Newly crowned Cork champions Sarsfields allow pitch to flood to spare community

Newly crowned Cork senior hurling champions Sarsfields took the decision to turn their pitch into a flood plain to limit the damage to the Glanmire area of Storm Babet.

Cork is currently being ravaged by the effects of Storm Babet, with extensive flooding in Midleton, Glanmire and Blackpool, and properties flooded and roads deemed impassable in towns across the county.

Cork County Mayor Cllr Frank O'Flynn said that a "month's worth of rain" had fallen in the town in the last 24 hours.

Sarsfields, who defeated to Midleton to lift their seventh Cork senior crown at the weekend, have taken the decision to sacrifice their pitch in an attempt to spare the wider community and nearby businesses.

Sarsfields Hurling Club, winners of Cork's Premier Senior Hurling Championship on Sunday, have seen their home pitch flooded by Storm Babet. pic.twitter.com/5g87JXacPP

"We will be forever proud of our senior team on Sunday and today Sars Hurling Club experienced heroism in the form of our pitch committee & volunteers," the club said in a statement.

"Although we wanted to ensure we could limit the damage to the clubhouse we made the decision to open the two large gates (behind the bar area and at the end of the pitch).

"As a result, our main pitch essentially became a flood plain in order to relieve the flooding to the immediate Riverstown area, Orchard Manor & surrounding businesses.

"We won a county, lost a pitch but hopefully saved a part of the Glanmire community."

2 days ago , place was packed with supporters after their county final success - now how can this happen ?? pic.twitter.com/mBnoY1s202