A brilliant performance against impressive Bishopstown

again with corner-forward and two goal hero Eugene O’Leary adding real threat to the north Cork side’s attack.

Gavin and John Morrissey also impressed as did keeper Mikey Browne who saved his side on a number of occasions when goals looked the likely outcome.

Bishopstown looked bright right from the start and took an early two point lead thanks to the dead ball accuracy of Cronin and a tasty ling range unchallenged effort from Brian Murray.

Ballyhea looked a little disjointed in the opening 10, however, thanks to successful efforts from John Morrissey and O’Callaghan (three) they were able to stay in touch with a Bishopstown side that were racking up far too many easy wides.

The sides traded the next four points with Bishopstown just edging proceedings by a point as the game headed to the 20th minute, however, a brilliant goal from Ballyhea’s Eugene O’Leary which was followed seven minutes later by his second green flag put a different perspective on things. 2-9 to 0-9 at the break.

The second half saw Cronin step up with a brace of early points from play with Callaghan adding to his tally with some sensational scores.

The Ballyhea number 10 was at his imperious best for long periods.

Bishopstown to their credit fought hard and got back in the game with a goal from Brian Murray which was followed by some brilliant long range efforts from his brother Thomas and a now rampant Cronin.

Bishopstown struck for home on 58 minutes with a goal from Thomas Murray however three late scores from Ballyhea, the last one five minutes into injury time tied it up.

Extra time saw Ballyhea hit first from O’Leary but a goal from Power before the short whistle looked like settling this one.

Ballyhea again rallied with three points but ultimately couldn’t get the one required and Bishopstown move on.

This loss will be tough for Ballyhea to take, however, the boys in black and white looked to be a better, more physical and more committed side than last year and with the likes of O’Callaghan really at the peak of his powers they is no telling what they can achieve.

Two narrow defeats and a draw in three ties and unfortunately they are out but Ballyhea have improved so much it would be a shame not to see them push on from here.

For Bishopstown, well they will face Ballymartle next weekend in round three of the SHC but for Ballyhea they will need to dust themselves down for the challenges ahead. Plenty left in this team yet.

K O’Halloran; S O’Rourke, M O’Driscoll, B Murphy; R Ryan, S O’Neill, D Lester; J O’Sullivan, B Murray 1-1, E Byrne, P Cronin 0-9 (0-2f), T Murray 1-7 (0-3f, 2.65); M Power 1-2, B Lane, T Creed 0-2 Subs: D Crowley for S O’Rourke (28), C Luttrell for B Lane, B Murphy for B Murphy, B Coffey for T Creed (all ht); C Hegarty for R Ryan (65), E McCarthy for C Luttrell (69)

BALLYHEA: M Browne; O O’Sullivan, M Morrissey, K Copps; L Hanley, B Coleman T Shanahan; M O’Sullivan, D Copps; T Hanley 0-1, P O’Callaghan 0-13 (9f), L O’Connor; J Morrissey 0-1, G Morrissey 0-1, E O’Leary 2-4 Subs: J McCarthy 0-2 for T Shanahan (42), S O’Kelly for D Copps (52), S Dennehy for K Copps (70), D Copps for J Morrissey (75)

REFEREE: S Stokes (Tullylease)