6 days ago
Clinical Sarsfields show their class against Fr O'Neill's to make perfect start to Cork Premier SHC
Sarsfields 1-28 Fr O'Neill's 1-14
Fr O'Neill's fell to a clinical Sarsfields in the opening round of the Co-Op Superstores Cork Premier SHC at Carrigtwohill on Friday night.
A big crowd saw the defeated county finalists and Munster champions secure the win after they emerged with a 14-point cushion in ideal conditions.
Johnny Crowley's side led by 0-13 to 0-10 at half-time, but any hopes Fr O'Neill's had of getting closer were dispelled in the third quarter as Sars came with a rush of points to outscore their opponents nine points to one.
Even though O'Neill's lost Declan Dalton to a hamstring injury in the 45th minute, they battled gamely and were rewarded with a Robert Cullinane green flag four minutes from time after the initial shot from Kevin O'Sullivan was stopped by Ben Graham.
It left eight points between the sides.
But in a flash, Cian Darcy linked with Shane O'Regan and Darcy's finish was low to the corner.
Nine different scorers they had, with Colm McCarthy's free-taking a positive as well.
Sars are missing a few big names this season. Namely Paul Leopold, Aaron Myers and Liam Healy who are gone travelling while Eoghan Murphy will line out with the intermediate A team on Saturday against Youghal - it will be his first competitive action since the All-Ireland club final as he makes his return from injury.
Daniel Kearney is ready to go too and is on the bench.
Padraig McMahon's point in the second minute got Fr O'Neill's off to a good start and the same player restored parity in the eighth minute, 0-3 apiece.
Slowly, Sars pulled away with Jack O'Connor, McCarthy (2), Killian Murphy and O'Regan taking control of the scoreboard.
Dalton, wearing number 11 but playing at full-forward, was on target from a few excellent placed balls and it helped Ray O'Neill's charges stay in touch.
They stayed in contention and only for a timely block by Craig Leahy on McMahon in the 24th minute, the score could have been closer.
In the remaining six minutes plus six of stoppage time, the teams traded scores twice.
It appeared the three-point deficit was manageable for O'Neill's as they went to the dressing-room.
Dalton showed his skill in converting a sideline cut and was unfortunate another struck the post, and the deficit was reduced to two.
However, they wouldn't score again for 15 minutes and this proved to be their downfall.
The points started to flow for Sars through O'Connor, Colm McCarthy, Cathal McCarthy, Sweeney and Darcy, all the momentum with the Riverstown club now.
Meanwhile the two goalkeepers were called into action with Graham saving from Dalton while Paudie O'Sullivan and corner-back Eoin Motherway stopped Colm McCarthy after he travelled from out the field.
O'Sullivan came to the rescue again in the 48th minute to deny Darcy.
When it appeared both custodians might keep a clean sheet, they were eventually beaten in the 56th and 58th minutes.
Sars kept their composure in this all-east-Cork contest, which was a bit tetchy at times, to shoot the final three points without reply.
Both clubs will be keeping an eye on proceedings in Páirc Uí Rinn on Saturday when Erin's Own and newly promoted Glen Rovers throw-in in this Group 1.
Scorers for Sarsfields: Colm McCarthy (0-8, 0-5 frees, 0-1 65), C Darcy (1-3), J O'Connor (0-5), J Sweeney (0-3), D Hogan, K Murphy, B Nodwell and S O'Regan (0-2 each), Cathal McCarthy (0-1).
Scorers for Fr O'Neill's: D Dalton (0-7, 0-5 frees, 0-1 65, 0-1 sl), R Cullinane (1-0), K O'Sullivan (0-1 free), John Millerick and P McMahon (0-2 each), Joseph Millerick (0-1).
SARSFIELDS: B Graham; C O'Sullivan (Capt), C Roche, Cathal McCarthy; B Murphy, L Elliott, C Leahy; D Hogan, K Murphy; J O'Connor, Colm McCarthy, C Darcy; B Nodwell, J Sweeney, S O'Regan.
Subs: D Kearney for J O'Connor (22-24 temp).
FR O NEILL'S: P O'Sullivan; M Millerick, G Millerick (J-Capt), E Motherway; M O'Keeffe, D Harrington (J-Capt), T Millerick; K O'Sullivan, R Kenneally; R Cullinane, D Dalton, Joseph Millerick; John Millerick, B Dunne, P McMahon.
Subs: M Wall for D Dalton (45 inj), P Hassett for Joseph Millerick (56).
Referee: Niall Fahy (Brian Dillons).
