The second instalment of this tie had been another close and tough game, which meant Newtown coach Ger Cunningham was delighted after the match to have emerged triumphant.

"Very, very relieved. Sars pushed us to the limit, two weeks in a row, which is a huge testament to them," said Cunningham.

"They're a very good strong, physical team. Coached very well obviously. They had their homework done on us. We knew it would be a huge struggle again today. Luckily towards the end we just showed that little bit of killer instinct and took our scores."

"We had people like Ben and Bowles who took scores when we need them."

"Always worried throughout the whole match. We only went two points up and there was always the threat of that goal. We said at half-time we'd pressurise Sars to shoot around midfield and their half-forward line. And luckily they did shoot and it worked out for us. We started great but to maintain that is a huge problem for us now."

Maurice Farrell in action against Sars, in the County Senior
Hurling Semi-Final at Pairc Ui Chaoimh.

"Last year we didn't start well but this year we're starting great but have trouble maintaining it. We finished strong again and playing against the wind which was good. We trained hard physically so the engine was still full. We never really got away from Sars."

"There was always the threat of a goal and like last week they would catch us. We only have a week but we've a lot of work to do."

Cunningham was eager to acknowledge the major contribution of the O'Connor's to his sides victory.

"Outstanding again. The pair of them are leaders for Cork and they are certainly outstanding leaders for Newtown. They probably don't get the credit they deserve, same as Pat Mulcahy at centre-back. Then we've people like James Bowles coming through who is outstanding and at 18 years of age is taking responsibility. He worked very hard. He had a point to prove after last week."

Alan O'Brien in action against Sars, in the County Senior
Hurling Semi-Final at Pairc Ui Chaoimh.

Thoughts now turn to the County Final which looms large on the horizon.

"Blackrock, a huge game. A team of all-stars all over the field. Total underdogs going into the game. We've nothing to lose and it should be a good final."