The Echo Sport Podcast: Cork hurling thrillers set up mouthwatering Glen and Barrs showdown

There's a detailed analysis of a bumper slate of Cork GAA hurling semi-finals on this week's Echo Sport Podcast.

The 10 finalists are now set, with the five deciders spread across the last two weekends in October, including a first Glen Rovers versus St Finbarr’s top-level county final in Cork for 38 years.

The main event was the Glen’s 2-21 to 1-18 victory over top seeds Midleton. Micheál Mullins, primarily utilised as a midfielder or wing-back by Cork teams, pilfered two goals from his half-forward berth. The Glen could even afford to miss a late penalty, which Patrick Horgan rifled wide, with the Downey brothers powerful in defence. 

Rob was particularly influential at full-back, keeping a tight leash on Conor Lehane before the Midleton talisman was moved further out. Food for thought for Ben O'Connor and the Cork management.

Having started the season with a very sluggish display against Midleton, St Finbarr’s are peaking at the right time after a gritty victory over newcomers Kanturk. Paudie Murray’s side were four points down after Alan Walsh hit the net early in the second half in the Páirc, having trailed by five after 20 minutes, but rallied after a terrific Ethan Twomey goal.

Cork U20 Conor Noonan put the Duhallow outfit 1-22 to 1-20 up in the 55th minute but the Barrs hit the last seven points. Key for the Togher side was Hayes’ haul of 0-5 from play, a tally matched by Cunningham. Keeper Shane Hurley made some key saves.

In the Senior A grade, Carrigtwohill pulled off a shock by taking out favourites Blarney. Denis Walsh's side are without their leading marksman Sean Walsh through injury but his younger brother Patrick hit 0-6 from play, including the score to clinch it. The East Cork outfit, beaten in the last four 12 months ago, were pumped from the off and deservedly set up a clash with Erin's Own.

The Premier Intermediate Hurling semi-finals both ended explosively. Ballincollig hit 1-10 in the last quarter to overturn an eight-point deficit against Carrigaline while corner-back Dylan Healy was Dungourney's hero with a winning goal just minutes after Eoghan Crowley struck for Valley Rovers.

At Intermediate A level, the two second teams never really got going, leaving us with an intriguing Aghada-Bandon decider.

At Premier Junior level, favourites St Catherine's were in clinical form against Barryroe while Kilshannig put their football disappointment behind them with a strong first half against Argideen Rangers. 

TUNE IN 

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 their analysis including The Replay, the new highlights show anchored by Seanie McGrath, Dalo’s Hurling Show and The Gaelic Football Show.