Cork lose in Munster Football Final

MUNSTER SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL

Kerry 1-23 Cork 1-15

Cork’s wait for a Munster Senior Football title goes on after Kerry pulled away in the closing stages to claim a sixth successive provincial crown at Fitzgerald Stadium.

The Rebels produced an excellent first-half display and led by three points at the interval after playing with real intensity and attacking intent. Early two-pointers from Brian O’Driscoll and Mark Cronin helped Cork race into the contest, while scores from Steven Sherlock and Chris Óg Jones saw John Cleary’s side move 0-6 to 0-1 ahead.

 

Kerry gradually settled into the game through David and Paudie Clifford, but Cork continued to carry a major threat in attack. Jones and Colm O’Callaghan restored Cork’s advantage late in the half as the Rebels went in leading 0-13 to 0-10 at the break.

Kerry responded strongly after half-time and turned the game with a crucial goal from David Clifford in the 39th minute after being set up by substitute Tony Brosnan. The Kingdom seized momentum from there and stretched their lead to six points entering the final quarter.

Cork refused to go away and Brian O’Driscoll’s superb goal on the hour mark brought the Rebels back within three points and reignited hopes of a comeback. However, Kerry finished strongly, outscoring Cork 0-6 to 0-1 in the closing stages to secure the title.

Attention now turns to the All-Ireland series, with Cork set to welcome Meath to SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh in two weeks’ time.