Twomey claimed the Barrs' second point only for the Rockies to nail seven without response in a game that threatened to move out of their opponents’ reach, despite the game’s infancy.Ĭonor O'Brien, Blackrock, is fouled by Glenn O'Connor, St Finbarr's. Picture: Jim Coughlan. The Rockies could do little wrong even though Cunningham opened the scoring because they claimed the next four points in as many minutes, Michael O’Halloran (2), Tadhg Deasy and Alan Connolly hitting the target. It was an extraordinary opening by any standards as all six forwards nailed scores from play and the Barrs defence was dragged all over the pitch. Having escaped with a late flourish in their opening round win over Sars, Blackrock carried on from where they left by racing into an 0-11 to 0-2 lead after only 10 minutes. They were level for the fifth time at 0-18 apiece via Twomey’s excellent third point in the 43rd minute and it triggered a train reaction from those around him.įive more scores flowed from the sticks of the boys in blue, Conor Cahalane joining the others to register crucial points as the Barrs swept 0-23 to 0-18 in front before the Rockies rallied.Īt the outset, the Rockies looked like a side intent on getting their business finished quickly and effectively. The Barrs, though, grew in confidence, inspired by youngsters Ben O’Connor, Ethan Twomey, Jack Cahalane, Brian Hayes and Ben Cunningham.

To describe the transformation as remarkable wouldn’t even go close because the Rockies could only add three points on the resumption before Tadhg Deasy chipped in with another approaching the hour. That pleasure still awaits, but it’s sure to be fraught with anxiety as they face Charleville and the ’Barr’s battle Sarsfields in an exciting climax.

Echoes act 4