Rebel fans delight in hurlers’ victory over Deice boys
SHORTS, shades and suncream were in demand in Thurles last Sunday as hordes of Cork supporters descended on a hotbed of action.
Indeed, Rebel supporters weren’t disappointed in the fare where Cork announced their arrival as serious contenders for honours. In doing so, those scorched in the 33,163 attendance saw the Rebel outfit again upset the odds for the second consecutive occasion to send both Waterford and Tipperary to the qualifiers in a bid to salvage their season.
At the full time whistle thick knots of Cork fans danced jigs of pure delight to cheer their heroes off the field.
North Cork hurling coach Jim O’Sullivan took delight in Cork rising to the challenge and securing a deserved win.
“In the searing heat, Cork dominated for much of the first half and probably ought to have been in front at the break. They came good thereafter, showing more hunger and energy than their opponents, their tackling and blocking were immense throughout,” he said.
Blood is thicker than water for well known Millstreet personality Shane Browne, bedecked in the colours of his beloved Waterford, yet he promises to remain faithful through thick and thin times.
“I was disappointed at the outcome but enjoyed the occasion. It’s all about tuning into the radio next Monday morning and see who Waterford draw in the qualifiers. Whoever is the opposition I will be travelling,” said the Decies diehard.
Cork supporters savoured the occasion and a key North and Mid Cork input figured in the starting line up, including Anthony Nash (Kanturk), Mark Ellis (Millstreet), Colm Spillane (Castlelyons), Darragh Fitzgibbon (Charleville) and Mark Coleman (Blarney) named as man of the match with experienced utility player Lorcan McLoughlin of Kanturk amongst the substitutes.