Cork footballers win on the road

Allianz National Football League Division 2

CORK 3-15 (3-0-15) OFFALY 0-19 (0-2-15)

Cork continue to quietly nudge themselves into the promotion conversation after they picked up their second road win in succession, this time against Offaly at Glenisk O’Connor Park.

John Cleary’s side have now won three games out of three, albeit it’s looking more and more likely that the relegation battle will be a three-way shootout between the sides that the Rebels have overcome. Meanwhile their four remaining opponents – Kildare, Meath, Derry and Tyrone – are all looking upwards at a potential path to Division One football. 

Certainly the pressure is mounting on Offaly, who left themselves with far too much to do at half-time.

The Faithful County had a decent breeze at their backs in the opening half, as evidenced by Cormac Egan and Keith O’Neill sending over elegant two-pointers, but they only raised two other flags for the opening 35 minutes while Cork were effectively home and hosed with 2-9 on the board. Mickey Harte and Declan Kelly were forced into some changes with Lee Pearson, Jack Bryant and Nathan Poland joining their extraordinarily long injury list, while in goal, they opted to give a league debut to MTU Kerry student Conor Melia.

Despite this, their troubles with retaining possession continued as Cork took a firm grip on proceedings around the middle.

Either end of the first half Colm O’Callaghan picked up a pass from Chris Óg Jones and blasted the ball past Conor Melia, while Seán McDonnell easily could have had a third if he had been six inches more accurate, instead of hammering his effort off the woodwork.

Throughout the 35 minutes the Rebels were patient and controlled in their play, winning plenty of possession and starving the Offaly attack of opportunities.

Harry Plunkett kicked one of his eight points to start the second half but a point from Steven Sherlock and Mark Cronin goal made it 3-10 to 0-7 with 39 minutes played and given the value of the wind, a landslide win looked like it might ensue.

Instead of powering on however, a black card for Rory Maguire stalled Cork’s momentum and Offaly had the better of the final 20 minutes, landing the last three points of the game as they tried to generate some positivity in advance of daunting trips to Omagh and Derry in the next fortnight.

For Cork, the bar will be raised from now on, but there will be plenty of good feelings down by the Lee after a Happy Valentine’s weekend in the midlands.

Scorers for Offaly: Harry Plunkett 0-8 (0-4f), Keith O’Neill 0-5 (1tp), Cormac Egan 0-3 (1tp), Niall Furlong 0-1, Jordan Hayes 0-1, Daire McDaid 0-1.

Scorers for Cork: Mark Cronin 1-4 (1f), Colm O’Callaghan 2-1, Steven Sherlock 0-5 (2f), Chris Óg Jones 0-2, S McDonnell, S Walsh, D Sheedy 0-1 each**.**

 

OFFALY: Conor Melia; Shane O’Toole-Greene, David Dempsey, Daire McDaid; Cormac Egan, Diarmuid Egan, Rory Egan; Jack McEvoy, Aaron Leavy; Marcas Dalton, Jordan Hayes, Keith O’Neill; Harry Plunkett, Ciarán Murphy, Eoin Sawyer. Subs: Niall Furlong for Sawyer (h-t), Darragh Flynn for Murphy (46), Eoin Dunne for Dalton (52), Dan Molloy for Leavy (64).

CORK: Patrick Doyle; Maurice Shanley, Daniel O’Mahony, Seán Meehan; Mattie Taylor, Rory Maguire, Luke Fahy; Colm O’Callaghan, Ian Maguire; Paul Walsh, Dara Sheedy, Seán McDonnell; Steven Sherlock, Chris Óg Jones, Mark Cronin. Subs: Ruairí Deane for Walsh (46), Seán Walsh for Maguire (51), Cathail O’Mahony for Jones (52), Micheál Aodh Martin for Doyle (59), Conor Cahalane for McDonnell (66).

Referee: Seán Lonergan (Tipperary).

Cork hurlers beat Tipp at home

Allianz Hurling League Division 1A

Cork 0-29 Tipperary 0-22

By Stephen Barry at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh

Both sides finished with 14 men as Cork put All-Ireland final heartbreak out of their minds with a seven-point victory over Tipperary in front of a bumper 30,910 crowd at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

Connolly’s eight points and seven from Darragh Fitzgibbon, including six from play, were the key tallies. Cork have now won seven consecutive Allianz Hurling League games for the first time since 1953.

From last year’s All-Ireland teams, Ben O’Connor picked 10 established starters and Liam Cahill nine for this February rematch in ideal conditions.

Of the newcomers, William Buckley backed up his man-of-the-match performance against Waterford with three points, while his teenage marker Cathal O’Reilly struck a point at the other end.

There was no sign of a Tipp sweeper here, but Connors often shuttled back to provide a defensive shield. That worked well early on.

The sides traded points in pairs for the opening 15 minutes, with Tipp repeatedly edging ahead and Cork pinning them back. Jake Morris and Andrew Ormond rotated the centre-forward role to each snipe two points.

Half-backs Craig Morgan and Sam O’Farrell gave Tipp their last lead at 0-6 to 0-4. From there, Cork began to get more purchase and reeled off five points in a row, including fine efforts from Buckley and Barrett.

Cork were first to threaten a goal. O’Reilly hooked Buckley, but the corner-forward then picked out Barrett. The speedster was brought down by Johnny Ryan, who was black-carded. Declan Dalton stepped up, but failed to replicate his clinical finish against Waterford as Rhys Shelly made a routine save. Fitzgibbon ensured Cork didn’t leave without a point.

A Connors turnover point and two Forde frees levelled at 0-10 apiece, but Cork would add the next five in succession, with two from Connolly. In total, they won the period with an extra man by 0-6 to 0-4.

When Eoin Downey and Mark Coleman chipped in with white flags, both wing-backs had contributed two points each. Séamus Kennedy completed the set of Tipp half-backs splitting the posts to make the score 0-16 to 0-12. It proved the last score before the break.

Referee Liam Gordon the half-time whistle after dishing out those red cards to Jason Forde and Shane Barrett following a melee.

That was the only real flashpoint as Cork held Tipp at arm’s length until the closing stages. Fitzgibbon and Buckley kept them motoring with a couple of points each.

Tipp called upon Hurler of the Year John McGrath, yet it was Eoghan Connolly who had the greatest bench impact with four long-range frees. He finished as Tipp’s top scorer among 13 different players to raise a white flag.

Substitute Darragh McCarthy brought it back to a one-score game with his 66th-minute free.

However, Connolly sparked a four-point streak to make the points safe. Cork enter a three-week break until they visit Kilkenny on March 1, while Tipp host Limerick in a fortnight.

Scorers for Cork: Alan Connolly 0-8 (4fs); Darragh Fitzgibbon 0-7 (1f); Diarmuid Healy, William Buckey 0-3 each; Eoin Downey, Mark Coleman, Shane Barrett 0-2 each; Brian Hayes, Tim O’Mahony 0-1 each.

Scorers for Tipperary: Eoghan Connolly 0-4 (4f); Jake Morris 0-3 (1f); Willie Connors, Andrew Ormond, Jason Forde (2f), Darragh McCarthy (2f) 0-2 each; Cathal O’Reilly, Sam O’Farrell, Craig Morgan, Séamus Kennedy, Conor Stakelum, Oisín O’Donoghue, Noel McGrath 0-1 each.

Cork: Patrick Collins; Seán O’Donoghue, Dáire O’Leary, Ger Millerick; Eoin Downey, Robert Downey, Mark Coleman; Micheál Mullins, Ethan Twomey; Darragh Fitzgibbon, Shane Barrett, Diarmuid Healy; William Buckley, Declan Dalton, Alan Connolly.

Subs: Cormac O’Brien for Coleman (HT), Tim O’Mahony for Mullins (44), Brian Hayes for Dalton (44), Hugh O’Connor for Twomey (52), Robbie O’Flynn for Buckley (64).

Tipperary: Rhys Shelly; Johnny Ryan, Bryan O’Mara, Cathal O’Reilly; Sam O’Farrell, Craig Morgan, Séamus Kennedy; Willie Connors, Conor Stakelum; Andrew Ormond, Jake Morris, Josh Keller; Darragh Stakelum, Oisín O’Donoghue, Jason Forde.

Subs: John McGrath for D Stakelum (HT), Eoghan Connolly for Kennedy (44), Noel McGrath for Keller (49), Darragh McCarthy for O’Donoghue (56), Paddy McCormack for Ormond (61).

Referee: Liam Gordon (Galway).

Cork GAA Mascots Shine at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh

Cork GAA Mascots Shine at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh

Cork GAA Mascots enjoyed a memorable matchday experience recently at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, proudly leading out the Cork teams at both the Cork v Cavan and Cork v Waterford fixtures.

At the games, the mascots were delighted to take centre stage as they walked out ahead of the Cork players, creating unforgettable moments for all involved and adding to the colour and excitement of matchday in the Páirc.

Ahead of the Cork v Cavan clash, Cork GAA Mascots, in association with Sports Direct, were warmly welcomed to SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh by Cork Football Captain Ian Maguire, making the day even more special as they prepared to lead the team out in front of the Cork supporters.

Meanwhile, before the Cork v Waterford game, the mascots were greeted by Cork hurler Tim O’Mahony, adding to the excitement of the occasion at the stadium.

Cork GAA would like to thank Sports Direct for their continued support of the Mascot Programme and for helping to create unforgettable matchday memories.

👉 Want to be involved next time?
Make sure to follow Cork GAA on Instagram for details on our next Mascot Competition and your chance to lead out the Cork teams at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

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Match Day Photos | Allianz Hurling League Round 1 | Cork vs Waterford

Cork secured a dominant 14-point win over Waterford in Allianz Hurling League Division 1A at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh. In Ben O’Connor’s first competitive game in charge, the Rebels impressed with pace and precision, scoring 3-25. Debutant William Buckley and Declan Dalton both struck 1-4, with 10 different players on the scoresheet.

Photos from the game are below 📸

Hurlers beat Waterford in Round 1

Allianz Hurling League Division 1A

Cork 3-25 Waterford 1-17

By Stephen Barry at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh

The Ben O’Connor era began in earnest with a free-flowing 14-point demolition of Waterford in front of 20,464 fans at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

They hadn’t the retired Patrick Horgan or Hurler of the Year nominee Brian Hayes in their ranks, but a retooled full-forward line still took the Déise for 3-10.

Debutant William Buckley notched 1-4, which was matched by the repositioned Declan Dalton, among 10 different scorers.

Having excused them from Munster Hurling League duty, O’Connor called upon 10 of last year’s All-Ireland final team to start his first competitive game as manager. As well as Buckley, Alan Walsh and Hugh O’Connor received their debuts off the bench. Dáire O’Leary began at full-back on his return to the panel.

Peter Queally gave debuts to Daniel Lalor, Seán Mackey, and James Power. They lost further experience with Jack Fagan limping off in the opening exchanges, replaced by Joe Booth. Reuben Halloran was their standout performer with 0-13, including three from play.

Waterford were utterly outmatched from the off as Cork scored nine points from their first nine shots inside nine minutes. They made it 10 without a miss before the wides began to kick in, ending with 12 in total. Dalton lined out at full-forward and opened the scoring. He would contribute 1-4 and assist just as much.

Jamie Barron was the only Waterford hurler to score from play in the opening stretch, splitting the posts in the third and 17th minutes.

In between, Cork kept piling on the scores. Shane Barrett was given the freedom of the Páirc as he roamed from centre-forward for three quickfire points. Darragh Fitzgibbon, Diarmuid Healy, Buckley, and Alan Connolly also got off the mark.

Seán Walsh got off a shot on goal at the other end, which Patrick Collins stood tall to save.

Dalton was already on four points from play before he gave Conor Keane the slip and batted across the goal for Connolly to tap in. 1-11 to 0-3 after 18 minutes. Fitzgibbon, Buckley, and Healy tacked on the next trio for a 14-point lead.

 

Darragh Lyons and Halloran gave Déise supporters something to cheer. But things went from bad to worse when Mark Fitzgerald dragged down Brian Roche. After consulting with his umpires, Johnny Murphy produced the black card and awarded a penalty, which Dalton rocketed into the top corner.

They led 2-16 to 0-9 at half-time, although Waterford broke even during the 10 minutes they were reduced to 14 men (1-1 to 0-4).

Mackey was denied a debut goal, but when Halloran was fouled by Robert Downey, Murphy reached for his black card and gave a penalty. Shane Bennett came forward from the half-backs to drill it low to the net.

In the next play, Alan Walsh intercepted a pass and Connolly fed Buckley, whose one-handed swing beat the advancing keeper. They led 3-19 to 1-11 as Bennett’s next free was saved on the goalline. Again, the black-card period ended up tied, 1-2 apiece.

They split the final eight points between them before Seán Walsh was sent off in stoppage time, with Murphy indicating interference with the face guard.

Scorers for Cork: William Buckley, Declan Dalton (1-0 pen) 1-4 each; Alan Connolly 1-2 (1f); Diarmuid Healy 0-4; Darragh Fitzgibbon (0-1f), Shane Barrett 0-3 each; Mark Coleman 0-2; Tommy O’Connell, Brian Roche, Hugh O’Connor 0-1 each.

Scorers for Waterford: Reuben Halloran 0-13 (8fs, 2 65s); Shane Barrett 1-0 (pen); Jamie Barron 0-2; Darragh Lyons, Calum Lyons 0-1 each.

Cork: Patrick Collins; Niall O’Leary, Dáire O’Leary, Seán O’Donoghue; Cormac O’Brien, Robert Downey, Mark Coleman; Tommy O’Connell, Darragh Fitzgibbon; Brian Roche, Shane Barrett, Diarmuid Healy; William Buckley, Declan Dalton, Alan Connolly.

Subs: Alan Walsh for Dalton (42), Hugh O’Connor for Barrett (48), Eoin Roche for O’Leary (51), Micheál Mullins for Downey (55), Robbie O’Flynn for Healy (61).

Waterford: Billy Nolan; Conor Prunty, Daniel Lalor, Conor Keane; Iarlaith Daly, Mark Fitzgerald, Shane Bennett; Darragh Lyons, Seán Mackey; Reuben Halloran, Jamie Barron, Jack Fagan; James Power, Seán Walsh, Charlie Treen.

Subs: Joe Booth for Fagan (8, inj), Brian Lynch for Lalor (20), Calum Lyons for J Power (42), Michael Kiely for Booth (51), Mairtín Power for Daly (58).

Referee: Johnny Murphy (Limerick).