RedFM Hurling League: Bride Rovers and Midleton Charge Ahead
The latest round of the RedFM Hurling League has delivered high-scoring encounters and definitive shifts in the standings. With a front-loaded schedule designed to accommodate Cork’s participation in the national hurling league final, the action intensified across both divisions, leaving several teams fighting for dominance in the early stages of the competition.
Division 1: Midleton and Blackrock Secure Key Wins
In Division 1, Midleton continued their strong momentum with a convincing victory over Killeagh. The match was highlighted by a standout performance from Pa White, who netted a hat-trick to ensure Midleton secured their third consecutive win. This victory is particularly significant as the two sides had previously met in last year’s Division 2 final.
Other notable results in the top flight include:
- Blackrock powered through in the second half to defeat Glen Rovers. Despite a goal from Patrick Horgan, Blackrock’s late surge proved too much for the Rovers.
- Carrigtwohill earned their first win of the campaign with a victory over Fr O’Neill’s.
- Sarsfields emerged victorious in a tightly contested clash against Charleville.
Heading into the third round, the league table saw Douglas, Charleville, and Midleton leading the pack with four points each after two games. Meanwhile, St Finbarr’s and Douglas faced off in a city derby where Ben Cunningham and Shane Kingston both delivered impressive performances for their respective sides.
Division 2: Bride Rovers Maintain Perfect Record
Bride Rovers have established themselves as the team to beat in Division 2, claiming their third straight win. The Rathcormac/Bartlemy side, who previously won Division 3 and the Co-op SuperStores SAHC, defeated Kanturk 1-19 to 1-7. Ronan O’Connell scored a crucial second-half goal, while Adam Walsh provided consistent accuracy from dead balls.
The defeat was a setback for Kanturk, who had remained unbeaten since their relegation from Division 1, having previously beaten Carrigaline and drawn with Newtownshandrum.
Other key Division 2 results include:
- Erin’s Own secured a 1-19 to 0-10 win over Newcestown, aided by a second-half free goal from Cathal Lenihan.
- Ballincollig edged out Carrigaline 0-21 to 0-18 in a hard-fought encounter. Brian Kelleher was the standout performer for the visitors, scoring 0-12, including four from play, supported by midfielders Ronan Kelleher and Seán Andrews.
Key Player Performances
| Player | Team | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Pa White | Midleton | Scored a hat-trick against Killeagh |
| Brian Kelleher | Ballincollig | Nailed 0-12 against Carrigaline |
| Ronan O’Connell | Bride Rovers | Scored the goal in victory over Kanturk |
League Outlook and Analysis
The early stages of the RedFM Hurling League show a clear divide between the front-runners and those struggling to adapt. In Division 1, Midleton’s ability to maintain a winning streak puts them in a prime position for the remainder of the league. In Division 2, Bride Rovers’ dominance suggests a team playing with immense confidence following their recent promotional success.
For teams like Carrigaline, the campaign has been difficult, suffering three defeats in Division 2. Conversely, the “promoted” sides of Bride Rovers and Newcestown set an early pace, though Newcestown’s perfect start was halted by Erin’s Own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the league schedule front-loaded this weekend?
The schedule was adjusted given that Cork was participating in the national hurling league final on Sunday, leading to most fixtures being played earlier in the week.
Which team currently leads Division 2?
Bride Rovers stand alone at the top of Division 2 after securing three wins from three matches.
Who was the top scorer in the Ballincollig vs. Carrigaline match?
Brian Kelleher was the top scorer, contributing 0-12 to Ballincollig’s 0-21 to 0-18 victory.
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