Senior Hurling Championship

Senior County Championship.

Played at Pairc Ui Chaoimh on Sunday 13^th May 2007.

 Blackrock 0 – 12 Sarsfields 0 – 13.

The Rockies performance was summed up by three missed chances in the final three minutes to equalize. A shot from Colin O’Leary also struck the post and dropped the wrong way for Brian O’Keeffe. It was not going to their day!

Sarsfields had raced into an early lead and missed many other opportunities to put clear daylight between the teams. The half time score was Sarsfields 0 – 6 Blackrock 0 – 4  and flattered Blackrock as Sars had been the dominant team for 20 minutes.

The first and only Blackrock score from play came from David Cashman in the 18^th minute while Adrian Coughlan had put over three frees. For Sars, Kieran Murphy, Ray Ryan had scored some lovely points from out the field, while Pat Ryan was solid over the placed balls.

How Blackrock missed an open goal within seconds of the resumption will remain a cause of debate for some time? The Rockies went ahead for the first time in the 43^rd minute following points from play from Alan Browne and David Cashman. Three earlier frees from Adrian Coughlan and a point from Derek Gosnell put the Rockies in the driving seat at 0 – 10 to 0 – 8. The sides were then level at 10 points each and level at 11 points each. However John Murphy and Pat Ryan added points for the Glanmire outfit; while Adrian Coughlan pulled back one with a free.

Blackrock had chances to level but did not take them. At the final whistle Sars celebrated as if they had won the “County” while Blackrock are destined for a match with St. Catherines fixed at present for Wednesday 6^th June.

Fergal Ryan was outstanding in the half back line and again thundered forward when ever he could. Liam Meaney put in a great hour and worked hard all through. His touches and commitment resulted in several frees and breaks for other Rockies. Alan Browne and David Cashman tried hard, however nothing disguises the fact that Blackrock are over dependent on Adrian Coughlan for points from placed balls.  When luck also deserts you, it is difficult to achieve a result.

Kieran Murphy and Pat Ryan gave a plentiful supply of ball to the Sars forwards while Michael Cussin showed that he can hurl also.

Blackrock: Frank Barry, S Murphy, J Browne, Richard Curtin, Wayne Sherlock, Joe Young, Fergal Ryan, Adrian Coughlan, (0 – 8 frees) D.Gosnell, ( 0 – 1) C Murphy, Colin O’Leary, David Cashman, (0 – 2) Brian O’Keeffe, Alan Browne,(0 – 1), Liam Meaney.