St. Finbarr’s Dominates Douglas in Premier SHC Opener

Barrs’ potent attack secures nine-point victory

St. Finbarr’s made a commanding statement in the Co-Op Superstores Cork Premier SHC, securing a decisive nine-point win against southside rivals Douglas. The 2022 champions asserted their dominance early, effectively ending the contest as a meaningful fixture by the 15th minute.

Barrs’ Forward Firepower Too Much for Rebuilding Douglas

The encounter at Páirc Uí Rinn saw a clinical display from St. Finbarr’s, particularly their formidable forward line. Ben Cunningham, William Buckley, and Jack Cahalane proved too potent for the Douglas defence. Cunningham finished with an impressive 0-11, including frees and ’65s, while Buckley added 0-7 and Jack Cahalane contributed 1-2. Their attacking prowess suggests they will be a force to be reckoned with throughout the season.

The Barrs’ attack, even without Brian Hayes, clicked into gear immediately. Cunningham was unerring from placed balls, and Jack Cahalane was a constant menace. Conor Cahalane opened the scoring, followed by Cunningham‘s initial frees. Jack Cahalane then extended the lead before Joseph Harte registered Douglas’s first point in the eighth minute.

A moment of brilliance from Jack Cahalane saw him find the net after a surging run, creating a 1-7 to 0-3 advantage just before the quarter-hour mark. William Buckley then swapped points with Alan Cadogan before contributing further from play, taking his tally to four by halftime. Despite efforts from Ronan Dooley and Cillian O’Donovan, Douglas trailed significantly at the break, with the Barrs accumulating 1-14. Ethan Twomey also impressed, driving forward from defence to score.

Second-Half Resurgence Fails to Threaten Barrs’ Lead

While Douglas showed a brief resurgence in the second half, they never seriously threatened to overturn St. Finbarr’s commanding lead. Buckley extended the advantage early in the second period, and Ben Cunningham continued to convert frees. The Kingston brothers, Shane and Conor, along with Conor O’Donovan and Cadogan, showed flashes of fight for Douglas.

However, St. Finbarr’s maintained control. Sam Cunningham missed a chance to seal the game in the 44th minute. Although the Kingstons contributed three points in quick succession, Cunningham responded with further scores. Billy Hennessy also added his name to the scoresheet, and Buckley completed his tally.

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Scorers for St Finbarr’s: **B Cunningham** (0-11, 4f, 4 ’65), **W Buckley** (0-7), **J Cahalane** (1-2), **B Hennessy**, **E Twomey**, **C Cahalane**, **C Crowley**, **J O’Kelly** (0-1 each).

Scorers for Douglas: **S Kingston** (0-7, 2f, 1 ’65), **C Kingston** (0-5), **A Cadogan** (0-3, 2f), **J Harte**, **Conor O’Donovan**, **Cillian O’Donovan**, **R Dooley** (0-1 each).

ST FINBARR’S: **S Hurley**; **E Keane**, **J Burns**, **C Doolan**; **D Cahalane**, **E Twomey**, **B Hennessy**; **C Walsh**, **J Wigginton Barrett**; **J O’Kelly**, **W Buckley**, **C Cahalane**; **S Cunningham**, **B Cunningham**, **J Cahalane**.

Subs: **C O’Connor** for **J Cahalane** (15-20, temporary), **C Crowley** for **C Walsh** (50).

DOUGLAS: **D Maher**; **D Murphy**, **B O’Neill**, **K McSweeney**; **E O’Flynn**, **M Howell**, **C O’Donovan**; **D Kelly**, **A O’Connell**; **C Kingston**, **S Kingston**, **J Harte**; **A Cadogan**, **C O’Donovan**, **R Dooley**.

Subs: **J O’Callaghan Maher** for **Murphy** (20, injured), **B O’Connor** for **C O’Donovan** (52).

Referee: **C McAllister** (Aghada).