Imokilly 3-13

Blackrock 0-18

Denis Hurley reports from Páirc Uí Chaoimh

EAST CORK DIVISIONAL side Imokilly bridged a 19-year gap as they beat Blackrock to claim the Cork SHC title at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Sunday.

Having conceded 16 goals in six games on their run to the final, a clean sheet was crucial here for Imokilly, with three green flags raised at the other end as they never trailed against a gallant Blackrock side.

A close opening saw the sides level on four occasions after the scoring opened, but, after William Leahy’s point put Imokilly 0-6 to 0-5 in front, they followed that up with the first of their goals, Cian Fleming finishing well from a tight angle after Ian Cahill did well to get his pass away.

They were five in front when wing-back John Cronin – among their best players, along with midfielder Ger Millerick – extended the lead to five, but Blackrock finished the half well, Michael O’Halloran getting two pointed frees and Alan O’Callaghan also on target.

The effect of those three scores was wiped out on the resumption though as Imokilly captain Séamus Harnedy reacted quickest to pull the loose ball to the net when Leahy had his effort well saved by Gavin Connolly.

The importance of that goal was shown in that Blackrock continued to come back at Imokilly during the second half but couldn’t come closer than within one, despite four in a row from sub Daniel Meaney, O’Callaghan, Ciarán Cormack and O’Halloran, who was very unlucky with a goal chance which hit the side-netting.

On 57, Harnedy’s point put Imokilly 2-13 to 0-17 in front, but Blackrock still had hope as sub Tadhg Deasy pointed and then they won a 20m free.

Unfortunately for them, O’Callaghan’s goal attempt flew over the bar and with the next play Imokilly had a third goal, sub Brian Mulcahy benefiting from a turnover when goalkeeper Connolly tried to clear and then firing home.

Scorers for Imokilly: William Leahy 0-4 (frees), Séamus Harnedy 1-1, Cian Fleming, Brian Mulcahy 1-0 each, Paudie O’Sullivan, Mark O’Keeffe, Brian Lawton (0-1 sideline) 0-2 each, Ger Millerick, John Cronin 0-1 each.

Scorers for Blackrock: Michael O’Halloran 0-8 (0-6 frees), Alan O’Callaghan 0-3 (0-2 frees), Ciarán Cormack 0-2, David O’Farrell, Ger Regan, Tadhg Deasy, Daniel Meaney 0-1 each.

Imokilly

1. Declan Dalton (Fr O’Neills)

2. Barra Ó Tuama (Castlemartyr)
3. Colm Barry (Castlelyons)
4. Kieran Histon (Cobh)

5. Ciarán O’Brien (St Ita’s)
6. Niall O’Leary (Castlelyons)
7. John Cronin (Lisgoold)

8. Mark O’Keeffe (Fr O’Neills)
9. Ger Millerick (Fr O’Neills)

10. Brian Lawton (Castlemartyr)
11. Séamus Harnedy (St Ita’s)
12. William Leahy (Aghada)

13. Paudie O’Sullivan (Cloyne)
14. Ian Cahill (Cloyne)
15. Cian Fleming (Aghada)

Subs:

25. Daniel Mangan (St Catherine’s) for Cahill (51)
19. Brian Mulcahy (St Catherine’s) for Fleming (58)

Blackrock

1. Gavin Connolly

4. Gary Norberg
3. Dylan Stokes
2. John Cashman

7. Niall Cashman
6. Eoin Smith
5. Andrew Murphy

8. Stephen Murphy
9. David O’Farrell

12. Shane O’Keeffe
11. Alan O’Callaghan
10. Ger Regan

13. Michael O’Halloran
14. Ciarán Cormack
15. John O’Sullivan

Subs:

17. David Cashman for O’Sullivan (half-time)
28. Daniel Meaney for Smith (35, injured)
18. Tadhg Deasy for Cormack (47)

Referee: Colm Lyons (Nemo Rangers)

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