Cork’s Electric Ireland Munster Minor Football Championship campaign got off to a flying start on Monday evening, with a comprehensive 4-25 to 0-12 victory over Clare in Clarecastle.

Facing a Clare side that had already come through Phase 1, Keith Ricken’s charges showed no signs of rust in their first outing, settling quickly and taking control after an even opening. Ben Hegarty (0-4, 0-2f) led the early scoring, and once Cork found their rhythm, they never looked back.

The breakthrough moment arrived midway through the first half when Jacob Barry (1-0) finished a slick team move to the net. That score sparked a dominant spell, with Dónal Herlihy (1-2) and Tom Whooley (1-5) both raising green flags, while Conrad Murphy (0-3, incl. one two-pointer) added to the surge. Cork closed the half with a commanding 3-13 to 0-5 lead.

Cork maintained that intensity after the restart. Captain Joe Miskella (1-2) added a fourth goal following excellent approach play, as the Rebels continued to stretch their advantage. Eoghan Ahern (0-3) was lively throughout, while substitute Alex O’Herlihy (0-3) made a strong impact off the bench. Further contributions came from Ciarán Garvey (0-1), Conor Downing (0-1), and Riain Coakley (0-1) in a polished team performance that yielded 4-23 from play.

Defensively, Cork were equally impressive, with Conor Downing (0-1) anchoring the backline and limiting Clare’s scoring chances throughout.

Clare battled to the end, with Liam Keane (0-5, 0-4f) and Seán O’Callaghan (0-2, incl. one two-pointer) leading their scoring, while contributions also came from Cillian Killeen (0-1), Ronan Cotter (0-1), Tadhg Dillon (0-1), Ronan Kelly (0-1), and Ronan Brady (0-1).

The result leaves Cork in a strong position ahead of their next Phase 2 fixture away to Kerry in Tralee.

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CORK:
R Twohig (Kilmeen); C O’Riordan (Blarney), G Oronsaye (Liscarroll/Churchtown Gaels), C Garvey (St Finbarr’s, 0-1); D O’Sullivan (Erin’s Own), C Downing (Adrigole, 0-1), E Lynch (Ballincollig); K O’Shea (Urhan), C Murphy (Ibane Gaels, 0-3, 1 two-pointer); E Ahern (Carrigaline, 0-3), B Hegarty (Ballinora, 0-4, 0-2f), J Miskella (Ballincollig, capt, 1-2); T Whooley (Clonakilty, 1-5), J Barry (Aghinagh, 1-0), D Herlihy (Shamrocks, 1-2).

Subs: D O’Mahony (Newcestown) for B Hegarty (h-t); A O’Herlihy (St Finbarr’s, 0-3) for J Barry (42); R Coakley (Éire Óg, 0-1) for D Herlihy (46); P Kelly (Naomh Abán) for C Murphy (46); M Corkery (Nemo Rangers) for T Whooley (50).

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CLARE:
C Griffin; G Browne, S Neenan, T O’Loughlin; E Soffe, C Killeen (0-1), S O’Neill; S Cahill, J Lavin; R Cotter (0-1), Z O’Shea, T Dillon (0-1); R Kelly (0-1), L Keane (0-5, 0-4f), S O’Callaghan (0-2, 1 two-pointer).

Subs: P Neylon for E Cahill (10–12, blood); P Neylon for C Killeen (28); J Greene for J Lavin (h-t); T Bane for Z O’Shea (h-t); D Healy for E Soffe (42); R Brady (0-1) for T Dillon (49).