Congratulations to Carrigtwohill and Bandon, County Senior and Intermediate Hurling Champions respectively.

Senior Hurling Final

Carrigtwohill 0-15 CIT 1-11

Carrigtwohill withstood a second-half rally from CIT to claim the Seán Óg Murphy Cup for the first time since 1918! Veteran Seánie O'Farrell came off the bench to score the winning point, sealing a fairytale victory for the East Cork side.

Having got off to a strong start, Carrigtwohill led by 0-3 to 0-1 after ten minutes, before Colm Casey's goal out CIT into a narrow lead. However, Carrigtwohill fought back to lead 0-8 to 1-3 at half time.

The students started the second half brightly and the game was level after 34 minutes, 0-9 to 1-6 before CIT top scorer Lorcán McLaughlin put them into a narrow lead in the 38th minute. A fantastic 43rd minute point for man-of-the-match Niall McCarthy drew the sides level again, and with 16 minutes remaining, Michael Fitzgerald put them ahead, 0-12 to 1-8. CIT fought back, however, and with four minutes to go, Lorcán McLoughlin levelled it again, 0-14 to 1-11. However, Carrigtwohill veteran and second half substitute Seánie O'Farrell held his nerve to put his side ahead by a single point with just one minute remaining, and this proved to be the winning score.

Carrigtwohill scorers: Michael Fitzgerald 0-6, Tomás Hogan and Robert White 0-3 each, Niall McCarthy 0-2, Seán O'Farrell 0-1

CIT Scorers: Lorcán McLoughlin 0-5, Colm Casey 1-0, Tommy Quaid, David Drake, John Cronin, Pat O'Connor, Tony Murphy 0-1 each 

For more photos from today's finals, see the Image Gallery under Multimedia above - with thanks to Denis O'Flynn 

93 years in the making: Carrigtwohill's magical day

Carrigtwohill 0-15 Cork IT 1-11
By Fintan O'Toole
Monday, October 03, 2011
THROUGHOUT the year Carrigtwohill have been confounding expectations, so why should yesterday be different?
The tag of outsiders has rested easily on the East Cork village and that was demonstrated again in Páirc Uí Chaoimh as they overturned the student challenge from Cork IT to secure a fantastic victory in the Cork senior hurling final.

In a heart-stopping finale, two evenly-matched teams battled ferociously to find a match-winner and it was Carrig substitute Seanie O'Farrell who popped up with a momentous point with less than a minute on the clock. Carrig defending resiliently in injury-time to protect their lead and set in motion remarkable scenes of celebration as the club's first crown at this grade in 93 years was received rapturously.

It is an astonishing achievement by Carrigtwohill. They only clambered up from the Premier intermediate ranks four years ago and have been accustomed to white-knuckle rides to avoid relegation. But 2011 has seen them pen a different script. The shrewd installation of Lismore native James O'Connor as manager helped create an environment in which the players could prosper and they responded accordingly by stringing together a series of magnificent victories.

The fairytale feel to their glory was encapsulated in the tale of their scoring star O'Farrell. An All-Ireland minor hurling winner with Cork in 1995, O'Farrell has been lauded as a hero at club level before with his brilliant three-goal haul proving pivotal to Carrigtwohill's premier intermediate final win in 2007. But those achievements were dwarfed by his feat yesterday. After a year where injuries have restricted the amount of game-time he has been exposed to, O'Farrell displayed the sharpness when sprung from the bench to lob over the score that ensured this would be an historical magical afternoon for his club.

O'Farrell commanded headlines for his closing contribution but it was Carrigtwohill's most decorated player Niall McCarthy who garnered the attention for the influence he exerted on the entire game. From the off, McCarthy hurled with a manic intensity, a man clearly intent on succeeding in his first county senior final with his club.

The energy and leadership he brought to his game was reflected in the numerous outstanding blocks he made when chasing CIT players on the attack and the pair of sparkling points he swung over from the left wing early in the second-half.

McCarthy's performance set the standard and the rest of the Carrigtwohill team responded in style.

Their route to this final has been defined by their ability to chisel out victories in tight situations and that manifested itself again yesterday. They have embodied the ethos of a team with everyone pitching in. Despite being shorn of stars like Jason Barrett and Seamus O'Farrell through long-term injuries, they have defended superbly this year with Noel Furlong, Colm O'Connell and Pat O'Sullivan to the fore in shutting down a richly talented CIT attack.

Midfield duo Daniel O'Mahony and Sean Flannery, who signed off in style as he heads off travelling around the world today, ensured CIT were never in control of that sector while up front there was an array of leading performers.

Vice-captain Mickey ‘Da' Fitzgerald was exceptional as he notched six point, Tomás Hogan landed some pressure frees while Robert White was a constant threat at corner-forward, with his standout moment being a stunning 5th minute point from the sideline.

Carrigtwohill's ability to settle early on was key as they set out the patterns of the match.

They forced the issue in the first-half to lead 0-8 to 1-3 at the interval with Fitzgerald starring in the scoring stakes.

CIT struggled to replicate the dazzling form that had blitzed teams in previous rounds with their forwards finding it difficult to punch holes in the Carrigtwohill rearguard. That was reflected in the fact that their captain Lorcan McLoughlin, who had a wonderful game, was their only player to register more than a point.

They did manage to raise the solitary green flag of the afternoon in the 13th minute when Colm Casey powerfully cut in from the right wing and finished with assurance past William McCarthy in the Carrigtwohill goal.

And then after that indifferent opening half display, CIT produced some excellent passages of play early in the second-half. Eoin Dillon was anchoring their defensive effort with John O'Callaghan also extremely solid. The introduction of Clare senior Patrick O'Connor and Carrigaline attacker Tony Murphy from the bench boosted their display further.

They struck five of the first six points after the interval with John Cronin, David Drake, O'Connor and McLoughlin (2) all on target. That edged them into a 1-8 to 0-9 lead and all the signs pointed to CIT starting to become the game's superior force. It was a critical juncture in the game and a genuine test that Carrigtwohill needed to face.They answered those questions emphatically with their big guns in attack, White, McCarthy and Fitzgerald all grabbing vital points to restore their lead by the 47th minute.

CIT never folded and fought hard to alter the direction the game was travelling in but it was O'Farrell's late show that won the day.

Scorers for Carrigtwohill: M Fitzgerald 0-6 (0-2f), T Hogan (0-2f, 0-1 ‘65), R White 0-3 each, N McCarthy 0-2, S O'Farrell 0-1.

Scorers for Cork IT: L McLoughlin 0-5 (0-2f, 0-2 65), C Casey 1-0, J Cronin, D Drake, M O'Sullivan, T Quaid (0-1f), T Murphy (0-1f), P O'Connor 0-1 each.

Subs for Carrigtwohill: S O'Farrell for Kidney (47), B Lordan for Hogan (58).

Subs for Cork IT: P O'Connor for Kelly (half-time), T Murphy for Quaid (37), J Sheehan for Drake (47), K Hallissey for O'Sullivan (53).

Referee: Colm Lyons (Nemo Rangers)

Read more: http://examiner.ie/sport/gaa/93-years-in-the-making-carrigtwohills-magical-day-169448.html#ixzz1ZhFrhqPSIntermediate Hurling Final

Bandon 2-14 Fr. O'Neill's 0-7

Congratulations to Bandon, who had an emphatic win over Fr. O'Neill's in the day's first final.

This was a disappointingly one-sided game, despite a strong start from Fr. O'Neill's, who led by 0-3 to 0-1 after 11 minutes through points from Luke Swayne, Niall Griffin and Billy Murphy. However, it was to be the second minute of the second half before O'Neill's scored again, while Roy Payne, Darren Crowley and Ronan Crowley extended Bandon's lead to six by half time, 0-9 to 0-3.

Bandon's dominance continued in the second half, and two goals from Jason McCarthy sounded the death-knell for the Fr. O'Neill's challenge. Bandon ran out comfortable winners in the end, 2-14 to 0-7. Centre-back Donagh Lucey was named man-of-the-match. 

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The first of the year's big finals will be played at Páirc Uí Chaoimh today, October 2nd, when Carrigtwohill and CIT meet for the first time ever in the County Senior Hurling Final at 3.45pm. The County Intermediate Hurling Final, between Bandon and Fr. O'Neill's, will precede the Senior game at 2pm. A great day out is guaranteed!

Post your good luck messages for the four finalists on our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/OfficialCorkGAA.

Admission for today's finals will be as follows: €20 (Covered Stand), €18 (Uncovered Stand & terrace), €10 (students and OAPs with ID), and as always U16s are free (those who have not yet reached their 16th birthday).

Both games will be broadcast live on C103 and we'll have regular updates here on the website and on our Twitter page at http://twitter.com/#!/OfficialCorkGAA

*You'll find photos from this year's Championships in the Photo Gallery under Multimedia above, and Rolls of Honour for all our Championships in the History section.

Clár an Lae
Programme of events (All times approximate)
1.30pm Live Music - Carrigaline
2pm      IHC Final Throw-in
2.30pm Half-time mini-games: Fr. O'Neill's and Bandon
3.20pm Presentation of Paddy Walsh Cup
3.40pm Parade; Amhrán na bhFiann - Karen Long (Douglas)
3.45pm SHC Final Throw-in
4.15pm Presentation of Midleton 1986 team
            Half-time mini-games: Carrigaline and Carrigtwohill
5pm Presentation of Seán Óg Murphy Cup

Final Previews

Carrigtwohill Sit Their Final Exam Against CIT  Declan Barron (East Cork Journal) previews Sundays Final This Sunday October 2nd will be a huge day in East Cork as both Carrigtwohill and Fr O'Neill's journey to Páirc Uí Chaoimh in search of County Final success. When the draw for this year's senior hurling championship was made few if indeed any would have predicted the final pairing, yet both Carrigtwohill and CIT are certainly here on merit and both have defeated many of the fancied sides in this year's competition.   Household names such as Sarsfields, Newtownshandrum, Glen Rovers and Erin's Own would have been put forward as the most likely finalists, yet Carrigtwohill and CIT both have reached the final through the front door, with four wins each under their belt. CIT have been hugely impressive to date and they will probably hold the favourites tag going into Sunday's decider. Carrigtwohill too have grown in stature throughout this campaign and they are in with a serious chance of bringing the Sean OG Murphy Cup home for just the second time in their history. For CIT victory would be a first success for the college so they too have a lot riding on the outcome.

CIT are a side that is full of natural hurlers and being all in the one place at this moment in time will help their preparations no end. While all of their players assist their clubs they are able to come together in college for collective sessions and Keith Ricken and the backroom team will have them well focussed for what will be a big test for these young players.

The CIT side while very young has players who have graced the biggest stage so Sunday's final will hold no fear for them. Players such as Ross Cashman, Eoin Dillon, Lorcain McLoughlin, John Cronin, David Drake, Simon O'Brien, Michael O'Sullivan and Aidan Walsh have all worn the Cork jersey in different grades so they are all serious operators. In addition the CIT panel is very strong and their bench is full of useful hurlers who can be called upon if needed.
Key Players
In a county final every player is a key player in many respects yet the performance of the Goalkeeper, Centre back and full forward positions will be key contests in this final. William McCarthy has done well for Carrig yet so too have Kevin Roche for CIT between the posts, yet I feel that McCarthy may have the edge with his use of the puck out.
At full back Carrigtwohill have had to mix and match as the occasion arose with Pat Sullivan, Andrew Garde and Ronan Power all stepping into the breach and on Sunday they could have their biggest test to date, CIT have scored nine goals so far so to keep a clean sheet just as they did against Midleton would go a long way to helping the Carrigtwohill cause. Ross Cashman has done well for CIT at full back and his battle with Mick Fitzgerald or Robert White could be decisive in terms of the outcome as if the Carrig duo can get scores then they can reap the reward with success on the day.
At centre back Noel Furlong is likely to face Colm Casey for CIT and here I think the Carrig man can come out on top. Again at the other end I believe that Niall McCarthy is capable of getting the better of Eoin Dillon, but it could be an unsung hero such as Stephen Kidney, or Liam Forde that could come up trumps.
Free taking will also be crucial and in that regard Tomas Hogan, Mick Fitzgerald and Niall McCarthy will be the key players for Carrigtwohill while Lorcain McLoughlin from distance and Tommy Quaid is the CIT sharpshooters. If Carrigtwohill can stop the flow of possession to the speedy David Drake and Simon O'Brien and curb the aerial ability of Aidan Walsh then they will be well on their way to a second title.

Intermediate Final: Fr O'Neill's looking for a repeat of 2007 Declan Barron previews Sunday's Final The Intermediate hurling final which precedes the senior showpiece should give early comers an exciting game as it brings Fr O'Neill's and Bandon into opposition in the final. In 2007 the East Cork side claimed the title at the expense of Bandon who will be seeking revenge for that loss. In 2007 that win was the catalyst for a great winter for Fr O'Neill's who went on to win Munster and all Ireland glory.

On this occasion they will gladly settle for a county title and if they play to their potential they are well capable of coming out on top. Fr O'Neill's have put up some impressive scores on their way to this final, yet they have scraped home on a number of occasions. Bandon too have been put to the pin of their collar on occasion and they too have ridden their luck at times, especially in the drawn match against Aghada.
Both sides have some fine hurlers in their ranks so we should be in for a high scoring game. Fr O'Neill's have been doing better in terms of scoring goals in particular and this could be a decisive factor, were it to continue in the final. In this campaign Bandon have played three games and a replay with victories over East Cork sides St Catherine's and Aghada while Fr O'Neill's would appear to have had the tougher route defeating Meelin, Ballygarvan and Milford on route to the final.
For Bandon, James McSweeney has done well in goal, while Philip Crowley, Joe Burke and James O'Donovan have been good in front of him. The Bandon half back line is made up of Eoin O'Sullivan who is the team captain, Darren Crowley who took over from Donough Lucey, who may start here with Kieran Hurley likely to complete this line. At midfield Charles Dullea and Joseph Harrington have done well while I attack, Mark Sugrue, Niall O'Rourke and Jason Hickey are a strong running half forward line. Inside them Jason McCarthy, Roy Payne and talisman Ronan Crowley will take a lot of watching as Teddy McCarthy will try to plot the downfall of Fr O'Neill's.
The East Cork side will have nine of the side that were successful in 2007 on the starting fifteen with goalkeeper Paul Colbert again between the sticks. Outside him new corner backs John Thomas Gould and John Barry will flank team captain John O'Mahony. The half back line will see John O'Driscoll, Podge Butler and Tommy Lawton most likely start, although Eoghan McCarthy could also be deployed in defence after a great second half in the semi final. At midfield Jer O'Leary and Eoghan McCarthy will most likely start the game together while in attack converted defender Billy Murphy, Quinten Higgins and William Joyce will be in the half forward line. Inside them Robert Cullinane, Eoin Conway and Eddie Holland have all done well to date and with a good supply of possession are all well capable of getting scores. Luke Swayne and Niall Griffin came off the bench in the semi final win against Milford and they could come in again on Sunday.

Scroll down for lots, lots more! 

What A Funny Year!  Jim O'Sullivan FORGET about the fact that nobody at the start of the season could have predicted a Carrigtwohill/Cork Institute of Technology pairing in next Sunday's final of the county senior hurling championship. Go back two weeks, to the semi-finals in Páirc Uí Chaoimh when the students lined up against Newtownshandrum and Carrigtwohill took on Midleton in the other and even then it could hardly have been anticipated. Along the way we had some other unexpected results. Holders Sarsfields were knocked out by Newtown and Cloyne were surprisingly eliminated by Carrigtwohill after they had snatched a dramatic victory over Glen Rovers. And then we had what amounted to a Newtownshandrum capitulation against CIT on a scoreline of 3-15 to 1-7, to be followed by fancied Midleton being shocked by neighbours and close rivals Carrigtwohill.

For the East Cork side - inspired by Niall McCarthy - qualification represents significant progress from victory in the Premier Intermediate championship in 2007 and relegation battles in two of the last three years.

Outside of Third-Level competitions, GAA Development Officer Keith Ricken - and his predecessor John Meyler - can take a lot of pride in what has been achieved by CIT teams in the county championship after college teams found it difficult to make an impact from the time they first affiliated in 1995. And that was 20 years after the hurling club had been established in what was then Cork Regional College.
Now, they can boast of 18 All-Ireland senior hurling medals won by graduates with Cork and a further six by Kilkenny natives, including three by members of this year's winning team - Jackie Tyrrell, Michael Fennelly and Colin Fennelly (expected to be part of their squad on Sunday).
A fortnight ago they won a lot of admirers for the impressive way they set about dismantling the Newtown challenge before going on to beat them by a remarkable 14 points margin. That team included just one player from outside Cork, corner-forward Tommy Quaid - son of the late, lamented Limerick goalkeeper of the same name - who, incidentally won a Limerick intermediate championship medal with his home club Effin at the week-end. Overall, it features a wide representation of players from around the county with the likes of Eoin Dillon and team captain Lorcan McLoughlin to the forefront.
For Carrigtwohill, it means a first appearance in the final since 1937 (when Glen Rovers won the fourth title in their record eight-in-a-row) and for those among their supporters who will be travelling long distances to attend, the hope will be that the occasion will inspire them. However, based on the respective semi-final performances, the neutral view would appear to indicate a win for CIT.

Club Focus: CIT Having played in the Cork County Championships since 1995, CIT are appearing in their first ever County Senior Hurling Final on Sunday, a historic occasion for the college side. No less than 17 former CIT hurlers have won All-Ireland medals with Cork (see below for details), while current Cork stars Aidan Walsh, Lorcán McLoughlin and Eoin Dillon feature on this year's panel. Club Colours: Red and white hoops

The History of CIT Student Hurling Club

As befits a County with Cork's tradition in Gaelic Games, GAA has occupied a central role in the development of sport in the Cork Institute of Technology. The Cork Regional technical College as it was formally known until its change of title in 1997, first occupied its Bishopstown campus in September 1974. The new college buildings were officially opened by that great Cork GAA exponent Mr. Jack Lynch, Taoiseach of the day, in December 1977.
A student GAA football team had been formed in 1975 and the hurling team commenced playing activities in 1976. The staff of the RTC also had an active GAA club competing in the Cork Inter-firm hurling and football leagues and championships and although the Inter-Firm Football had great success, there was a very keen hurling interest in particular when it came to Staff versus student matches. These were a regular feature in those early RTC formative years and all we can say with certainty was that Academic or previous sporting achievements were no guarantee of respect or survival in those feisty encounters!!
Success in hurling though was achieved quickly by the student hurling team with a Ryan Cup victory in 1977. Starring for RTC that day were Cork Senior Pat Horgan and John Dillon (whose son Eoin is was club chairman from 2008-11, and full back on those year's Fitzgibbon teams). Offaly's Aidan Fogarty was captain of the defeated NIHE Limerick (now University of Limerick) team.
RTC Cork gained promotion to Div.1 in 1979 after an extraordinary Div.2 final in Limerick against RTC Galway. The final score in a thrilling match that went to extra time was RTC Cork 2-26, RTC Galway 6-13. The unique feature of this game is the fact that John Cremin of the St. Finbarr's club in Cork scored a total of 1-21. This is a record for a Comhairle Ardoideachais match. A special inscribed tankard was subsequently presented to John in recognition if this historic achievement.
Life in Div.1 of the hurling league was a topsy turvy affair with regular demotion and promotion over the various years. However since 1993 we have managed to retain our Div.1 status and have been competing in the Fitzgibbon since 1995. CIT have yet to taste ultimate success in this prestigious competition. We have had many near misses especially in the 2003 final against our nemesis WIT. This was the first ever all IT Fitzgibbon final.
We have however, recorded a number of Fresher and Intermediate Success over the last number of years and many of these players are now the back bone of the Fitzgibbon and County Championship Sides and indeed Cork U21 and Senior Squads. Although our appearances in the Fresher Finals are now a more frequent affair, they are not our first successes at this level. Indeed back in 1991 RTC completed a historic double winning football and hurling championships over UCC. The star of this unique double was Brian Corcoran, later to distinguish himself as one of Cork's greatest dual players.
The CIT Student Hurling Club also prides itself in playing in the Cork County Senior Championship. Although neighbouring College UCC can boast of an involvement in this championship since their inception, CIT's entry into the competition in 1995 has added further to the development of the strong GAA tradition that now exists in the campus. While we have yet to take ultimate honours in this renowned hurling contest, we have certainly grown from our early exploits in the nineties into a club that offer predominately young Cork based players an opportunity to play, develop and experience a competition that is worthy of any badge of honour. CIT hurling club has given this wonderful championship the effort and the respect that it commands from all who play in it and will do so as long as the hurling people of Cork invite us.
When RTC Cork first opened its campus, the sport's facilities were both limited and rather unusual, consisting of 2 tennis courts and a hockey pitch. Through the far sighted and enlightened efforts of individuals such as Director Dr. Pat Kelleher and then Registrar Brendan Goggin, land was purchased which allowed for the development of the modern sports facilities now available to all codes. Today, thanks to the continued support and backing of the Institutes authorities, we now have 3 GAA pitches-fully floodlit, the main one serviced by a 1100 seated stadium, dressing rooms, medical and meeting rooms to the highest standards all which are regularly used by the wider GAA community for games and underage development.
This development as well as the appointment of John Meyler in 1992 and Keith Ricken in 2000 as GAA development officers gave a further impetus to the development and structuring of the GAA in CIT. Where once we were happy to field teams, structures are now set in place and the club is functioning in as a model of that which is envisaged by Cumann Luth-Cleas Geal. We now field teams in all Comhairle Ardoideachais competitions and are also honoured with playing in the Cork Senior Hurling and Football championships. All these development increased the financial burden on CIT GAA and we were relieved and delighted with the sponsorship provided by industrial giant EMC Ireland Ltd. This multinational company already had a strong relationship with CIT over the years through student placement and graduate employment. Hence this sponsorship was both a relevant and welcome development.
Today CIT Student GAA Club has a vibrant club structure which works consistently year after year ensuring that no stone is left unturned both on and off the field of play. It continues to capture the imagination of the students who attend our institute as it has for the huge numbers that have worn the red and white hoops since 1975.

CIT Hurling Club National Successes 

1977 Ryan Cup 1980 Ryan Cup  1989 Ryan Cup  1991 Fresher 1  1992 Fresher 1  1993 Division 2 1999 Division 1  1978 Division 3  1979 Division 2

1999 Intermediate Championship  2001 Intermediate Championship 2001 Fresher 2 2003 Intermediate Championship  2005 Junior Championship  2006 Intermediate Championship 2008 Fresher 1 Championship 2009 Fresher 1 Championship

CIT Graduates who won Senior Hurling All Ireland Medals

Cork (17) John Hodgkins, Jim Cashman, Sean McCarthy, David Quirke, Denis Walsh, Barry Egan
Kevin Hennessy, Kevin Murray, Brian Corcoran, Donal Og Cusack, Ronan Curran, Martin Coleman, John Gardiner, Brian Murphy, Anthony Nash, Pat Mulcahy, Kieran Murphy
Kilkenny (6) Pat O Neill, Philly Larkin, Aidan Fogarty, Jackie Tyrell, Michael Fennelly, Colin Fennelly
Tipperary (1) Eugene O Neill 

Player Profile: Brendan Withers Club: Banteer/CIT Date of Birth: 30th May 1990 Height: 5ft 11" Weight: 12st Occupation: Student (4th Year Mechanical Engineering) Honours Won: 1 All Ireland Fresher "A" Medal, 1 All Ireland VEC Medal with Cork, 1 County U21 Hurling C'ship (Duhallow 2009), 1 Duhallow JAFC Medal (Lyre), 1 Duhallow U21A FC Medal (Lyre), Duhallow U16, Minor and U21 Hurling C'Ship Medals, Member of Cork Intermediate and U21 panels 2011

When and where did you first play hurling? At home as a 5 year old with a hurley that was taller than me

Who was the biggest influence on your sporting career? My father

What has been your greatest moment in sport? Winning U21 County with Duhallow in 2009

What has been your biggest disappointment? Losing to Limerick U21 this year

Who is the greatest player you have ever seen? Henry Shefflin, followed closely by Brian Corcoran

If there was a transfer market in hurling, who would you buy? Shefflin, Padraic Maher, Tommy Walsh

Best hurling memory outside of playing: Watching Cork win the All Ireland in 2004

Favourite sport other than hurling: Badminton

Describe your typical training week: Club Training Tuesday, Wednesday and usually a match at the weekend, CIT training/match Thursdays, 3 to 4 mornings a week spent in the gym

Best book read or film seen: Book: Lance Armstrong's Autobiography, Film: "Taken"

Best concert or gig you've ever attended: Eminem @ Oxegen 2010

When I was a child I wanted to be: A Pilot

How do you relax away from sport? By watching sport!

Person that you would most like to meet: Eva Mendes, Lance Armstrong

What does your club mean to you? Club is everything, Its where you develop as a player and as a person

Marooned on a desert island what could you not do without? The blackberry

In ten years time I hope to be: Contesting and winning a county Senior Hurling Final with Banteer!

Path to the Final: CIT
CIT 3-15 Imokilly 2-12 (Colleges/Divisions Knockout Round)
CIT 2-17 Erin's Own 3-11 (Round 4)
CIT 1-16 Bride Rovers 2-10 (Quarter-Final)
CIT 3-15 Newtownshandrum 1-7 (Semi-Final)

Website Poll - What YOU Think!

As part of our build up to the final, we ran a poll on the website to see who you think will win Sunday's games - the results make for interesting reading!

Senior Hurling: The vast majority of respondents to our poll see CIT as clear favourites for this one, with only a tiny percentage predicting a draw.
Intermediate Hurling: This one seems harder to call, with a slight majority favouring Bandon to overcome Fr. O'Neill's.

Senior Hurling Final The Cup Seán Óg Murphy Cup - Senior Hurling Championship  A native of Cork city, Sean Og Murphy (1897-1956) played hurling for Blackrock and football for Nils. He won three All-Ireland medals with Cork and served as secretary of Cork County Board from until his death in 1956.

Club Focus: Carrigtwohill

The East Cork club is bidding for a first County Senior title since 1918, when they defeated Blackrock, but they have experienced more recent success, winning the Premier Intermediate Final in 2007. Inspired by Cork hurler, Niall McCarthy, they will be hoping to bring the Seán Óg Murphy Cup to Carrigtwohill for the second time on Sunday. Club Colours: Blue and gold Club website:  http://www.carrigtwohillgaa.com/index.html

Player Profile: Brian Lordan (Captain)

Age: 27
Height: 5ft 10 inches
Weight: 12.5 Stone (mostly muscle)

When and where did you first play hurling: U8 - in Flannery's back garden next door

Best career advice you were given: "You get out what you put in "

What skill do you think is the most important in hurling: Ability to read the game - vision

What would you like to change about the game: Nothing - when you're winning!

Favourite sport other than hurling: Mountain biking

When I was a child I wanted to be.... An engineer! (still do!)

Best hurling memory outside of playing: All Ireland finals with parents - early 90's.

Best hurling memory as a player: Intermediate County Final 2007

You may not know it, but I'm good at.... rehabilitation

Who is the greatest player you have seen: Henry Shefflin

Person you would most like to meet: Mickey Harte - Tyrone manager

Marooned on a desert island what could you not be without: My ipod

Niall McCarthy - Long Family Tradition With Senior Finals From Carrigtwohill website: http://www.carrigtwohillgaa.com/index.html  When Carrig line up for the final of the 2011 Cork County Senior Hurling Championship, they will be contesting their eighth senior decider, spanning three centuries and virtually the entire life-span of the GAA in Cork.  An unbroken tradition of involvement in the club's affairs runs in many families from day one to the present day. However, when Niall McCarthy lines out with his team mates against CIT, he will be continuing a direct family link, spanning five generations, with all eight final appearances by the club. This must surely be a unique record in the history of this great championship.

When Carrig lost to Blackrock in the 1889 final by 2-4 to 1-0, their line-out included Michael ‘Major' Kennedy, Niall's great-great grandfather, who played a significant role within the club for many decades both on and off the field.
In 1898 when Carrig contested their second final the team included Danny McCarthy, Niall's great grandfather. Blackrock, who dominated Cork hurling in the early years, were again the opposition and won by 2-9 to 0-3. Danny was later to marry ‘Major' Kennedy's daughter Bridgie.
Carrig won their only senior county championship to date in 1918, when they gained revenge on Blackrock by winning 4-1 to 1-7. The team was captained by Billy Kennedy and included his brother Jimmy ‘Major' Kennedy at full forward, who scored the winning goal. They were great granduncles of Niall's. Jimmy was one of Cork's all time great full forwards. Following Carrig's success in 1918, he went on to captain Cork to All-Ireland glory in 1919, after a 16 year wait.
A remarkably consistent Carrig team qualified for four senior hurling finals in the 1930s. In 1932 St. Finbarrs won 5-3 to 4-4, and in the '33 decider Carrig drew with the same opponents before losing the replay 6-6 to 5-0. Carrig turned the tables on the Barrs in the 1935 semi-final, but the final against Glen Rovers was not played due to the County Board's refusal to agree to Carrig's request for a postponement because so many players were injured. In 1937 Glen Rovers had a decisive 3-5 to 1-0 victory to complete the fourth leg of a record eight county titles in a row. Danny McCarthy, Niall's grandfather, was on the team for all four finals, and his granduncle, Mickey McCarthy, (famous hurley-maker) was on the team for three finals, '32, '33 and '35.

Carrigtwohill: Path to the Final Carrigtwohill 1-13 Ballinhassig 0-14 (Round 1) Carrigtwohill 0-16 Muskerry 1-10 (Round 4)  Carrigtwohill 1-20 Cloyne 3-12 (Quarter-Final)  Carrigtwohill 1-10 Midleton 0-10 (Semi-Final) For details on all games, see http://www.carrigtwohillgaa.com/adult/final11_runin.html

Man in the Middle: Colm Lyons From the Nemo Rangers club in Cork City, primary school teacher Colm Lyons takes charge of his first County SHC Final on Sunday, though he has refereed a number of finals at other grades and is on the inter-county panel. In 2009, he was selected to referee the Munster Minor Hurling Final. We asked him for some thoughts on refereeing - see below!

Refereeing Début: Under 16 Hurling between Brian Dillons and St. Finbarrs

When and where did you first begin refereeing? I began refereeing Sciath na Scol matches and having enjoyed them I attended an official referees course in January 2003.

Who was the biggest influence on your career as a ref? I've got great guidance from a lot of people, but the referee courses and in-service courses run here in Cork by John Motherway are second to none. John has a great knowledge of the games and always has some good pointers to give.

What has been your greatest moment in sport? Refereeing the Munster Minor Hurling Final in 2009.

What has been your biggest disappointment? Thankfully as regards refereeing I've been very fortunate so far and get great satisfaction being involved as a match official. Being dropped for a Junior B league final did hit a sore point with me a few years ago though!!

Who is the greatest player you have ever seen? Hard call between Henry Shefflin and Brian Corcoran.

Who is the referee that you admire most? I admire any referee who has the courage to put a whistle in his mouth. John Moloney (RIP) Tipperary managed to referee at inter-county level in both codes.

If you could change any rule of the game, what would it be? I think the rules of hurling are just fine the way they are, however I'd like the sin-bin rule to be given a chance, as I think it would cut out a lot of foul play.

Favourite sport other than GAA: Athletics, especially middle distance and long distance running.

Best book read or film seen: ‘Fidel and Che' by Simon Reid-Henry is a fascinating read, while another great read is ‘Hurling, The Revolution Years' by Denis Walsh.

Best concert or gig you've ever attended: Coldplay concert in Toronto.

When I was a child I wanted to be: able to fly and hurl like John Fenton.

How do you relax away from sport? Going for a nice meal with my wife.

Person that you would most like to meet: Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh

Marooned on a desert island what could you not do without? MacGuyver

In ten years time I hope to be: healthy, happy and still blowing my whistle!

Remember to check in regularly for more build-up - match previews tomorrow!! 

Club Focus: Fr. O'Neill's Fr. O'Neill's, County Junior Champions in 2005, were winners of this title in 2007, interestingly defeating Bandon in that year's final, but suffered mixed fortunes since. Having been relegated just last year, they will hope for a speedy return to the Premier ranks. They have also had a successful year at underage level, recently winning the County Premier 2 Minor Hurling Final. Club Colours: Green and red Club Website: http://froneillsgaa.com/

Player Profile: Ger O'Leary Club: Fr. O' Neill's Date of Birth: 23rd March 1986 Height: 5'10" Weight: 12st Occupation: Delivery Driver Honours Won: 1 All Ireland Intermediate Hurling, 1 All-Ireland Junior Hurling, 1 Munster Minor Hurling, 1 Munster Under-21 Hurling, 1 Munster Intermediate Hurling, 1 County Intermediate hurling, 1 Munster Junior Hurling, 1 County Junior Hurling, 4 East Cork Junior Hurling, 2 East Cork Under-21 hurling, East Cork Junior Football.

When and where did you first play hurling? Dick Lane Shield in Aghavine in 1996.



Who was the biggest influence on your sporting career? 
My family



What has been your greatest moment in sport? Walking up the steps in Croke Park with my club mates after winning the All Ireland Junior Hurling Final

What has been your biggest disappointment? Not riding the winner of the Grand National

Who is the greatest player you have ever seen? Dick O'Neill



If there was a transfer market in hurling, who would you buy? John Mullane



Best hurling memory outside of playing? The scenes in the parish after our first East Cork title in 1996


Favourite sport other than hurling: Greyhound Racing



Describe your typical training week: 
Walk in the sea Monday, hurling Tuesday, off Wednesday, hurling Thursday, walk in sea Friday, and match at the weekend

Best book read or film seen: In Bruges



Best concert or gig you've ever attended: 
Kings of Leon



When I was a child I wanted to be: The winning jockey in the Grand National



How do you relax away from sport? 
Playing music, going to gigs, the odd poker night



Person that you would most like to meet: I've already met them



What does your club mean to you? It's given me the best days of my life.



Marooned on a desert island what could you not do without? My guitar, pen and paper



In ten years time I hope to be: 
Alive!!!




Man in the Middle: Diarmuid Kirwan One of Cork's top inter-county referees, Offaly native Diarmuid Kirwan is a member of the Éire Óg club in Ovens and refereed his first County SHC Final in 2000, and followed in his father's footsteps by taking charge of the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Finals in 2007 and 2009.He will referee Sunday's Intermediate Hurling Final. See below for some of his thoughts on the role of the referee.

How did you first become involved in refereeing? I was asked by my club Éire Óg in Cork to referee at local level and it was onwards and upwards from there.

Which official did you most admire as you were making your way through the refereeing ranks? Terence Murray from Limerick, and also my own father Jerry who refereed at the top level as well.

What is the hardest thing about being a referee? Personal abuse received from people who don't understand the rules. The referee knows himself how good or bad his performance was and is always trying to excel and to discover how to go about this.

And the most rewarding? Getting an opportunity to be involved in the top games and making lifelong friends through our great sport.

Referees have become high profile. How do you deal with it? By always remembering what a great friend and fellow referee once said to me, "Always aim to keep giving of your best as a Referee is only as good as his Next game." Experience helps you deal with the huge pressure of the position.

Do you do a lot of training to be a top ref? Referees on the inter-county panels train very hard and I put a lot of time and sacrifice, like my fellow refs, into being in top shape for the big games. If lucky enough to be chosen for a big game a ref must always be ready and focussed.

Does it help a referee to have played the game or isn't this necessary? Yes, I believe it is an advantage as you understand what goes through a players mind in certain incidents and what it means to players to be playing the game.

3 TIPS FOR GOOD REFEREEING
1.Good fitness levels
2.Able to deal with huge pressure 
3.Have the desire to reach the top like the top players.

Remember to check in regularly for more County Final build-up!! 

Club Focus: Bandon Bandon are no strangers to County Final day, as this is their third appearance in five years, and they will be hoping it's third time lucky! Sunday's Intermediate Final is in fact a repeat of the 2007 clash between the same two clubs,in which Fr. O'Neill's were victorious, and Bandon's last title at this level was in 1974, when they defeated Midleton. The club has also enjoyed success on the football field this year, winning the Carbery Junior A title. Club Colours: Yellow and white Website: http://www.bandongaa.com/

Player Profile: Eoghan O'Donovan Club: Bandon Date of Birth: 30/05/1988 Height: 5 ft 8 in Weight: 65 kgs Occupation: Student Honours Won: 3 Junior A West Cork Football 07, 08, 11, Under 21 Hurling and Football West Corks, Minor A Football County 2005

When and where did you first play hurling? Under 8's with Bandon

Who was the biggest influence on your sporting career? Family and under age coaches

What has been your greatest moment in sport? Winning a minor football county with my club

What has been your biggest disappointment? Losing two Intermediate County Finals in a row in 2007 and 2008

Who is the greatest player you have ever seen? Henry Shefflin

If there was a transfer market in hurling, who would you buy? Henry Shefflin (but hopefully the game will never come to that)

Best hurling memory outside of playing: Seeing Bandon win the Junior County in 1999

Favourite sport other than hurling: Football

Describe your typical training week: On average I probably fill the gear bag 3 or 4 nights a week between both hurling and football

Best book read or film seen:
Book: Lance Armstrong...it's not about the bike
Film: Couldn't choose, I watch too many

Best concert or gig you've ever attended: Not a huge fan of concerts but I saw the Script in Killarney

When I was a child I wanted to be: Bigger...(still do)

How do you relax away from sport? Just hanging out with friends, watching tv/movies etc

Person that you would most like to meet: Lance Armstrong

What does your club mean to you? I owe an awful lot to my club, I've made some great friends and have learned a lot from experiences both on and off the field. I cant speak highly enough of my club

Marooned on a desert island what could you not do without? Tuesday nights in Killian's house watching Shameless

In ten years time I hope to be: Still playing...

Bandon: Path to the Final Bandon 1-17 St Catherine's 1-11 (Round 1) Bandon 2-12 Dripsey 2-11 (Round 4) Bandon 0-12 Aghada 0-12 (Quarter-Final) Bandon 1-20 Aghada 0-10 (Quarter-Final Replay) Bandon 1-11 St Catherine's 1-5 (Semi-Final)  Photo shows Bandon in action against St. Catherine's - courtesy Denis O'Flynn.

The Cup Paddy Walsh Cup - Intermediate Hurling Championship Paddy Walsh was a native of Castlemartyr in East Cork and gave great service to the GAA over many years until his death in 2001. The GAA grounds in Castlemartyr are named in his honour.

For full obituary, see http://www.castlemartyrgaa.com/pages/articles/article_paddy_walsh_tribute.asp Pic shows Paddy on left

Scroll down for more information on the finals, and keep checking in for updates! 

Pitch Perfect 

The National Anthem will be sung on the day by Karen Long of Douglas (right). Aged 22, Karen is currently studying Accounting in C.I.T., though she assures us she's a neutral while she's singing!! Her many interests include music, hurling, football and dance. Karen has also opened and closed this year's Feile Peil. She was recently awarded her gold medal with the London College of Music in musical theatre with CADA Performing Arts. Karen's most recent achievement was having been selected to be one of thirty throughout the country to form a choir to sing at this year's All Ireland Senior Football Final in Croke Park. As part of this Karen will appear in an eight part TV series which will be aired on TG4 with the choir called Pitch Perfect. The main influences of Karen's music would have to be her parents, grandparents and her first music teacher Frances O'Reilly who have encouraged Karen since she was very young. We'll also have live music from one of our leading Scór acts before the games, so make sure you're in early!!

Mini-Games

At half-time in both games, Coiste Oiliúna Chorcaí have organised a series of U12 Mini-Games for your entertainment, featuring players from the participating clubs - CIT will be represented by Carrigaline.

Celebrating the Past... 

While CIT go in search of their first County title and Carrigtwohill their second having won in 1918 v Blackrock ,the all-conquering Midleton team who won the County Senior Hurling Championship in 1986, beating Blackrock on a scoreline of 1-18 to 1-10, will be honoured at half-time in the senior game.

The team was as follows: Back row (L to R) Sean O'Brien, John Fenton, Ger Glavin, Donie Fenton, Liam Ryan, Coleman Quirke Michael Mahony, Ger Fitzgerald Middle Row (L-R) Denis Mulcahy, Pat Hartnett, Colm O'Neill, John Hartnett, Ger Power, John Boylan, Edser Cleary, Dave Boylan, Fr Denis Kelleher (Sel) Front Row (L-R) Joe Desmond (Sel), Mick Boylan, Sylvie O'Mahony, Pat Horgan (Chairman), Kevin Hennessy (Capt), Mick Crotty, Gerry Smyth, Tadg McCarthy, Paddy Fitzgerald (Coach)

Some familiar faces in there!!

SHC Roll of Honour 1986-2010

For full Rolls of Honour for all County Championships, see the History link above - is your club there???

Check in regularly to our County Finals build-up for more information and updates...