Match Report: Cunningham Leads the Way as Barrs Edge Out Blackrock in League Opener

​RedFM Hurling League Division 1 St Finbarr’s 0-22 | Blackrock 1-18. 8th March 2026

​Paudie Murray’s tenure as St Finbarr’s senior hurling manager got off to a winning start on Sunday at Neenan Park, as the Barrs secured a hard-fought one-point victory over local rivals Blackrock in an entertaining RedFM Hurling League Division 1 clash.

​In a game defined by high intensity and clinical shooting, it was the returning Ben Cunningham who stole the headlines. Making his first appearance since January, Cunningham put on a masterclass in scoring, finishing the day with an incredible 0-14 tally (including five from play).

​Fast Start

​The Barrs burst out of the blocks, racing into a 0-4 to 0-1 lead thanks to early scores from Cunningham, Jack Cahalane, Caolán O’Connor, and John Wiggington Barrett. While Blackrock rallied midway through the first half to briefly take the lead, the Barrs remained composed. Wiggington Barrett and a Cunningham free helped stem the tide, leaving the score at 0-11 to 0-8 in favor of the hosts at the interval.

​Second Half Battle

​The second half became a straight shootout. Every time Blackrock threatened to close the gap, the Barrs responded. John Wiggington Barrett continued his fine form with three points from play, while Jack Cahalane chipped in with a brace.

​As the game entered the final ten minutes, the Barrs looked to have taken control. A burst of four unanswered scores—three from the clinical Cunningham and one from Billy Hennessy—pushed the lead out just as Blackrock began to fade.

​Dramatic Finish

​The visitors didn’t go down without a fight, earning a 59th-minute penalty which was converted by Robbie Cotter to set up a grandstand finish. Following a late point from PJ Lenihan, the gap was reduced to the minimum. However, the Barrs’ defense held firm under immense pressure. The final whistle blew on Shane Hurley’s subsequent puck-out, confirming a vital opening-day win for the Togher side.

​St Finbarr’s Scorers: B Cunningham 0-14 (0-7 f, 0-2 65), J Wiggington Barrett 0-3, J Cahalane 0-2, B O’Connell, C O’Connor, B Hennessy 0-1 each.

​ST FINBARR’S TEAM: S Hurley; E Keane, J Burns, A Barry; C Crowley, B Hennessy, C Walsh; S Daly, B O’Connell; B Cunningham, J Cahalane, C O’Connor; C McCarthy, J Wiggington Barrett, S Cunningham.

Subs used: A Buckley for O’Connor (50); C Steele for O’Connell (50).

​Referee: Patrick O Mahony (Kilbrittain)