Ballyclough………………………………………………………………………………………3-9
Iveleary………………………………………………………………………………………….1-14
Following a keenly contested Co Junior B HC final at Ovens on Friday evening Ballyclough emerged winners by a single point.
Three first half goals gave the Avondhu side a platform they built on. Iveleary came back well and forced level in the 50th minute 3- 7 to 1-13. It took two late points for Ballyclough to seal the victory. Early exchanges saw the Mid Cork side have points by Caoimhin O’Mainnin and Briain O’Riordain. Ballyclough replied by Shane Buckley in the 6th. A minute later Ballyclough had their first goal by Paul O’Flynn. Jack Moynihan added a well taken point. Iveleary with Seamus MacUidhir at midfield and Donal O’Donnobhain in defence doing well replied with points by Seamus MacUidhir (free) and Seán O’Riordain. Iveleary continued to do well. By the 23rd minute they were level 1- 4 to 0-7. Ballyclough had their second goal when a long delivery by Adam Finnegan found Damian Buckley who netted. A foul of Seán O’Riordain led to another pointed free by Seamus MacUidhir. In injury time Ballyclough had their 3rd goal by Seán O’Leary that gave them an interval lead 3- 4 to 0-8.
Thomas O’Neill and Seán O’Riordain exchanged early points on the changeover. In the 40th minute a long range free by Seamus MacUidhir found its way to the net 3-6 to 1-9. Entering the final quarter Thomas O’Neill and Seamus MacUidhir exchanged a point 3- 7 to 1-11. Iveleary piled on the pressure and two more pointed frees had them deadlocked after 50 minutes 3-7 to 1-13. Ballyclough were wide from a free before Seamus MacUidhir edged his side ahead. In the 58th minute a long free by Thomas O’Neill was saved by keeper Dáithí O’Duinnin with the rebound going to the well placed Shane Buckley who sent over level for the 3rd and final time. In injury time David Ludgate pointed a long range free for Ballyclough that proved to be the match winner. Over the hour it was a great team perform-ance by Ballyclough that saw them through against a useful Iveleary side. After the game Suzanne O’Brien Planning and Training Officer Cork Co Board presented the cup to the winning captain Tadhg Healy.
Scorers for Ballyclough: Damian Buckley 1-1, Seán O’Leary 1-0, Paul O’Flynn 1-0 Thomas O’Neill 0-3 (0-2f) Shane Buckley 0-2, Jack Moynihan 0-2, David Ludgate 0-1f.
Iveleary: Seamus MacUidhir 1-10 (1-7f. 0-1 ‘65) Caoimhin O’Mainnin 0-1, Brian O’Riordain 0-1, Seán O’Riordain 0-1, Donal O’Donnobhain 0-1.
BALLYCLOUGH: Edmund O’Connor, Seán Walsh, Tadgh Healy (Capt) Conor Duffy, Mark Buckley, Denis O’Neill, Adam Finnegan,
Shane Buckley, Colin Moynihan, Seán O’Leary, David Ludgate, Paul O’Flynn, Jack Moynihan, Damian Buckley, Thomas O’Neill. Subs: Aaron Finnegan for Denis O’Neill, Denis O’Neill for Thomas O’Neill, Jack O’Shea for Colin Moynihan.
IVELEARY: Dáithí O’Duinnin, Adrian O’Deaghaidh, Donal O’Riordain, Barra O’Murchu, Donal Ó Donnobháin, Ciaran O’Riordain, Seamus de Paor, Seamus MacUidhir, Josh Pickering, Briain O’Riordain, Gearóid MacSuibhne, Seán O’Riordain, Seán MacSuibhne, Caoimhin O’Mainnin, Sam Pickering. Fir ionad Liam O’Cearnaigh in ionad Gearoid MacSuibhne Barra MacSuibhne in ionad Seamus de Paor, Seán Hodman in ionad Briain O’Riordain
Referee: Anthony O’Regan (Youghal)
After the game Paddy Ryan spoke to a delighted Jimmy O’Shea, Ballyclough coach, asking him what it means to Ballyclough. “This success means an awful lot to Ballyclough club. We were here two years ago when beaten by St Oliver Plunkett’s. Our last success at this level was in 2014 when we defeated Dromtarriffe. We have a small panel of players with a good blend of youth and experience. They are a very dedicated bunch. We are not finished with hurling yet this year, this weekend we will enjoy but it is back to football training next week. So far this year we are unbeaten in hurling league and championship. We still have the North Cork JBHC to look forward to. As regards 2026 we will be up in JAHC and we will be looking forward to competing well in a high grade championship.”