HAVING SEEN A final spot slip from their grasp in dramatic fashion twelve months ago, Imokilly were in no mood to falter again at the Cork hurling semi-final hurdle this afternoon. A formidable first-half showing paved the way for their success over a Blackrock team that summoned a strong second-half recovery, cutting the gap to three points with ten minutes left. But the East Cork divisional team showcased their scoring strength to pull clear, outscoring Blackrock 0-9 to 0-3 in the finale, and advancing to the final for the first time since 2019, the season where they clinched three-in-a-row.
After squandering that winning position against Sarsfields last year, Imokilly exploded from the blocks here, intent on hitting full speed early on. They were in front 0-5 to 0-1 when they found the net nine minutes in, Jack Leahy clinically drilling home a shot after Sean Desmond did the hard work in turning the Blackrock defence and laying off a pass. Blackrock were struggling for scoring inspiration, reliant on Alan Connolly’s free-taking, the Cork star closely watched by county team-mate Ciarán Joyce throughout.
Blackrock also failed to capitalise on their goal chances. Robbie Cotter had a shot blocked under pressure, possession eluded Fionn Coleman at another crucial moment after an incisive team move. Imokilly kept the scoreboard ticking over with Diarmuid Healy and Daire O’Leary supplementing their chief threat Leahy.
They had gone 12 points ahead, 1-11 to 0-2, by the 22nd .
