Minor star looking ahead to weekend clash with the Sky Blues at headquarters

CORK hurling fans have good reason to acknowledge a great season to date on completing a welcome Munster double at both minor and senior level.

Throughout their winning campaign, the county minor team showed themselves to be a hard-working, resilient and a skilful side, never more evident that against Tipperary in an epic semi-final that took a replay to determine before overwhelming Clare in the decider to land a provincial title for the first time since 2008.

From a competent all round performance, the young rebels held solid anchors in defence, an industrious midfield and an enterprising attack. Crucially, Cork edged the finishing stakes and here the talents of Na Piarsaigh’s Evan Sheehan revelled on delivering five star performances and netting goals at the most opportune times.

Sheehan’s scoring prowess is acknowledged on selection as a monthly recipient at the Cork City and County Youth Awards at a function in the Metropole Hotel.

“Its been terrific so far, overcoming Waterford, Tipperary in a replay and the Munster Final against Clare was an unreal occasion. That’s in the past, we’re working hard for the All Ireland series, hopefully we can repeat the success,” he said.

Playing a major role in Cork’s progress to the Munster Final, a dramatic semi final saw him net a last gasp goal from a 20 metre free to force parity against Tipperary and a replay before a bumper attendance at Páirc Uí Rinn.

“I hadn’t played well in the drawn game, but thankfully, I redeemed myself during the latter stages and the ball went in. There was little time to think about it, having to go again within a few days for the replay,” he said.

No stranger to success, Evan came to prominence when he won a National Skills Competition in Croke Park on All-Ireland day at just 14 years of age. A valuable player to Na Piarsaigh and Cork, a modest Sheehan does his talking on the field as confirmed with a pair of quick fire goals in the Munster Final against Clare.

“To be honest, the goals fell to me, I took the chances, you’ve to be clinical and focused on the ball for the 60-65 minutes in such important games,” said the Man of the Match.

A new challenge awaits Sheehan and his colleagues, new but welcome surroundings on journeying to Croke Park for an All Ireland semi-final against Dublin.

“We will relish the opportunity, can’t wait to get to Croke Park, the atmosphere won’t be much different to Thurles. Obviously Dublin will have an advantage on playing a Leinster Final at the venue but every game is different and our minds are set on getting over the next obstacle,” he said.

Representing one of the most progressive underage clubs in the county, Sheehan pays tribute to Na Piarsaigh on developing young talent.

“Thanks to the coaching, we had unreal success from Under 13 to minor, hopefully, that will continue later this season. The club is on a high and if we apply the same intensity, we can add further honours.”