15 years since Glenbower Rovers' first East Cork JAFC title

It was 15 years ago that Glenbower Rovers sealed their first ever East Cork Junior A Football Championship title, a victory that kickstarted the first of four straight divisional championship triumphs.

That tone was set early on in their 2011 win, Andrew Walsh slipping in and opening the scoring after just 24 seconds. Kieran Lane added another soon after and Lisgoold, still settling, were already being asked uncomfortable questions by the Killeagh men.

Lisgoold’s response came nine minutes in, John Cronin with a well-taken free from distance, but every time they threatened to gain a foothold, Glenbower would respond. Cork senior hurler Séamus Harnedy was next to raise a white flag, crafted with a neat one-two off former hurling star Joe Deane, before going cleanly over the bar.

By the mid-point of the half, Deane had added another and Glenbower were three clear, their full-back line standing firm whenever Lisgoold attempted to build momentum.

Barry Aherne and Cronin kept Lisgoold in the contest, but scores from Sean Long and John O’Connor ensured there was always a gap of sorts.

Harnedy’s third on the 27th minute stretched it to four. Only a fine save from Ciarán Cronin late in the half prevented the gap from becoming terminal before the break, and Kevin O’Shea’s late Lisgoold point left it 0-7 to 0-4 – still a contest on the scoreboard, but that would change early in the second.

Deane pointed straight from the throw-in and, although Cronin replied for Lisgoold, Glenbower shifted gears again.

With Brian Collins commanding in defence and the half-forward line constantly breaking forward, they pulled five clear and never looked back. John Cashman’s point on 45 minutes would be Lisgoold’s last.

From there, it became a controlled exhibition – six unanswered points – Deane and O’Connor finding space and range at will, Glenbower playing with the confidence of champions.

When the final whistle sounded, Glenbower Rovers had their first title, one that would come to change the course of footballing history in the club.

GLENBOWER ROVERS: S Scully; T Murphy, P McGrath, P McCarthy; C Murphy, C Fogarty, S Murphy; S Harnedy (0-3), K Lane (0-1); B Collins, J Deane (0-5), A Walsh (0-1); J O'Connor (0-4), M Landers (0-1), S Long (0-1).

Subs used: J Dullea and P O'Neill.

LISGOOLD: C Cronin; C McCarthy, N Connery, J Hurley; M O'Connell, B O'Leary, C Walsh; B Clifford, J Cronin (0-3); B Aherne (0-1), J O'Connell, P O'Mahony; K O'Shea (0-1), W Kingston, J McCarthy.

Sub used: J Cashman (0-1).

Referee: N Barrett (Carrigtwohill).