The Barrs' William Buckley keeps possession after a tackle from Douglas’ Conor Kingston. Pic: Noel Sweeney
Cork Premier SFC: St Finbarr’s 3-16 (3-0-16) Douglas 1-11 (1-1-9)
Holders St Finbarr’s are back on track in the McCarthy Insurance Group Premier SFC after they swatted away the challenge of city neighbours Douglas at Páirc Uí Rinn on Friday evening.
The pressure was on the Barrs coming into this Group 1 Round 2 encounter after their surprising loss to Carrigaline three weeks ago.
It wasn’t a classic, with very little flow to the southside derby.
It took a bit of time, but this was a much more rounded display from St Finbarr’s as they now move level on points with Douglas following this 11‑point win.
Brian Roche’s side led by six points at one stage in the first half, but that advantage was soon wiped out as they briefly trailed.
A key moment arrived on the stroke of half-time when the Barrs grabbed a settling goal to lead by two points heading into the dressing rooms.
It wasn’t vintage St Finbarr’s, but they will be content to get the win. They dominated the second 30 minutes, albeit against a Douglas side who failed to fire after the short whistle.
St Finbarr’s looked like a side on a mission from the throw‑in, landing the first two points through Brian Hayes and William Buckley.
It was a long way back — or so it seemed — for Douglas after just seven minutes when Hayes fisted the ball into the net after a darting run from Fionn Crowley resulted in the defender playing the ball across to the Cork hurler.
Steven Sherlock then pointed, with Douglas yet to create a meaningful scoring chance, but they sprung into action after nine minutes with a goal from Joe Mouret after a sweeping team move, with Luis Dwan‑Fogarty heavily involved early on.
Cork U20 footballer Seán Coakley then cut the gap to just two.
The game settled after a frantic start, with St Finbarr’s enjoying more possession but finding it tough to break down the Paudie Kissane‑coached Douglas side.
Luke Hannigan did sneak his way in for a goal chance, but Douglas goalkeeper Andrew Cotter spread himself well.