CORK’S Sarsfields dashed Sleacht Néill’s hopes of an All-Ireland final place in the new year.
Today’s semi-final between the champions of Ulster and Munster at Newbridge saw a large portion of the game dictated by the referee, with a large majority of scores coming from frees.
Sleacht Néill went into the second half down by a point but Cormac O’Doherty had chances to send them ahead but had a run of misses from the ground in the second quarter.
Their opponents, Sarsfields of Glanmire, Co Cork, have made their first All-Ireland final after a late push, led by Jack O’Connor, handed the game to them.
The seven-time Cork champions defeated Ballygunnar to make their way to Newbridge this afternoon in an impressive display that shocked many in the hurling world.
- Sleacht Néill v Sarsfields: Match details, throw-in times and how to watch as the Derry and Ulster champions look to break new ground by getting to an All-Ireland finalOpens in new window
- ‘It’s a surreal feeling to be out playing with those boys’: From sub goalkeeper to outfield starter, Conor Coyle relishing every step of Sleacht Néill journeyOpens in new window
- Jack Cassidy: ‘It’s hard to go again and again, every single year’Opens in new window
In an interview with the Irish News before the semi-final, backroom staff coach Barney McEldowney praised the improved club structures, the improvements to coaching and also “a few special players”, such as dual star Brendan Rogers and Cormac O’Doherty, that have given Sleacht Néill a seat at the top of the Ulster hurling mountain.
See our blog for the build-up and live score updates from the Sleacht Néill v Sarsfields All-Ireland semi-final.
