Decies’ derring do halts Rebels but minors march on

MIXED joy for Cork teams in Croke Park last Sunday saw dreams of a potential double All Ireland championship success fall by the wayside.

In fairness, a young minor hurling side kept their end of the bargain with a win. However, hopes of Cork continuing a winning run at senior level failed to bear fruit after a somewhat flattering 11 point defeat by Waterford.

Thousands of Cork fans made the trek on road and rail to create a brilliant atmosphere inside the Croke Park colosseum of more than 72,000 strong attendance. Traffic jams and road diversions added to road chaos enroute but, fortunately, the Cork masses found their way to Jones Road albeit taking much longer.

Newmarket’s Con Collins availed of a booked out train service, hopeful of a Cork double. “Cork’s new blood has given the senior team a surge of confidence with the crowds traveling again in huge numbers to support the side”, he said.

Indeed, the roar from inside the stadium told everybody of Cork’s presence on a welcome return to Croker. Fortunes ebbed and flowed during the second half, cheers interspersed with sighs of frustration.

A chant of Rebels rose to a crescendo before a stunned silence and sense of disbelief amongst the Rebel fans on Hill 16 saw Cork’s fortunes subside on the concession of three goals in the closing quarter of hour.

Dromtariffe’s Frank Barry was part of two bus loads organised by his club and credited all involved behind the venture. “We departed Rathcoole at 7.15am, returned for 10.30pm. The senior game was a disappointment, Cork appeared to be getting on top but the sending-off of Damien Cahalane turned the momentum in Waterford’s favour”, he said.

Not total despondency within the Dromtariffe camp for club player Conor O’Callaghan helped Cork minors on progressing to an All Ireland Final. “Conor won an All Ireland u17 medal the previous week and again figured strongly; hopefully, he can go on and become Dromtariffe’s first player to win an All Ireland minor hurling medal”, said Frank.

That skilful Cork minor side features a strong North and Mid Cork involvement, included are the Roche twins, Eoin and Brian from Bride Rovers; James Keating, Ian Butler (Kildorrery), Diarmuid Linehan (Ballyhooly), Jack O’Callaghan (Charleville), Ronan Sheehan(Mallow), Barry Murphy (Castlelyons), Brian Buckley, David Jones(Dromina), Declan Hanlon (Blarney) and Colin O’Brien (Liscarroll/Churchtown Gaels).

Photos: John Tarrant Samantha Quinn and Hailey O’Shea from Killavullen sought Cork wins in the All Ireland Hurling semi finals.

Julie O’Keeffe, Laura and Louise O’Keeffe joined by Rachel O’Brien from Dromtariffe cheered on Cork

John Cronin, Millstreet and Mike Byrnes from Rathcoole, hopeful of a Cork double in Croke Park.

Pat O’Brien, Liscarroll, grand dad of Cork minor hurling panlist Colin O’Brien joined by John O’Brien and Jen Ryan.

Jerry O’Leary and Gerald Moynihan from Knocknagree brought their colours to the All Ireland Hurling semi finals.

Martin Collins, Ballydesmond and John Joe Murphy, Cullen.

Emily, Ger and Eabha Sheehan from Dromagh.

Gerdie and Gene Buckley from St. Johns GAA attended the big games in Croke Park.

Baby Sinéad and dad Donal Óg O’Leary from Kiskeam cheered on Cork

Amy and Lucy Lynch from Mallow wore the Cork colours in Croke Park.