Cork GAA talking points: Iron man steps up, All-Star picks and East Cork hurling dominance
Russell Rovers goalkeeper Ross Walsh clears against St Catherine's during the Co-Op Superstores Premier JHC final at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh. Picture: Eddie O'Hare
When John Meyler gave Robert Downey the nod to shut down Gearóid Hegarty in 2019, it was seen as a gamble. He was a raw, unproven talent then whose minor hurling for Cork had been as a towering full-forward.
He'd a stormer when Cork defeated Limerick in the Gaelic Grounds after but was a sub at Croke Park when Cork exited the '19 championship against Kilkenny. He was still learning his trade at the top.
Downey wasn't a guaranteed starter in 2021 either but after coming in at full-back against Clare in the qualifiers, he'd delivered a series of immense displays and became a firm favourite with the fans. An iron man under a dropping ball, the 25-year-old is a huge defensive presence but extremely skillful in possession.
Alongside his younger brother Eoin, he collected an All-Star last Friday and was a popular pick when it was announced he'd take over from Seán O'Donoghue as Cork captain. Shane Barrett will serve as vice-captain.
Whether they'll collect Liam MacCarthy next summer and end the agonisingly long wait for the Leeside faithful remains to be seen but it certainly freshens things up.
Pa Cronin, Stephen McDonnell and Seamus Harnedy all captained Cork to Munster glory but Cronin, Patrick Horgan and O'Donoghue suffered the crushing disappointment of leading the Rebels out in the parade but watching their Munster rivals lift the big prize at Croker.
Ultimately, two cups didn't end up heading into Imokilly territory over the weekend, because Kieran 'Hero' Murphy lived up to his moniker by snatching a draw for Erin's Own against Lisgoold in the IAHC decider. Yet the presence of four East Cork clubs in the Intermediate A and Premier Junior deciders reflected the strength in depth that saw Imokilly power to top honours last month.
Russell Rovers lived up to their billing as favourites when defeating St Catherine's, as Denis Walsh's charges came up just short for the second year running. With a young team, they'll be back challenging again in 2025.
For Rovers, it was a sweet success that vindicated getting Donal Óg Cusack on board as coach. Josh Beausang delivered an MVP showing but former Cork football dynamo Ciarán Sheehan showed why he was a dual star underage by snatching a goal with his brother-in-law Bud Harnett doing the same. Cork's record in Munster is strong at junior so there could be some distance yet to run in the campaign.
The Erin's Own-Lisgoold replay is next Sunday and it's up to Carrigaline to stop Watergrasshill from another Imokilly triumph when they collide in the Premier Intermediate final. The Hill are unbeaten, after roaring back to beat Carrigaline in the group stages. But Carrig have momentum after knocking out Ballinhassig and Ballincollig and are going for the double on the back of their Senior A Football Championship.
The clocks have turned back but there are quite a few competitions yet to be completed, with the business end of the county Junior A on the horizon and U21 hurling and football activity still ongoing.
We've missed the U21 grades which were on hold during Covid and during the attempt to introduce U17 and U19 levels.
At U21 A football, there are five teams left, Ballinora, Bishopstown, Valley Rovers, Aghada and Beara, and appears to be wide open. Ballinora have the welcome distraction of still being in the U21 football and Junior A hurling.
In U21 A hurling, St Finbarr's, Glen Rovers, Midleton and Bride Rovers have been the standout teams in the divisional stages, with the various finals still to be played.
Inniscarra lifted the Muskerry Junior A crown for the first time since 1989, denying Aghinagh only their second title, with Seán O'Donoghue reminded everyone of the dual prowess that saw him captain the Cork U21s back in 2016 before he committed fully to hurling.
Killeagh won their first East Cork JAHC in 29 years with their second team. The Cork rule whereby U18s can line out at Junior A level and lower worked in their favour Sean Meade and the Walsh cousins, Barry and Ben, shared 2-15. That trio step up to Senior A next year and Killeagh also have a fine U16 crop, including Cormac Deane. Serious depth coming on stream there.
App?
