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Senior Team Reports 2005 |
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__________________________________________________ August 2005 County Senior Quarter Final. Played at Pairc Ui Chaoimh. Saturday evening August 20th 2005. Blackrock 1 --- 13 St. Finbarrs 2 --- 14. The Rockies put up a tremendous performance in this rip roaring contest before falling just short in the end. Despite being short a number of experienced players (Fergal Ryan, Alan Cummins, Joe Young and Liam Meaney) they threw everything at the Barrs and turned a 7 point deficit into a three point lead by the 15th minute of the second half. A penalty brought the Barrs back into it at that stage and the brave Rockies just could not close the gap in the run-in. At 1 --- 6 to 0 --- 2 down after 23 minutes things appeared ominous for the Church Road side, however Blackrock had enjoyed plenty possession but failed to convert some excellent chances, yet their sheer guts and determination in taking the contest to the Barrs gave grounds for optimism. A series of points Adrian Coughlan, Alan Browne and Derek Gosnell followed by a crashing goal from Gosnell in the 29th minute brought the contest to a pitch of excitement. When Barry Hennebry pointed it left the half time scores at 1 --- 6 each. The Rockies left the field to a standing ovation from their supporters. With the benefit of hindsight however a number of scores were not taken in this period and these proved crucial later. The Blackrock ploy of running directly into the heart of the Barrs defence worked perfectly and time and again the attackers broke clean through and were almost shocked at the freedom afforded them. Gearoid Cleary. Alan Browne, David Cashman and Adrian Coughlan as well as a beauty from Barry Hennebry all added points as the Rockies continued their dominance. The only reply was two points from Ronan Curran frees to leave the score at 1 --- 11 to 1 --- 8 to the Rockies after 15 minutes of the second half. This represented a ten point turnaround in 30 minutes. However the Barrs fought back and points from Kevin Murray and Rory McCarthy left a point in it with 10 minutes to go. Robert O'Mahony's jersey was pulled in the square….penalty to the Barrs, Ronan Curran was fortunate to see the ball deflected into the net. The Barrs added to the lead with a further point from Kevin Murray from a free while Cathal Mc Carthy added further points as the Blackrock defence tired. Brian O'Keeffe rifled over a further point to leave four points in it and despite several long balls into the Barrs defence, none broke kindly to the Rockies. Frank Barry brough off a wonderful save in the final minutes and was extremely confident all through the game. Coach Tom Cashman, although disappointed, was happy they had given it their best shot, although short many players who had played earlier in the championship the Rockies had made the Barrs earn their victory and had their shooting been more accurate a second surprise on the evening could very well been on the cards. (Champions Na Piarsaigh had earlier been defeated by U.C.C.). Brian O'Keeffe showed great hunger for the ball and had one of his finest games in the green and gold. Derek Gosnell had a great first half and took his goal well. Chris Murphy has settled in well, while Wayne Sherlock is back at his best. Blackrock; Frank Barry, Wayne Sherlock, John Browne, Sean Murphy, Chris Murphy, Ciaran Connery, Paul Tierney, Adrian Coughlan, T.J.Coughlan; Brian O'Keeffe,Derek Gosnell, David Cashman, Barry Hennebry, Alan Browne, Gearoid Cleary. Subs used, Aidan Ryan, Mark Russell. Scorers; Derek Gosnell 1 --- 1 Alan Browne 0 ---4 (2f). Adrian Coughlan 0 ---3 (2f, 165) Barry Hennebry 0 ---2 Brian O'Keeeffe 0 --- 1 David Cashman 0 --- 1 Gearoid Cleary 0 --- 1 __________________________________________________ May 2005 Senior Cork County Championship. First Round played at Carrigtwohill. Saturday 28th May 2005. 8pm. Blackrock 1 --- 5 Cloyne 2 --- 22. This match turned into a disaster for
Blackrock as they slumped to the largest Championship defeat for many years. The
hurt of defeat was compounded by having Wayne Sherlock and Joe Young sent off as
well. Nothing went right on the night for the Rockies while Cloyne played
exceptionally well to record a famous victory. It had started so well for Blackrock and
after 6 minutes they were 3 points to 1 ahead when Paul Tierney banged over a
fine point from about 40 yards. Blackrock did not score from play again, with
the exception of a kicked goal from Liam Meaney in the 40th minute
for the entire match. However a succession of points from the
Cloyne forwards along with a goal from Paudie O’Sullivan put the East Cork
side in the driving seat. Following a major fracas in which four yellow cards
were dished out and an intercounty player was very lucky to stay on the pitch;
Blackrock seemed subdued while Cloyne drove onwards with some lovely hurling. Frank Barry brought off a spectacular
save in the 25th minute for the Rockies, while Conor Cusack missed an
open goal when he kicked a ball over the bar from about 5 meters. The half time score was Cloyne 1 --- 11
Blackrock 0 --- 3. Things looked bad but we remembered a match against Avondhu in 99 when it was nearly as bad (1 --- 10 to 0 --- 5) and the Rockies went on to win the county. However, dreams of a fightback evaporated when Conor Cusack goaled after just 1 minute. Cloyne added a further 11 points in the second half to compound the misery. The game defies analysis from a
Blackrock viewpoint, although Chris Murphy, Alan Cummins and Frank Barry could
be happy with their performances. Nothing went right, we have to learn and move
on. For some this result represented the
third shock in an amazing week for surprises in sport, yet that doesn’t make
it less painful when you are on the receiving end. However it must be difficult
to maintain the momentum in every game and some in this team have been on the
road for 7 to 8 years. Blackrock has either been in a final or semifinal of the
County each year since 1997 (with the exception of the fluke result against
Midleton in the first round in 2000), so the players have given everything to
the Blackrock cause. These glory years, with three county titles and two other
final appearances followed that awful hammering from the Barrs in 1996, an omen
perhaps? Cloyne played very well in the confined
pitch; they are a teak tough, very fit and skillful side and will be more than a
match for the best in Cork in 2005. Blackrock now have a very difficult fixture
with the Cork Institute of Technology team in the second round. The winners of
this game will meet Delaney’s in the third round. While the media headlines
may scream of Blackrock’s “darkest hour” it is as well to remember that
the darkest hour comes before the dawn! And as sure as day follows night the
Rockies will rise again. We might have a long summer yet! Evening Echo sponsored Senior Hurling League. Played at Church Road. Sunday May 8th 2005. Blackrock 2 --- 12 Sarsfields 1 --- 13 Sars started this game in a whirlwind fashion and had 1 --- 2 on the board within 10 minutes. Adrian Coughlan with two points and Barry Hennerbry brough the Rockies back into the game. When Alan Browne was fouled in the square Adrian Coughlan goaled from the resultant penalty. Sean Coakley and Barry Hennerbry added a point each, Barrys one being a beauty. At half time it was Blackrock 1 --- 6 Sarsfields 1 --- 5. In the second half it was quite close until Garry Buckley scored a goal 5 minutes from time to give the Rockies a four point lead. Sars launched a couple of attacks but could not get the goal they needed. A valuable two points for Blackrock.
Evening Echo sponsored Senior Hurling League. Played at Newtownshandrum. Thursday May 5th 2005 Blackrock 1 --- 5 Newtownshandrum 1 --- 9 A poor match match played in bad conditions under lights. The half time score was 1 ---3 to 0 --- 3 to Blackrock with Adrian Coughlan hitting the goal in the 17th minute. With 10 minutes to go Newtown levelled the game and James Bowles added a point. Colin O’Reilly replied for the Rockies to leave it all square entering the final minutes. However a point and a goal in extra time secured victory for Newtownshandrum. Fergal Ryan, Adrian Coughlan and Brian O’Keeffe played well for the Rockies.
__________________________________________________ April 2005
Senior Hurling league results. Monday March 28th 2005. Church Road. Blackrock 1 --- 8 Killeagh 2 --- 8 Allowing for the miserable Bank Holiday evening conditions this was quite a good game of hurling. Blackrock was ahead until the final few minutes when a weak clearance wound up with Joe Deane who doesn't miss sitters. This gave Killeagh a one point lead. Two further points wrapped it up for the east Cork side. Blackrock had started well but with both Liam Meaney and Alan Cummins having to leave the field with injuries, it was always going to prove difficult. Barry Hennerbry scored a lovely individual goal in the 22nd minute to cancel out the earlier goal for Killeagh from Brendan Barry. Ian O'Driscoll played well in goal for Blackrock, while Paul Tierney worked very hard at centre field. Blackrock looked to have the points however Killeagh finished stronger.
Sunday April 3rd 2005. Castlelyons. Blackrock 2 --- 17 Castlelyons 3 --- 7 The highlight of this game was the accuracy of Adrian Coughlan from placed balls, he scored 10 points in all, nine from frees. Fergal Ryan delivered an outstanding performance displaying all the skills of hurling throughout the game. His "Ryana special" from a sideline cut showed everyone how to strike a ground ball. Sean Coakley making a welcome return scored a nice goal in the 26th minute, this contributed to the Rockies halftime lead of 6 points, 1 --- 9 to 1 --- 3. An Eamon Fitzgerald goal (he scored 2 --- 3 in all!) kept Castlelyons in the hunt but with Adrian Coughlan banging over points the Rockies stretched their lead. Colm Dorgan then fired in a third goal for Castlelyons to leave just two points in it, however a Joe Young goal cancelled out this score in the final minutes and with points from Coakley and Adrian Coughlan the Rockies gathered the two points on offer to open their account for 2005. Reports and information for 2004 and prior years - click here
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