St Finbarr’s trio drive quarter‑final win but miss semi‑final synergy

The St Finbarr’s football team’s three key players – Ian Maguire, Brian Hayes and Steven Sherlock – were instrumental in the club’s quarter‑final victory over Carbery on 27 September.

In that match the Barrs recorded a score of 4‑23, with the trio contributing a combined 1‑13. Of the remaining 3‑10 points, they assisted 1‑3, won a crucial kick‑out for John Wigginton Barrett and provided a secondary assist for another point.

The partnership was highlighted by Sherlock scoring the opening three points, Maguire assisting the next two and winning the turnover for the third, and Hayes feeding Sherlock for his subsequent four scores.

In the semi‑final, the three continued to combine, with Hayes and Maguire linking for a hand‑pass and a one‑two that led to a goal, followed by Sherlock’s two‑point free and further assists from Hayes.

Despite their influence, the Barrs’ overall group campaign in the seven‑year‑old format was their poorest, advancing only on score difference after an opening defeat to Carrigaline, where Maguire was noted to be less than fully fit.

The trio’s synergy remains a central factor in St Finbarr’s status as reigning county champions and their pursuit of a first successful defence of the Andy Scannell trophy in 46 years.

Source: Irish Examiner. Photo: Donovan Kelly / Pexels.