I was delighted to be in Midleton last night to witness a historic win for Fr O' Neills, essentially knocking the Barrs out of championship. Midleton is a great venue for a big game. Around 5000 people packed into Clonmult Memorial Park. The train station across the road is ideal for any people travelling out from the city. The venue itself is very intimate and contributed to a great atmosphere.
The rise of Fr O' Neills has been amazing. There was a time they couldn't win an East Cork Junior title. Then the previous generation of players eventually broke the mould in the early 00s and won their first Junior County v Kilworth in 2005. It wasn't until their next generation of players that they could push on, beating Kildorrery after a replay in the 2016 Intermediate Final. This was the start of a successful few years for the club, winning Premier Intermediate and Senior A titles in recent years. To now seeing them at Premier Senior level, ultra competitive, beating the famed Barrs in a packed Midleton. Fr O Neills stalwarts must be pinching themselves.
On the game itself, the Barrs showed some early promise but never seemed to have pushed on. Fr O Neills settled into the game and quickly realised this game is there for the taking. Billy Dunne was causing trouble inside and Jason Hankard was effective in his ball winning duties. Declan Dalton with a vintage sideline cut before half time to put them into a one point lead. Ben Cunningham, William Buckley and Waterford man, Andrew Casey were the Barrs best players on the night.
The Barrs, with a strong wind to their backs, were expected to push on in the 2nd half, but it was not to be for them, even when O Neills went down a man. Ger Millerick's battle with Brian Hayes was intriguing, with Millerick coming out on top there. Millerick gave an exhibition of good defending. A player that I'd like to see break into Cork's starting 15 again. His brother Mike Millerick eventually got to grips with William Buckley. Another great dual. Third brother, Joe Millerick was also very influential in midfield. Damien Cahalane was good but he gave away a free for charging close to the end. A big moment in the game. Dalton's influence in the game increased as the game went on. Won a vital free and scored a point from play near the sideline near the end.
Fr O Neills were full value for their victory last night. The Barrs had the losses of Billy Hennessy, Conor Cahalane and Ethan Twomey. But you still have to play with who you have and it looks like another disappointing year for them. Going by 2022, I really thought the Barrs could be a team to contest Munster club titles, let alone county titles but it seems to have unravelled since. The loss of Ben O Connor has been huge too of course. All in all, a great occasion. I do hope they keep playing these Senior club games in club grounds right until the semi finals. It creates a great atmosphere.
www.irishexaminer.com
