The top dogs all showed their class in the opening round of the Cork club hurling championship, highlighted by the fact St Finbarr's were always in control against Douglas despite missing Brian Hayes, who picked up an injury on football duty.

Ethan Twomey offered a reminder of his quality, as a playmaking centre-back rather than his customary midfield role, and William Buckley, on the fringes of the Cork team recently, clipped seven points.

The Roche twins were immense for Bride Rovers in gaining a modicum of revenge against Blarney who beat them in the last two Senior A Championship meetings, the 2023 encounter after a controversial replay. Eoin Roche limited the influence of Cork vice-captain Shane Barrett while Brian sniped 0-7 from the half-forward line.

The Glen had Micheál Mullins in championship action for the first time and with Patrick Horgan, Eoin and Rob Downey all eager to push on with the club after Cork's defeat, Erin's Own couldn't match them.

In Senior A, Seán Desmond once again caught they eye as Watergrasshill beat Courcey Rovers in their first game at the grade while Killeagh edge out Na Piarsaigh in a classic where Cork U20s Barry and Ben Walsh and Ross O'Sullivan were the fore and Daire Connery was excellent too.

Cloyne managed a Premier Intermediate upset by taking down favourites Carrigaline and Ballinhassig were clinical to beat Ballincollig, but overall the favourites won the majority of the games.

We pick a Hurler of the Weekend, with Daire Connery, Darragh O'Sullivan and a clutch of Bride Rovers players at the forefront of the conversation.

Looking ahead to next weekend, the podcast crew preview the divisional section finals and discuss if Cork can make it three-in-a-row against Galway in the All-Ireland camogie final.

Now in its third season, every week Éamonn Murphy will be joined by The Echo team including Barry O'Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, Jack McKay, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field.

You can listen to the Echo Sport Podcast every week wherever you get your podcasts or on www.echolive.ie/podcast.

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