Jack O'Connor stars as Sarsfields sink Fr O'Neill's and set up league final with Midleton
Fr O’Neill’s Peter Hassett gives chase to Sarsfields' Jack O’Connor. Picture: Noel Sweeney
A 20-point win, another ridiculous performance from Jack O’Connor, and Sarsfields stretch their winning run to four, relegating Fr O’Neill’s in the process.
Sars’ Sunday morning win now sets up a double-header with Midleton, as their round nine clash in the RedFM Division 1 Hurling League and final await.
In truth, this contest was over after 12 minutes. Sarsfields were 0-9 to 0-2 ahead at that stage, O’Connor already with four from play and Killian Murphy having assisted 0-3. Between himself and Daniel Hogan at midfield during the early stages, as well as wing-backs Daniel Kearney and Bryan Murphy, the visitors were untouchable.
Fr O’Neill’s could not catch a break against the county champions, who were bolstered by the Aghavine gusts in the first half.
The hosts were without far too many key players to hold off the Sars onslaught, but Kevin O’Sullivan showed up well and Rob Cullinane managed three from play.
They fought hard, especially in the second period. A solid third quarter burst saw them close the gap from the half time difference of 17 to 14 by the 38th minute, but Sars’ urgency and attacking prowess never wavered.
The Riverstown side took the opportunity to play musical chairs with their six forwards – as they have done throughout this league campaign – with Cian Darcy, O’Connor, Luke Hackett and co. shuffling constantly, while Daniel Hogan ended the game at centre-back.
The ball into the full-forward line was excellent in the first half from Sarsfields, but so was the running from deep, again. O’Connor in particular thrived, but it was when Hackett was operating on the wing in the 30th minute that he raced at goal following Donal English’s pass, before unleashing the most satisfying of strikes, sending the ball curling into the top corner.
That was the third Sarsfields’ goal of the half, and it left them 3-14 to 0-7 ahead. English would then tack on his own point before the break, and while O’Neill’s started the second half brightly, there was no doubting the outcome.
The second half saw Sars hit their only non-play score of the game, Jack O’Connor’s 36th-minute free to go with the other 0-9 he fired over.
They managed the fourth goal five minutes from time, as Cian Darcy swept in from the sideline to bury one from close-range, while substitutes Rory O’Brien and Ben Graham – the latter playing outfield – brought additional strings to the bow.
The damage had been done in the first half, though. Their first two goals were separated by five minutes, the excellent Bryan Murphy finding Shane O’Regan for the first, and he shook off Ryan Kenneally before blasting home after 18 minutes.
The second saw Hackett set up Colm McCarthy and he finished from close range in the 23rd minute, and by that stage Sars were 11 clear.
The half time score was 3-15 to 0-7 – Fr O’Neill’s with just three points from play, Sars with all of their scores from play, and more damage still to be done.
O’Neill’s now fall to Division 2 for 2027, relegated alongside Killeagh after Carrigtwohill got the win they needed to remain in the top flight.
K O’Sullivan 0-10 (0-5 f, 0-1 65), R Cullinane 0-3, C O’Leary 0-2, J Barry, P Hassett, T O’Donoghue-Brosnan, J Finn 0-1 each.
J O’Connor 0-10 (0-1 f), L Hackett 1-4, C Darcy 1-2, Colm McCarthy, S O’Regan 1-1 each, B Murphy, K Murphy 0-2 each, D English, D Kearney, D Hogan, B Nodwell, R O’Brien 0-1 each.
W Abernethy; C Lowney, O Steele, R Kenneally; M O’Neill, Joe Millerick, J Barry; John Millerick, K O’Sullivan; R Cullinane, M Wall, P Hassett; T O’Donoghue-Brosnan, J Hankard, C O’Leary.
J Finn for O’Leary, D O’Neill for M O’Neill (both HT).
D McCarthy; C O’Sullivan, K Crowley, D English; D Kearney, C Leahy, B Murphy; K Murphy, D Hogan; C Darcy, J O’Connor, Colm McCarthy; B Nodwell, L Hackett, S O’Regan.
R O’Brien for Nodwell (36), B Graham for English (46).
C McAllister (Aghada)
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