(JJ Hurley)
Carrigdhoun was again blessed with some tremendous performances on the hurling field for what was an action-packed year, providing top quality entertainment.
At county level, Ballinhassig’s Patrick Collins replied to his critics with a tremendous season, as his command of the small square proved crucial to Cork reaching the All-Ireland Final, including a point-blank save from Limerick’s Aaron Gillane.
Back on the club scene, he scored an impressive 1-4 from his goal line before they exited the championship to Carrigaline.
Patrick’s brother, Ger was also another one who caught the eye over the summer but a harsh dismissal against Kilworth deprived the Blues against Carrigaline in the ¼ final.
The O’ Sullivan brothers, Adam and Darragh, along with Kevin Lyons, Ballygarvan, were very unfortunate not to collect another U20 All-Ireland medal, deprived at the Munster final stage.
Dare we say it is time for VAR?
For next year, two minors to keep an eye on in county colours are Courcey Rovers’, Darragh Winters and Ballinhassig’s Eoin O’Shea.
Closer to home, five teams from the Carrigdhoun division lined out in the CO-OP Superstore League Finals, with Carrigaline and Ballymartle claiming silverware.
On home territory, the Ross Oil South East league Junior A League Hurling Final produced something of a classic, with the evergreen Barry Dwyer, Kevin Fitzgerald and Eoin O’Donovan catching the eye for Belgooly.
However, the winning side, Valley Rovers also had their ace up their sleeves as Evan O’Shea, proved deadly on the night.
There is little doubt that the Innishannon outfit have a very promising group of young hurlers in their ranks, including Charlie O’Sullivan, Sean McEntee, Joe Twohig, Ciaran McCarthy and Eoin Guinane, who are just a flavour of those gifted hurlers coming down the Valley’s track.
In the County League, Valleys lost out to Ballymartle, who had Brian Corry to thank for reaching the final as he showed he still possesses all the attributes that make him a valuable asset.
Darren McCarthy was as ever a player to catch the eye, but the emergence of Cillian Lordan as a goal poacher supreme could yet prove a key weapon in Ballymartle’s arsenal.
Joining Lordan from the younger ranks in Riverstick are Matthew Higgins and the impressive Leo Hennessy, who gave a good account of himself on the Cork minor team.
Turning to the championship, Courcey Rovers had a less than impressive season by their standards, but two of their stalwarts, Sean Twomey and Richard Sweetnam were again visible throughout.
In the business end of the championship, Ballygarvan were possibly unluckiest not to reach a final, Ray O’Halloran was magnificent in the semi-final, as Michael Cussen and Niall Dowd had been in finally putting the jinx of Kilbrittain behind them.
Dowd was also on the money in the club’s recent encounter with Ballinora in the U21 County A semifinal, again just losing out.
Now for the hurler of the year.
Firstly, he had to come from either Tracton or Carrigaline, both of whom were simply outstanding this year.
Indeed, on their way to winning the county Junior A title and an appearance in the league final, Tracton were only defeated by one team for the entire year: Watergrasshill.
Carrigaline also lost out to one team Watergrasshill, in the final, also, but it was a memorable year for the dual club, who defeated the Barrs in the hurling league final.
Picking the best from either side is almost impossible, Ronan Walsh gave an exhibition of free taking in the final never to be forgotten, John Good was Mr dependable throughout the year as was David Byrne.
For Carrig, Rhys MacCarthy, Brian Kelleher and Rob O’Shea and Kevin O’Reilly were in the frame.
However, having consulted with the wise and the learned in the division, two names kept popping up David Griffin, Carrigaline and Michael O’Sullivan, Tracton.
There is little doubt that both men possess outstanding leadership, lead from the front and always die with their boots on.
Inspirational to their teammates and don’t know when to give up.
To pick a winner, an impossible task, but
for me and by a whisker.
The hurler of the year goes to Michael O’ Sullivan, Tracton.
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