O'Halloran goal proves key as Rockies keep Kanturk at arm's length
A Michael O'Halloran goal early into the second half proved crucial as Blackrock defeated Kanturk by five points in the Co-Op SuperStores Premier SHC Group 3 Round 1 clash at Mallow on Saturday evening.
The outcome of this game was not known until very late into the second half in what was an enjoyable affair.
The Rockies only led by three points at half-time and could never shake off their stubborn opposition, it was a display that they won't be too pleased with, but a win is a win.
O'Halloran's goal early into the second 30 minutes was a vital score that gave the Rockies the platform to keep Kanturk at arm's length.
To be fair, Kanturk battled gamely and if it wasn't for some poor shooting, it could have been closer. They weren't helped with a number of crucial absentees including Ryan and Colin Walsh. They did play the closing stages with 14 players after a Tommy Walsh red card.
In a repeat of last year's quarter-final, which Blackrock won by eight points, this latest one took some time to settle given difficult wind conditions.
Cork senior hurler Alan Connolly did give the Rockies an early lead with a point over the shoulder, but Rory Sheahan (free) and a Brian O'Sullivan effort was a result of a positive Kanturk opening, 0-2 to 0-1 after six minutes.
Alan O'Callaghan and John Cashman helped Blackrock gain a foothold in defence, as they put together five unanswered white flags. Tadhg Deasy hit two long range efforts and it was 0-6 to 0-2 after 10 minutes.
The sides traded points before Kanturk had their own period of dominance. With Brian O'Sullivan busy around midfield and Kanturk now after getting a handle on Blackrock's sweeper, the Duhallow team hit three unanswered points, Sheahan with two frees and an Ian Walsh effort leaving them a point behind.
Jamie Harrington's outfit were playing within themselves even if Kanturk were giving as good as they got. Blackrock did land three of the next four points with Alan Connolly tapping over two frees, but he was well marked by Cork senior footballer Tommy Walsh. The score was 0-10 to 0-7 after 25 minutes.
O'Sullivan struck over a fantastic point for Kanturk, but Blackrock were getting their scores easier and got two of the last three white flags of the half to lead 0-12 to 0-9 at half-time.
It was a fast start to the new half with four shots four scores three minutes into the second half, shared evenly, 0-14 to 0-11.
A crucial score did come after 35 minutes when Michael O'Halloran finished brilliantly into the top corner of the Kanturk net after a neat team move.
O'Sullivan did point for Kanturk, but their opposition were definitely turning the screw. Kevin O'Keeffe and a long range free from goalkeeper Gavin Connolly pushed their team 1-16 to 0-12 clear.
An O'Sullivan free was much needed for Kanturk followed by a Sheahan free, but they required a goal that didn't look like coming.
The teams did trade white flags, as Blackrock led 1-17 to 0-15 with 13 minutes remaining.
The game tipped away as the sides kept cancelling each other out, which suited the Rockies as they remained in control. They led 1-19 to 0-17 after 55 minutes.
A Robbie Cotter point was an important one to give Blackrock that small bit more of a breathing space before Walsh was given a straight red card for an off-the-ball incident four minutes from time.
A Sheahan free did reduce the deficit down to five points late on for Kanturk, but they had run out of time despite Paul Walsh's best attempts to get a goal in the dying embers.
The Rockies face St Finbarr's in their next group game in a fortnight in what should be a tasty one. Kanturk will have to regroup as they take on Douglas.
Scorers for Blackrock: A Connolly 0-5 (0-4 f), M O'Halloran 1-2, R Sweeney 0-3, R Cotter, T Deasy, K O'Keeffe 0-2 each, G Connolly (f), N Cashman, D O'Farrell, D Meaney 0-1 each.
Scorers for Kanturk: R Sheahan 0-8 (0-6 f), B O'Sullivan 0-7 (0-4 f), D Browne, I Walsh, L McLoughlin 0-1 each.
BLACKROCK: G Connolly; J Ryan, A O'Callaghan, S Murphy; C Cormack, J Cashman, T Deasy; N Cashman, D O'Farrell; R Sweeney, K O'Keeffe, D Meaney; M O'Halloran, A Connolly, R Cotter. Subs: P Linehan for K O'Keeffe, O McAdoo for D O'Farrell (both 42).
KANTURK: G Bucinskas; J McLoughlin, M Healy, C Mullane; L McLoughlin, D Browne, T Walsh; P Walsh, B O'Sullivan; I Walsh, J Fitzpatrick, L O'Neill; R Sheahan, A Walsh, D O'Connell. Subs: No subs made.
Referee: Pa O'Driscoll (Bride Rovers).
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