Sarsfields 2-18
Glen Rovers 0-8
SARSFIELDS FOURTH CORK senior hurling title in seven years arrived today in Páirc Uí Chaoimh and they have never enjoyed as comfortable an afternoon en route to claiming a county triumph.
Their victories in 2008, 2010 and 2012 all arrived after the East Cork club were posed stern examinations but today they hit full speed from the off and blew Glen Rovers away to stroll to victory.
Sarsfields set the tone from the outset as they commanded the match and ensured they would banish the demons that had haunted from last year’s final loss to Midleton. A well-worked team move saw Tadhg Óg Murphy sneak in to finish neatly to the net in the 8th minute and push Sarsfields 1-2 to 0-1 ahead.
By the end of the opening quarter they were five points clear and had stretched 1-10 to 0-3 in front by half-time. At the close of the third quarter, Sarsfields had 12 points to spare and they extended that to 16 by full-time. The insurance second goal was registered by Kieran ‘Fraggy’ Murphy as he bundled the ball to the net in the closing stages.
It was a superb team performance by Sarsfields but in marked contrast, Glen Rovers endured a bad afternoon at the office. The exertions of playing the last two weekends – they overcame Douglas after a replay in last Saturday’s semi-final – may have affected their energy levels.
Scores were hard to come by for Glen Rovers and indeed they went 44 minutes without registering one from play. Chief marksman Patrick Horgan was well-held by the Sarsfields defence and ultimately Sarsfields were too slick and strong all over the pitch.
Conor O’Sullivan, Daniel Roche, Eanna Martin and Daniel Kearney were all in fantastic form for the winners. Cian McCarthy’s free taking was flawless while Gavin O’Loughlin and Eoin O’Sullivan popped up with quality points as well for Sarsfields.
It was a brilliant display by the Pat Ryan-managed side and they now go forward to the Munster club series in a confident fashion. The winners of next Sunday’s Limerick final between Na Piarsaigh and Kilmallock await Sarsfields in the Munster semi-final on November 9th.
Scorers for Sarsfields: Cian McCarthy 0-10 (0-9f), Tadhg Óg Murphy, Kieran Murphy 1-1 each, Gavin O’Loughlin 0-3, Eoin O’Sullivan 0-2, Daniel Kearney 0-1.
Scorers for Glen Rovers: Patrick Horgan 0-5 (0-5f), Donal Cronin, Conor Dorris, Graham Callanan 0-1 each.
SARSFIELDS
1. Alan Kennedy
2. William Kearney
3. Craig Leahy
4. Conor O’Sullivan
5. Daniel Roche
6. Ray Ryan
7. Eanna Martin
8. Daniel Kearney
9. Eoin Quigley
13. Eoin O’Sullivan
10. Gavin O’Loughlin
11. Cian McCarthy
12. Cormac Duggan
14. Kieran Murphy
15. Tadhg Óg Murphy
GLEN ROVERS
1. Cathal Hickey
2. David Dooling
3. Stephen McDonnell
4. Gavin Moylan
7. Graham Callanan
6. Brian Moylan
5. Dave Noonan
8. Donal Cronin
9. Calvin Healy
10. Dean Brosnan
11. David Cunningham
12. David Busteed
13. Conor Dorris
14. Patrick Horgan
15. Glenn Kennifick
Referee: Nathan Wall (Carrigaline)
