UCC and Teagasc squared up in the last Cork GAA Interfirm game of the year in the Junior Hurling Cup final on Ballincollig’s excellent floodlit pitch. In a touch, uncompromising game Teagasc held out for a three point victory on a scoreline of 1-09 to 1-06.
This was a game in which both sets of defenders won their respective battles. Teagasc, in particular had a very effective and disciplined rearguard, which meant that UCC had the greater share of possession they could not convert it into scores. Both full back lines in particular dominated their direct opponents.
The game was nearly ten minutes old before the first score game when UCC’s Stevie Moylan struck a point from play. This was added to with a fine effort from Ronan Spillane. The first ten minutes were particular marked by some forceful play from UCC full back Ray Dervan who dominated the early exchanges. Even then, when Teagasc managed to break through they found UCC goalkeeper Eanna Martin difficult to beat and he pulled off a great point-blank save in a one-on-one situation with a Teagasc corner forward.
The teams traded points between the 12th and 17th before the half’s decisive score game when a Teagasc shot was deflected to the net for the game’s opening goal. The battles remain tense and physical as the game progressed with proceedings threatening to boil over on occasions, but although tough, a foul stroke was rarely pulled.
UCC struggled to create much of an impression up front, but they did manage to win a 20m free with 23 minutes gone. Stevie Moylan stepped up to the place ball and his rocket of a shot crashed against the cross-bar and rebounded to safety.
The first half ended in controversy with a high ball into the UCC goalmouth leading to a ‘schmozzole’ in the square. UCC keeper Martin tried to smother the ball as Teagasc did all of their best to force man, ball and all over the line. In the midst of the melee when arms, legs and hurley flailing it appeared as if one of the UCC defenders had inadvertently knocked ball over the line. However, with Conrad Donovan reaching for the green flag referee Donal Kickham declared that in the midst the excitement he had blown the half-time whistle. The outcome of some heated exchanges with Teagasc players and management did not alter his view and the teams with to the half-time break with Teagasc two point in front, 1-03 to 0-04.
On the resumption it was clear that Teagasc were going to try and atone for the perceived injustice at the end of the first half. The thundered into the game. UCC introduced Rory Rice to the half forward to try and get a physical foothold in this vital sector of the field. Although Teasgasc were now controlling possession they found UCC centre back Fergal Moloney in dominant form while behind him, corner back Frank Tobin was alert to every breaking ball.
Teagasc stretched their lead with two long range points. UCC replied with a well-taken effort from Frank Hickey that kept the gap to a manageable three points. However, between the 38th and 46th Teagasc pushed clear and established a six-point lead. The physical exchanges remained fierce and a few bouts of fisticuffs ensued. One in particular saw the diminutive Stevie Moylan square up to the 6’ 4’’ Teagasc centre forward. The height differential was negated as they fell to the ground with players from all sides piling in to sort the situation.
With less than 10 minutes left UCC released Eanna Martin from the confines of the goals in a bid to rescue the situation. Things seemed to be turning UCC’s way when Pat Cremin bundled over a goal just as Martin was taking his new position on the forty. UCC were now back in the game but with scores a premium they could not narrow the gap. Each time UCC raised a white flag, Teagasc responded with a score of their own.
At this stage the UCC half back line was in complete control and they launched ball after ball into the opposing side of the field. At times, however it appeared that Teagasc were playing with an extra man as time and again UCC’s attacking endeavours were thwarted. If UCC were going to get back into this game they needed a goal.
With less than two remaining minutes it looked as if the move of Eanna Martin would deliver this score as he burst through on goal. However he was forced wide and his well struck shot was smartly saved by the Teagasc keeper who tipped it away. UCC pressed forward for the remaining seconds but could not find the game-saving score.
At the final whistle Teagasc deservedly took the honours on a scoreline of 1-09 to 1-06 in what was a tough but enjoyable hour’s hurling.
1. Eanna Martin 2. Michael Lingwood 3. Ray Dervan 4. Frank Tobin 5. Rob Phelan 6. Fergal Moloney 7. Michael O'Donoghue 8. Thomas Murray 9. Mark Cummins 10. Ronan Spillane (0-02) 11. Ger McGlacken 12. Olan Casey 13. Pat Cremin (1-00) 14. Stephen Moylan (0-03) 15. Frank Hickey (0-01) Subs Rory Rice, Seamus Coffey.
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