Corcoran stars for Laochra

CENTRE-FORWARD Brian Corcoran delivered a scoring exhibition for Laochra Óg to overcome Lismire in the opening round to the Co JBHC in Banteer.

A whopping 1-13 contribution from the 17 year old proved the difference to an entertaining contest where either from play or placed balls, young Corcoran proved unerring. At times, the Muskerry side didn’t have it their own way but when the big questions were asked, Laochra Óg stood up to be counted in parading the neater hurling touches.

Though Lismire opened the scoring from a pointed free by Cathal Field, Laochra Óg took up the running, Corcoran shooting four consecurtive points. Lismire added to the enjoyment of a close contest, boosted by the play of Colm Noonan, Stephen Kiely and Sean McSweeney with points to Field and Darren O’Sullivan heloping to force parity 0-5 apiece at the break.

Laochra received a major incentve straight upon the reastart, Corcoran’s sideline effort trickled over the goal line. Now Laochra Óg grabbed control through the purposeful play of Neilus and Stephen Murphy in defence with Darragh Healy and Micky Lyons to the fore at midfield.

Points to Corcoran and Gearóid Lucey extended Laochra Óg’s position. Credit Lismire for rallying strongly, five pointed frees from Field left three between the pair. Laochra did respond, Corcoran obliging with a trio of snap points.

Refusing to throw in the towel, Lismire fought bravely to the finish, rewarded on a late consolation goal from O’Sullivan.

LAOCHRA ÓG: D Lynch; C O’Leary, N Murphy, A O’Connell; N O’Shea, S Murphy, K Healy; D Healy, M Lyons; J Ring, B Corcoran 1-13(1-0 sideline, 0-9f), S Aynsley; K Lynch, G Lucey 0-1, I O’Riordan Subs: D Casey for Aynsley, B Kearns for K Lynch, B O’Callaghan for Lucey, D O Meachar for Kearns

LISMIRE: D Kearney; R Kiely, C Noonan, M Field; P Denn, S Kiely, S McSweeney 0-1; Cathal Noonan, D Finn; S Jones, T O’Callaghan, D O’Sullivan 1-2(1-0f), C Field 0-7f, J O’Callaghan, M McSweeney Subs: D R Guinee for Jones, M O’Sullivan for S Kiely

REFEREE: W Cole (Buttevant)