playoffs wrapped up, too. Which means it’s time again for your Echo Cork Football Team of the Week, the best 15 and nine substitutes from a weekend packed with action.
Brought on just for penalties, and justified it. ‘Bluebird’, or simply ‘Blue’ at home (because Chris or White don’t suffice), was immense when it mattered. Denied Éanna Desmond from the spot to help send Newcestown into the PSFC semi-finals. Ice in the veins.
As dependable as ever. The Barrs veteran thundered into Castlehaven from the off, a cornerstone in finally getting one back on the side who’d beaten them the last two years.
Deployed in the corner, but his suffocating job on Cian Dorgan earns him the No 3 slot. And that came the day after he hit four points to help Millstreet survive relegation. Some weekend’s work.
Operated at half-back but so effective defensively he takes a corner berth. Turned over attacks, got on plenty of ball, and still chipped in with a score.
Laid on one, struck another, and gave Ballincollig huge drive in their quarter-final win over Duhallow. The Cork senior as assured as always.
Imperious for Fermoy despite the defeat, worked himself to the ground with an excellent display. The former Cork senior still delivering in his mid 30s.
Valleys needed saving, and Walsh-Murphy was one of those who obliged. The wing-back hitt three from play to help rescue a draw in their playoff with Carbery Rangers.
The Barrs’ heartbeat, as ever. Controlled the middle third and chipped in with one of their six goals for good measure.
Knocknagree’s driving force, especially in extra-time against Kanturk. Covered acres roaming the middle third, scrapped for everything, and still landed 1-2.
Gave an exhibition against Carrigaline, but to hardly any surprise. A stalwart hurler and footballer for Newcestown, it was fitting he dispatched the winning penalty to send them through to the semis.
No three-in-a-row, but Hurley was Hurley – five from play, leadership to the end, and always a handful.
A dazzling shooting return, including three orange flags – two inside a minute. Couldn’t keep Bandon at Premier Intermediate, but lit up the tie.
A hat-trick says enough, even if two of those were spot kicks. Sherlock was flying against Castlehaven, and will be integral if the Barrs are to go all the way.
Perhaps the player of the weekend, even if none of his scores came from play. Without Lucey’s incredible haul of 1-12, Macroom would not have secured relegation playoff survival for the third straight season. Stepping up when it counts.
Jack Murphy has been excellent for Éire Óg this season, and did it all in their win over Bishopstown. The running, the passing, the shooting. He brings so much to the Ovens outfit. The fact he’s joined by Hugh means that, not for the first time this season, we’ve got a family double.
Mark Healy (Kanturk)
Billy Hennessy (St Finbarr’s)
Gearóid Looney (Knocknagree) 0-2
David O’Leary (Ballincollig) 0-3
Diarmuid Phelan (Aghada) 0-2
Kevin Davis (O’Donovan Rossa) 0-6 (0-2 f)
Cialan O’Sullivan (Aghabullogue) 1-2
Conor Dunne (Bishopstown) 1-7 (0-6 f)
Kevin O’Reilly (Carrigaline) 0-6 (0-1 f)
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