Imokilly 1-29
Blackrock 1-20
HAVING SEEN A final spot slip from their grasp in dramatic fashion twelve months ago, Imokilly were in no mood to falter again at the Cork hurling semi-final hurdle this afternoon.
A formidable first-half showing paved the way for their success over a Blackrock team that summoned a strong second-half recovery, cutting the gap to three points with ten minutes left.
But the East Cork divisional team showcased their scoring strength to pull clear, outscoring Blackrock 0-9 to 0-3 in the finale, and advancing to the final for the first time since 2019, the season where they clinched three-in-a-row.
After squandering that winning position against Sarsfields last year, Imokilly exploded from the blocks here, intent on hitting full speed early on. They were in front 0-5 to 0-1 when they found the net nine minutes in, Jack Leahy clinically drilling home a shot after Sean Desmond did the hard work in turning the Blackrock defence and laying off a pass.
Blackrock were struggling for scoring inspiration, reliant on Alan Connolly’s free-taking, the Cork star closely watched by county team-mate Ciarán Joyce throughout. Blackrock also failed to capitalise on their goal chances. Robbie Cotter had a shot blocked under pressure, possession eluded Fionn Coleman at another crucial moment after an incisive team move.
Imokilly kept the scoreboard ticking over with Diarmuid Healy and Daire O’Leary supplementing their chief threat Leahy. They had gone 12 points ahead, 1-11 to 0-2, by the 22nd minute mark, but as they stared at that ominous looking deficit, Blackrock received two boosts before half-time.
Firstly Gavin Connolly produced a brilliant block to deny Desmond as he hunted a goal, while the Blackrock goalkeeper also proved equal to Leahy’s effort from a rebound. Then his brother Alan found the net on the stroke of half-time, blasting home a penalty after Robbie Cotter was fouled.
Trailing 1-13 to 1-5 looked a more manageable position for Blackrock and they chipped away at the deficit throughout the second half. Connolly’s free-taking was on point, while Cotter showed the end product with his finishing to match his creative approach work. They cut the gap to three points on three occasions - in the 40th minute, the 42nd minute, and the 50th minute.
Yet Imokilly packed that greater scoring punch. Seamus Harnedy finished with four points to his name, Brian Lawton bettered that with five, the experienced pair proving hugely influential.
The gap was nine at the finish as Imokilly progressed to the final in a fortnight.
Scorers for Imokilly: Jack Leahy 1-8 (0-4f), Brian Lawton 0-5, Seamus Harnedy 0-4, Diarmuid Healy 0-2, Dáire O’Leary 0-2, Eoin Davis 0-2 (0-2f), Shane Hegarty 0-1, Bill Cooper 0-1, Adam Murphy 0-1, Sean Desmond 0-1, Darragh O’Brien 0-1, Mike Kelly 0-1.
Scorers for Blackrock: Alan Connolly 1-9 (0-7f, 1-0 pen), Robbie Cotter 0-4, Ryan Sweeney 0-2, Gavin Connolly 0-1 (0-1f), Peter Linehan 0-1, Kevin O’Keeffe 0-1, Shane O’Keeffe 0-1, Tadgh Deasy 0-1.
Imokilly
1. Eoin Davis (St Catherine’s)
2. Timmy Wilk (Cobh), 4. Ciarán O’Brien (St Ita’s – captain), 6. Ciaran Joyce (Castlemartyr)
3. Mike Russell (Aghada), 5. Dáire O’Leary (Watergrasshill), 7. John Cronin (Lisgoold)
8. Shane Hegarty (Dungourney), 9. Bill Cooper (Youghal)
12. Brian Lawton (Castlemartyr), 10. Diarmuid Healy (Lisgoold), 11. Seamus Harnedy (St Ita’s)
13. Adam Murphy (Watergrasshill), 14. Sean Desmond (Watergrasshill), 15. Jack Leahy (Dungourney)
Subs
- 17. Kevin O’Neill (Watergrashill) for Russell (39)
- 19. Mike Kelly (Castlemartyr) for Murphy (43)
- 18. Darragh O’Brien (St Ita’s) for Healy (58)
- 20. Liam O’Shea (Lisgoold) for Desmond (61)
Blackrock
1. Gavin Connolly
9. Daniel Meaney, 3. John Cashman, 6. Alan O’Callaghan
5. Cathal Cormack, 29. Mark O’Keeffe, 7. Niall Cashman
2. Stephen Murphy, 17. David O’Farrell
10. Peter Linehan, 19. Ciaran Cormack, 8. Kevin O’Keeffe
14. Alan Connolly, 13. Fionn Coleman, 15. Robbie Cotter
Subs
- 12. Tadgh Deasy for Cashman (39)
- 23. Ryan Sweeney for O’Farrell (44)
- 11. Shane O’Keeffe for Mark O’Keeffe (53)
- 22. John O’Sullivan for Ciaran Cormack (56)
Referee: Colm Lyons (Nemo Rangers)
Getting into a rhythm now, should have been game over against wolves in the first half Monday, back in the groove now, shuts that thick agbonlahor up now with his bielsa a great coach is a myth comment on sky, get back to gobbling greilish ya muppet
@Didithedevil: horrible comment.
@Bob Cummings: Explain…
Had reservations about what Leeds would do but Bielsa has really worked magic. It’s like he has focused on perfecting players strengths than wasting time on improving weaknesses. There are few teams that could comfortably commit too many players to attack their defence because of Leeds swift precise and deadly attacking and counter attacking. Much as I love the blades and Wilder I’m jealous seeing the way they play. No fluke, a masterplan of a few years in the making.
@Pat Ryan: Bielsa and the way he has Leeds playing has restored my faith in the beautiful game, they are a joy to watch and I’m so glad Bamford has proven me wrong
MOT
Bielsa is a tactical genius. MOT
Ha ha unreal second half from Leeds. Destroyed them
Call him up quick
@Seagoat returns: he has said he wants to play for England. According to balls.ie
Bamford for Ireland
#alaw or for those not familiar with Irish Leeds fans, “all Leeds aren’t we.”
Looking forward to getting back to the Peacock et cetera when normality returns. Meanwhile tonight and nights like this will do just fine.
@sean de paore: I would rather do the crush In Billy’s Bar than the Peacock any day. But I do get your drift… MOT #INBIELSAWETRUST
Is he Irish (yet)?
What a time to be a Leeds fan,pity we can’t be in grounds,then premier League would see an athmospere,bielsa is god
Service crew
Get your coat on and get moving
Get your coat on and ger moving
Looks really bad