St Finbarr’s and Killeagh will meet again in the Cork ETB Premier 2 MHC final replay after a pulsating 1-13 to 1-13 draw at Páirc Uí Rinn on Monday night. St Finbarr’s staged a late comeback, trailing by six points in the closing stages before finishing with a flourish to force the stalemate.
Late Drama at Páirc Uí Rinn
Killeagh appeared to be in control as the match entered its final phase. With 10 minutes remaining, they held a 1-13 to 0-10 lead after Ben Geary set up his brother Jay for a goal and a subsequent point. However, the Barrs refused to concede, with Charlie Kelleher narrowing the gap before the game reached injury time.
In the third minute of added time, Cork minor Liam O’Regan struck a crucial goal from a free to reduce the deficit to a single point. With the final play of the game, Alex O’Herlihy secured the equalising score, ensuring the two sides must face off again this weekend.
First Half Momentum
Killeagh led 0-10 to 0-7 at the interval after an opening half characterized by missed opportunities for St Finbarr’s, who struggled with wides and dropping balls short. While CJ Barrett kept the Barrs within striking distance through his free-taking, Ben Geary was clinical for Killeagh, contributing several points including a 65.
The second half saw high-quality defensive work, notably from Barrs goalkeeper David Clarke O’Mahony, who denied both John Farquhar and Ben Geary with top-class saves to keep his side in contention before the late rally. The match was officiated by referee Shane Scanlon of Newcestown.
