As the Minor Hurling County Final against Killeagh approaches in Kildorrery this Bank Holiday Monday, October 27th at 3pm, I was asked how many Minor County finals we have participated in and how many we have won.

If you have any further information about any of the years mentioned, I would greatly appreciate hearing from you.

Regards, Martin Lynch.

1997

In 1997, Blarney achieved a significant milestone by winning their first Minor Hurling County Final. The final was

contested against Fermoy on 18th October in Buttevant. In a closely fought match, Blarney emerged victorious with a

scoreline of 1-10 to 0-10. The all-important goal being scored by Kevin Murphy.

Following the final whistle, the Blarney captain, Cormac O’Keeffe, was presented with the trophy by Don Hegarty,

Chairman of the Minor Board.

Blarney’s journey to county glory began with victories over Éire Óg and Aghabullogue to secure the Mid Cork

Championship. They continued their strong run by defeating Courcey Rovers in the first round of the County

Championship, overcoming Cloyne in the semi-final, and finally defeating Fermoy in the final.

The team’s success was guided by a dedicated management team, consisting of Kevin Murphy, Pat Harrington, and

coached by Brian Sheehan. The present minor team links back to 1997 through Cormac O’Keeffe, the 1997 team

captain, whose nephew, Liam O’Keeffe, will line out on Monday, and Stephen Forrest, a 1997 player who is now a

selector.

2004

2004 brought our second County minor title victory. The final took place at Pairc Ui Chaoimh on November 6th, 2004.

Blarney delivered an outstanding performance of skilful hurling and strong teamwork, convincingly defeating

Carrigaline with a score of 2-15 to 0-5.

The Evening Echo reported the following account of the match.

“From the moment that Scott Vickery got his and Blarney’s first goal in the third minute, they totally dominated the

contest. With Joe Jordan giving a man of the match display at centre back, and James O Sullivan commanding at full

back, Carrigaline were easily contained.

While Mark McCarthy and Sean Twomey controlled centre field the forwards were able to get the vital scores, with

Peter Nodwell unerring from frees and Eoin Hallahan, Brian Deasy, Derry Quirke and Ritchie Pinfield all scoring from

play. Then came the goal that killed off the game, Scott Vickery getting his second goal in the 42nd minute. Carrigaline

tried hard for a goal, but Blarney keeper Eamonn Mc Sweeney made a great save to deny Corcoran in the 49th minute.

And after great scenes of joy and celebrations captain Mark Mc Carthy climbed up the famous steps of Pairc Ui Chaoimh

to receive the Cup on behalf of his team”

Said Tim Duggan “We figured we only had a 50-50 chance coming into the game, but the way we hurled today was

tremendous. The boys were outstanding, definitely our best display in the championship”

2016

Our 3rd minor hurling county title came in 2016 when we again defeated Carrigaline on a scoreline of Blarney 1-11

Carrigaline 0-12 in a game played in Pairc Ui Rinn. Blarney defeated Newtownshandrum, St. Finbarr’s and Aghada on

the way to the final.

The team management was: Stuart Crowley, Kevin Hyland, Kieran O’Keeffe, Christina Cronin, Pádraig Conway and John

Murphy.

The 2016 team was captained by David Sheahan while goalkeeper on that team was Conor Murphy, who now is coach

to the 2025 minor team playing in Monday’s final.

Back Row L to R:- James Dineen, Michael John Shine, Donal Hoare, Eamon O’Mahony, Eoin Hyland, Barry Dennehy,

Killian Hurley, Gavin Mullane, Conor Power, Dan Forrest, James Doody, Luke O’Connor, Olan Hegarty, James Walsh,

Brian Walsh, Conor Power, Will Crowley.

Front Row L to R:- Jack O’Keeffe David Sheahan (Capt.), Alan McEvoy, Dan Quill, Pádraig Power, Declan Hanlon, Patrick

Crowley, Cathal Hegarty, Conor Murphy, Shane Barrett, Luke Madden, Mark Cummins.

Nine of that team played Senior Hurling with Blarney this year, while two of that team have played Senior Hurling with

Cork, Pádraig Power and Shane Barrett.

2021

The fourth team to secure a Minor Hurling County title achieved this feat against Na Piarsaigh in Ballincollig on 5th

September 2021.

The final score was Blarney 2-14, Na Piarsaigh 0-12.

En route to the final, Blarney overcame Kanturk, Sliabh Rua, and Youghal, before recording an impressive victory over

Éire Óg in the semi-final.

The joint captains for the final were Darragh Murphy and Cian Barrett.

Notably, six members of this minor team progressed to play with our senior team this year.

The management team consisted of John Hurley, Ray Hurley, and Sean O’Grady.

Back Row L to R:- Oisin Doody, Dylan Farrell, Michael O’Keeffe, Tiernan Buckley, Ciarán Sexton, Craig Walsh, Joe

Cronin, Daniel Murphy, Luke Kendellen, Gavin McGee, Eoin O’Neill.

Front Row L to R:- Darragh Murphy, Cathal McCarthy, Joey Dwyer, Jerry Murphy, Denis McSweeney, Eoghan

Kirby, Cian Barrett, Sam O’Sullivan

The tradition continues, and here’s hoping that the 2025 class will deliver Blarney’s 5th County Minor Hurling title. The

club extends its best wishes to the players and management as they strive to add another proud chapter to our minor

hurling history.