Munster SHC semi-final/ Erin's Own, Cork 1-10 Wolfe Tones, Clare 1-5: It was clearly not physical strength alone in atrocious conditions of persistent rain and high wind that won Brian Corcoran's Erin's Own a chance of winning their first Munster Club Senior Hurling Championship in this hard fought semi-final in front of around 2,000 brave souls at Páirc Uí Chaoimh yesterday.
The Cork side now progress to face Tipperary's Toomevara in the provincial decider.
The unveiling of his book in midweek and earning a chance of winning the only medal that has eluded him in what has been his last competitive match at the Cork venue made it a very special week for the wily Cork wizard. Corcoran failed to score when pitted against Clare legend Brian Lohan but he was not to be outdone as he had a hand in setting up Ronan Carroll's vital goal for the Cork champions.
However, in a way it was a decidedly fortuitous goal 22 minutes into the second half, struck as it was from 60 yards.
In keeping with the precarious conditions, Carroll's fluky score swerved past Tones' 'keeper Ray Carley, banana-shot style as the goalkeeper attempted to bat the ball away from danger.
Erin's Own were glad of any kind of score at that stage. For most of that opening period they struggled against wind and rain to stay in touch after an explosive start by the Clare men at the Blackrock end.
Paul O'Rourke rocked the hosts with a goal within 23 seconds and a follow-up point by Gary McPhillips left the Cork men 1-1 in arrears inside two minutes play. Soon afterwards Brian McPhillips added another Wolfe Tones point to leave Erin's Own trailing by 1-2 to no score before Kieran Murphy got the Cork men off the mark with an 11th minute point from a free.
From that moment the Wolfe Tones bid showed signs of deterioration and, despite having the advantage of a strong wind at their backs, the Clare champions trailed 1-4 to 1-5 at the interval.
The Erin's Own defence played a key role throughout the match. They adapted brilliantly to the conditions, consistently getting in neat touches to upset probing Clare forwards.
Wolfe Tones, winners of the title 10 years ago, could only manage a single point near the end in the second half.
"Our forwards got a lot of ball but could not turn it to account. We found it very difficult to score into the wind, their backs closed us down, hooking and blocking well," said magnanimous Wolfe Tones manager, Pat O'Rourke.
"They were physically a stronger side and in terms of skill they were also better on the day."
O'Rourke, who had two brothers playing in the team added: "Some of our key players did not adapt to the conditions and played well below their best form."
Erin's Own manager Martin Bowan stressed the importance of their first half goal. "Our goal in the second quarter was crucial. It knocked Wolfe Tones off their stride. The only plan we had was to move the ball as quickly as possible to our forwards. We are a very young team, the average age is 26 and they showed they can play hurling no matter what the conditions." Bowan added: "Unquestionably our defence was our key sector. They hurled with great spirit and cleared their lines well to continually frustrate the Wolfe Tone forwards."
It was no surprise to see veteran Corcoran dropping back to help his side's defenders in the closing stages. But Pat Fitzgerald, Stephen Cronin, Pat Keating, Shane Murphy and Kieran O'Connor all distinguished themselves in a vigilant Erin's Own rearguard.
Tipperary referee Séamus Roche issued eight yellow cards in all, five for Wolfe Tones.
ERIN'S OWN: S Bowan, P Keating, P Fitzgerald, S Murphy, S Cronin, K O'Connor, P Kelly, M Murphy, K Murphy (0-2 frees), R Carroll (1-0), M O'Connor (0-2), C Coakley, F Murphy, B Corcoran, E Murphy (0-6, 5 frees).
WOLFE TONES: R Carley, J Coen, B Lohan, Dermot O'Rourke, K McCarthy, F Lohan, B Loughnane, G O'Connell, B O'Connell, G McPhillips (0-2), P Keyes (0-1), B McPhillips (0-1, free), P O'Rourke (1-0), Declan O'Rourke (0-1), D O'Connell. Subs: R Hehir for Carley.
Referee: S Roche (Tipperary).
