Cork SHC Final: Sars defeat Midleton

Cork SHC Final

Sarsfields 2-18 Midleton 1-14

By Stephen Barry at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh

James Sweeney scored two goals as Munster champions Sarsfields regained the Cork Premier SHC title with a seven-point victory over Midleton.

The Glanmire side had lost the crown last year to divisional side Imokilly before embarking on a remarkable voyage to the All-Ireland final.

That made this success all the sweeter as Sars were always in control to collect the eighth title in their history.

Jack O’Connor’s five points steered them back to safety any time Midleton cut the gap to four. The county man was rewarded with the man of the match award.

This triumph was also tinged with emotion as Conor O’Sullivan’s acceptance speech dedicated the trophy to club great Ray Ryan, who passed away in February. Their Munster defence will begin away to the Limerick or Waterford champions next month.

Midleton were severely hampered by semi-final Achilles injuries sustained by joint-captain and free-taker Conor Lehane as well as influential full-back Eoin Moloney. They laboured for scores into the breeze, waiting almost 19 minutes for their first point, while dropping a handful of attempts short.

Sars weren’t much more free-flowing in a tepid start. Colm McCarthy converted the first of six first-half frees, but missed two more. After a poor Cian Darcy shot for goal was controlled by Bríon Saunderson, Barry O’Flynn tacked on their second point.

Midleton got a major boost in the 11th minute. Donal English’s handpass was swooped upon by Evan McGrath, and with goalkeeper Ben Graham leaving the goal vacated, the rookie rolled the sliotar into the net.

Sars hit back with the next 1-3. Two McCarthy frees and O’Connor’s opener were followed by the goal. Cillian Roche was out in front to win the sliotar, the jet-heeled Darcy skinned his marker before laying off for Sweeney to blast low to the net from 20 yards out. The favourites led 1-5 to 1-0.

Midleton got motoring with points from Cormac Beausang and Cormac Walsh, but Sars replied with three of their own through Killian Murphy and two more McCarthy placed balls.

In between, both sides forced the keepers into saves. Graham denied Patrick White’s lacklustre effort before the Sars counter ended with Saunderson blocking McCarthy’s drive.

Mikey Finn and McCarthy traded frees before O’Connor flicked a final goal chance of the half wide. His side led 1-9 to 1-3 at half-time.

McCarthy and O’Connor padded that lead out to eight before the Midleton resistance kicked in. Clare-native Killian McDermott pointed before a pair of placed balls from Finn. The latter followed Beausang’s fierce strike at goal, which Graham diverted around the post.

The Magpies came even closer moments later. Alex Quirke swept the ball past the keeper, only for captain O’Sullivan to whip it off the goalline.

Sars stabilised with points from McCarthy and Darcy, but another couple of missed frees from McCarthy and Daniel Hogan gave Midleton a lifeline. Finn’s brace and a White point trimmed the gap to four.

O’Connor had to stay patient through a couple of wides before landing a quickfire double.

When frees from Finn and Saunderson’s 120-yard missile cut the gap again, O’Connor popped up with the next score.

Beausang pointed, but Sars replied with interest through Hogan and Shane O’Regan.

Midleton went for goals late on as Luke O’Farrell flashed wide and Finn’s free was saved, but it was Sars who got the killer blow. Again, Roche played a part by sending the long ball to Sweeney, who turned inside to bounce home.

Scorers for Sarsfields: Colm McCarthy 0-8 (7fs), James Sweeney 2-0, Jack O’Connor 0-5, Daniel Hogan, Killian Murphy, Cian Darcy, Barry O’Flynn, Shane O’Regan 0-1 each.

Scorers for Midleton: Mikey Finn 0-7 (5fs, 1 65), Evan McGrath 1-0, Killian McDermott (1 65), Cormac Beausang 0-2 each, Bríon Saunderson (f), Cormac Walsh, Patrick White 0-1 each.

Sarsfields: Ben Graham; Conor O’Sullivan, Cillian Roche, Donal English; Craig Leahy, Bryan Murphy, Luke Elliott; Daniel Kearney, Killian Murphy; Cian Darcy, Jack O’Connor, Daniel Hogan; Barry O’Flynn, James Sweeney, Colm McCarthy.

Subs: Shane O’Regan for McCarthy (53), Bed Nodwell for O’Flynn (57), Eoghan Murphy for Elliott (60+1).

Midleton: Bríon Saunderson; Ciarmhac Smyth, Luke Dineen, Séadhnaidh Smyth; Tommy O’Connell, Tadhg O’Leary-Hayes, Ross O’Regan; Cormac Beausang, Mikey Finn; Cormac Walsh, Alex Quirke, Killian McDermott; Patrick White, David Cremin, Evan McGrath.

Subs: Luke O’Farrell for Cremin (41), Paul Connaughton for O’Regan (46), Seán O’Meara for Walsh (49), Killian Burke for O’Meara (57, inj), Paul Haughney for White (60).

Referee: C Lyons (Nemo Rangers).