Senior County Hurling Semi Final 2004

Cork County Hurling Semi-Final.

Played at Pairc Ui Chaoimh Sunday 10th October 2004.

Blackrock 1 --- 10 Na Piarsaigh 3 --- 10.

A lovely autumnal afternoon, the leaves are piling up on the footpaths of the Marina, the seagulls and swans basking in the shelter of the Atlantic Pond rippling gently from the east as a cold wind spread up from the harbour. No dreary stand today. It was a day to enjoy the sunshine on the Blackrock terrace. The car parking in the village of Blackrock itself had earlier suggested a big match, a lively crowd at the Pier Head signaling a big hurling day with a double bill in the park, the cream of Cork's hurlers on display.

Today was a day to hope rather than expect.

Blackrock were 2 points up after 10 minutes courtesy of Joe Young and Barry Hennebry, before Aisake O hAilpin leveled by the 15th aided by the strengthening easterly wind. Alan Browne added a point from a free before McGregor leveled it again. So far so good!

On the 24th minute, Aisake's penalty struck an upright and was cleared. God still on side!

25th minute, Setanta O hAilpin was introduced and within seconds had passed to Colin O'Sullivan to put Na Piarsaigh in the lead. Stephen O'Sullivan and Setanta himself added further points.

One turning point then arrived, when Wayne Sherlock collapsed injured in a Na Piarsaigh attack. The ball was initially cleared by Trevor Barry. However referee Colm McAllister allowed play to continue and when the ball was eventually returned back across the goal, Christy Connery whipped it to the net. Wayne had to depart the scene, his injured leg finally giving up to be replaced by Sean Murphy.

Alan Browne from a free and Mark Prendergast Na Piarsaighs captain and man of the match swapped points in the run in to the interval.

Blackrock had three wides but scored 1 --- 2 to leave matters after 10 minutes of the second half at Blackrock 1 --- 6 Na Piarsaigh 1 --- 7. Blackrock's goal came from Brian O'Keeffe who slammed the ball into the net after Alan Browne broke down a dropping ball. Adrian Coughlan added two points from frees.

Aisake pointed a free after a rather harsh refereeing decision against the Blackrock defence which had steadfastly refused to get out of Setantas way as he tried to burst through. It was noticeable that he did not attempt route one after that!

(See Des Barry's incredible photograph in the Examiners sports page, this is one for the hall of fame in Blackrock.)

Then a major turning point, a long floating free, after a tackle by David Cashman on Mark Predergast, by John Gardiner landed in the Blackrock square. First to the pull on the ground was Aisake, whose shot went to the left corner from close range, giving Trevor no chance. To add to Blackrock's problems John Browne was seen to limp away after this goal.

Alan Browne responded with a beautiful overhead point soon afterwards but the contest had suddenly died. Stephen O'Sullivan added a point for the northsiders. In the 25th minute a good ball from Prendergast again found Aisake who burst past Sean Murphy, and bore down on the Blackrock goal. John Browne carrying an injury could not get across and the ball billowed the net. Aidan Coughlan added three points from play, a free and a 65, in the closing minutes; however the contest in reality ended with the second goal.

Na Piarsaigh were slow to settle in this game and allowed Blackrock back into it in the second half. While much of the media will focus on the O hAilpin brothers, Mark Prendergast actually turned this game from around centre-field. His ability to win and distribute ball was a major contributory factor to many of Na Piarsaighs scores. The loss of Wayne Sherlock was immense and one wonders would any of the three Na Piarsaigh goals have come if Wayne had been around! The Cloyne defence against the Na Piarsaigh attack will be some contest in what should be a fascinating contest in the County Final. Cloyne later dethroned Newtownshandrum by a goal in the second match.

Blackrock fought hard and brave, but the odds were stacked against them in this game with several players carrying injuries. After 40 minutes there was just a point in it and Blackrock had the wind. It could have gone either way, however the Piarsaigh second goal was a real killer as it came against the run of play, Blackrock were actually attacking when the free was conceded.

This Blackrock team have given the club and its supporters some great days and in fairness could do no more on the day. From one to eighteen, (Derek Gosnell and TJ Coughlan came on for Barry Hennebry and John Browne), they fought to the final minute, none more so than Fergal Ryan. He cleared and tackled and fought for every ball, especially in the second half, when Setanta could have run riot. Assisted by Aidan Ryan and Paul McGrath, they broke up many attacks. The Rockies absolute defiance all over the field in the face of massive odds has become the hallmark of this team over the past 7 years.

Blackrock retired with dignity. The sight of John Browne hobbling out the field to the great Sean Og O hAilpin at the end to congratulate him on their well deserved victory epitomised the spirit of the day.

Roll on 2005!

Well done lads!

Blackrock Team. Trevor Barry, Chris Murphy, John Browne, Wayne Sherlock, Aidan Ryan, Fergal Ryan, Paul McGrath, Paul Tierney and Adrian Coughlan. Joe Young, Liam Meaney and Barry Hennebry, Brian O'Keeffe, Alan Browne, David Cashman. Subs; Sean Murphy, Derek Gosnell, T.J.Coughlan.