Strong finish sees Cork North through to quarter-finals

Cork North 1-17 Dublin 2-11 Cork North with a great last 15 minutes emerged close but deserving winners over Dublin in the Celtic Challenge Under 17 Hurling tournament at Lorcan O'Toole Park, Crumlin on Saturday.

In the opening minute, Dublin keeper Conor Corcoran saved well from Michael Delee. Senan Aherne opened the scoring for Cork North in the 4th minute, as Callum Dee levelled from a free. Dublin piled on the early pressure and a goal from Ben Herbert after Harry Bates had saved well made it 1-4 to 0-2.

Callum Dee and Sean Byrne exchanged pointed frees. Dublin keeper Conor Corcoran made a very good save from Senan Aherne. Cork picked up their game and Sean Byrne pointed a free. A sideline from Byrne was picked up by the impressive Colin Ruby, who pointed. Sam Curran had a great point for Dublin who led 1-5 to 0-5.

Cork had points from Senan Ahern and Niall Feaheny, before Dublin had another Ben Herbert point. Sean Byrne landed a long range pointed free that had the sides level at the break, 1-6 to 0-9.

On the changeover, Dublin had the aid of the stiff breeze. They had a 33rd minute goal by the impressive Harry Dinnegan and they followed with a rapid point from Liam Galvin that opened up a lead of 2-7 to 0-9.

Cork North thundered into the game. Their defence made some great clearances. Cork made a vital switch with Colin Ruby going to the '40' and Michael Delee to the edge of the square. A foul on Delee saw Sean Byrne (free) place Colin Ruby who sent over. Sean Byrne landed another free and suddenly the lead was down to 2 points.

Sean Byrne and Callum Dee exchanged pointed frees, before Michael Delee worked hard for Colin Ruby who goaled and edged Cork ahead 1-12 to 2-8 after 49 minutes. Scott Cassidy-Walker landed a vital point for Dublin that levelled. Cork North with Denis O'Riordan making a massive clearance found Colin Ruby who struck a great point. Ruby and Callum Dee swopped points. Callum Dee then had Dublin's last score in the 54th minute.

Cork North finished very strong and they had late points from Sean Byrne and Colin Ruby, as they emerged victors.

Cork North have won their three group games and are now through to a home quarter-final on Saturday week.

Cork North: Harry Bates (Fermoy), David Kingston (Mallow), Denis O'Riordan (Kilworth-Araglin), Danny Cronin (Kanturk), Ryan O'Leary (Croke Rovers), Donagh Fleming (Mallow), Euan Keating ('Shandrum), Donncha Waters (Charleville), Charlie Finn ('Shandrum), Sean Byrne (capt, Ballyhea, 0-8f), Michael Delee (Liscarroll/Churchtown Gaels), Niall Feaheny (Killavullen, 0-1), Senan Ahern (Ballycastle Gaels, 0-2), Colin Ruby (Kilshannig, 1-6; 0-2f), John O'Keeffe (Fermoy). Subs: Chris Byrne (Dromtarriffe) for Danny Cronin (inj), Brendan O'Callaghan (Fermoy) for John O'Keeffe, Darragh Sugrue (Mallow) for Senan Ahern.

Referee John Keenan (Wicklow).