The Echo Sport Podcast: Cork hurlers answer their critics across epic club weekend

The Echo Sport Podcast crew break reflect on a cracking opening weekend of club hurling action that featured a host of Cork stars back in action for the first time since the disappointment of their All-Ireland semi-final loss to Galway.

Mark Coleman certainly came up with a big moment for Blarney when he smashed home a free in the 64th minute for Blarney to beat Castlelyons by a point. Niall O'Leary marked Shane Barrett in a gripping game where former Cork defender Colm Spillane was immense. 

Darragh Fitzgibbon's powerful display at midfield for Charleville in their upset over champions and favourites Sarsfields was the standout game. Dominic Foley's side had pushed Sars hard in last year's quarter-final but they showed they're contenders now.

Blackrock's come-from-behind victory over the Glen was also a sensational result, given they were reduced to 14 men when they trailed 0-11 to 0-6 in the first half. Alan Connolly clipped two points from play in added time to secure an unlikely win and he also sniped an opportunistic goal. A big response to the recent criticism.

Robbie Cotter and Tadhg Deasy also impressed and it was notable that Eoin Downey nailed 0-3 from distance for the Glen, who are now under pressure when they meet Kanturk later this month. 

Alan Walsh scored a goal and set up two more as Kanturk hammered Fr O'Neill's while Robbie O'Flynn had 0-5 in Erin's Own's Senior A success against Na Piarsaigh. Tommy O'Connell was centre-back as Midleton had a surprisingly comfortable win over a St Finbarr's side that didn't get enough of a return from play from Brian Hayes, Ben Cunningham and William Buckley.

Barry Walsh's 1-4 was key as Killeagh got the better of Fermoy and Bride Rovers' return to the top tier saw them outgun Newcestown, with Brian Roche landing 0-4 but former Cork U20 Cillian Tobin also excelling as sweeper.

Now in its fourth season, every Monday, Éamonn Murphy is joined by The Echo team, including Barry O’Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field. You can listen on Echolive.ie/podcast or anywhere you get your podcasts.

Don’t forget to log onto www.IrishExaminer.com as well to catch up on the best inter-county analysis including Dalo’s Hurling Show and The Gaelic Football Show. Plus there's a special digital bundle offer with access to the Examiner and Clubber TV, which streams the best of the Cork GAA club matches.