Minors set for final after epic contests

THE Cork minor hurlers are set for their first Munster final appearance since 2008. The Rebels will face Clare in the final on Sunday in Semple Stadium with a 12 noon throw-in.

Denis Ring’s side triumphed over Tipperary in an epic semi-final contest, attended by over eight thousand patrons on Monday evening in Pairc Uí Rinn. Cork saw off the Premier on a 2-22 to 2-19 scoreline.

The victory came just days after an equally compelling drawn game between the sides in Semple Stadium last Thursday evening. That game finished Tipperary 2-18, Cork 1-21, after extra-time.

The draw necessitated a quick turnaround for both sides – although initially it looked like it could be an even shorter turnaround with Saturday originally mooted for the replay – which could put the Rebels on the back foot against a much better rested Clare side.

On the flip side Cork do carry with them real momentum into Sunday’s final.

“We’ve a long break relative to the last game! That’s one side of it,” Ring said after Monday evening’s game.

“Look, we’ve won nothing, we’re in a final, that’s where we want to be but it’s all about winning now.

“One thing it does, it means for the first time in a long time we’re hurling into late July or early August, which is where we want to be.

“Everything is about the next game. You’re only as good as your next game, you’re not as good as your last one.”

Ring was unstandably effusive of his players efforts in the immediate aftermath of Monday’s victory.

“I can tell you that from being involved through the years with winning Cork teams, as well as losing Cork teams, these lads are different league,” he stated.

The Cork team for the final will be named later in the week and you’d have to imagine those who played so well against Tipperary will be in pole position to retain their places for the final this weekend.

Here’s the team and scorers from Monday evening: CORK: B Turnbull ( 0- 8, 0- 4 frees); C Hanafin ( 14); D Connery ( 0- 6, 0- 2 frees, 0- 1 sc); L O’Shea ( 1- 0); R Downey ( 0- 2); E Sheehan, S O’Leary Hayes ( 0- 1 each).

CORK: G Collins (Ballinhassig); E Roche (Bride Rovers), J Keating (Kildorrery), C O’Callaghan (Dromtarriffe); B Roche (Bride Rovers), S O’Leary Hayes (Midleton), A Walsh Barry (Carrigtwohill); G Millerick (Fr O’Neill’s), D Connery (Na Piarsaigh); E Sheehan (Na Piarsaigh), C Hanafin (Na Piarsaigh), D Linehan (Ballyhooly); L O’Shea (Lisgoold), R Downey (Glen Rovers), B Turnbull (Douglas).