Cork register important victory in National Football League

Cork 2-12 Laois 0-10

By Rory Delaney at MW Hire O’Moore Park

Cork claimed a well deserved win at MW Hire O’Moore Park.

Ronan McCarthy’s charges were just too clinical for Laois, punishing a few mistakes from the home side to get ahead in the first half, and holding them at arm’s length for the remainder of the game. Laois now face a relegation battle, while Cork face Clare in the final group game needing another result there to progress to the knockout stages.

Laois had a nightmare start, seeing Colm Begley forced off the field through injury with barely a minute gone and, while they waited to bring on his replacement, Cork struck for a goal. A clever pass from Luke Connolly set Sean White through on goal and he finished low past Niall Corbet to open the scoring.

Ciaran Sheehan added a point soon after, claiming a wonderful mark from Ian Maguire’s ball before tapping over from 14 yards. Laois needed a while to settle down and they eventually did, with Donie Kingston winning and then pointing a free in the eighth minute to open their account.

Another long ball reaped dividends for Cork again after that, John O’Rourke the scorer this time as he fisted over from close range. Laois were struggling to create chances at the other end but finally hit something of a purple patch around the 15th minute.

Brian Byrne, a late addition to the side, clipped over two points in quick succession before Danny O’Reilly lofted over a fine long-range score to get the home side back within one. Unfortunately for Laois, that was as good as the first half got.

Cork pointed twice before the water break, Ian Maguire and Kevin O’Driscoll providing the scores this time, before pressing home their superiority when play resumed.

They were helped by some sloppy Laois play, Gareth Dillon’s misplaced pass hoovered up by the Cork forwards who set Ruairi Deane away, the Bantry man jinking his way into the area before slotting into the bottom corner.

It was pedestrian enough from there to the half-time whistle, Cork edging it slightly to take a 2-7 to 0-7 lead into the dressing rooms.

If Laois were hoping for an immediate upturn in their fortunes they were to be disappointed, even if Niall Corbet’s 45 gave them the opening score of the half. Cork replied soon after, winning a breaking ball in their own penalty area after Paul Kingston’s shot for goal was saved, working the ball quickly down field and pointing through Ian Maguire.

The same scenario repeated itself three minutes later, Evan O’Carroll seeing a shot blocked and Cork breaking at speed, John O’Rourke the scorer this time. The only other action of note in this period came when Luke Connolly’s shot for Cork missed the target in the 46th minute, the first wide they registered in the game.

Niall Corbet again came up from between the posts to float over a 45 for Laois with Danny O’Reilly adding another for the home side before the water break to see them within five heading into the final quarter.

They would never get closer than that though, failing to score again as Cork tacked on three more points through subs Mark Collins (two frees) and Shane Forde to run out comfortable eight point winners in the end.

Scorers for Laois: Donie Kingston 0-3 (3fs), Danny O’Reilly, Brian Byrne, Niall Corbet (2 45s) 0-2 each, Kieran Lillis 0-1.

Scorers for Cork: Sean White, Ruairi Deane 1-0 each, John O’Rourke, Ciaran Sheehan (1m), Ian Maguire, Mark Collins (2fs) 0-2 each, Kevin O’Driscoll, Luke Connolly, Mattie Taylor, Shane Forde 0-1 each.

LAOIS: Niall Corbet; Robbie Pigott, Mark Timmons, Gareth Dillon; Trevor Collins, Patrick O’Sullivan, Colm Begley; Kieran Lillis, John O’Loughlin; Brian Byrne, Eoin Lowry, Danny O’Reilly; Paul Kingston, Donie Kingston, Evan O’Carroll.

Subs: Alan Farrell for Begley (2 mins, inj), Mark Barry for O’Carroll (51), Gary Walsh for D Kingston (52), Michael Keogh for Lowry (60), Eoin Buggie for O’Sullivan (60), Sean O’Flynn for Byrne (66), Benny Carroll for P Kingston (66)

CORK: Míchael Martin; Sean Powter, Daniel O’Mahoney, Kevin Flahive; Kevin O’Donovan, Sean Meehan, Mattie Taylor; Ian Maguire, Paul Walsh; Sean White, Ruairi Deane, Kevin O’Driscoll; John O’Rourke, Cíaran Sheehan, Luke Connolly.

Subs: Damien Gore for Connolly (51), Colm O’Callaghan for Sheehan (53), Mark Collins for White (53), Tadhg Corkery for O’Donovan (58), Cian Kiely for Taylor (59), Dan Dineen for O’Rourke (64), Shane Forde for Powter (64).

REFEREE: Barry Judge (Sligo)

Cork Senior Hurling team to play Westmeath has been announced

Cork Senior Hurling team to play Westmeath on Sunday in Allianz Hurling League Round 3 has been announced.

  1. Ger Collins, Ballinhassig
  2. Sean O’Leary Hayes, Midleton
  3. Eoin Cadogan, Douglas
  4. Sean O’Donoghue, Inniscarra
  5. Tim O’Mahony, Newtownshandrum
  6. Robert Downey, Glen Rovers
  7. Niall Cashman, Blackrock
  8. Darragh Fitzgibbon, Charleville
  9. Daire Connery, Na Piarsaigh
  10. Conor Cahalane, St Finbarrs
  11. Patrick Horgan, Glen Rovers
  12. Shane Barrett, Blarney
  13. Alan Cadogan, Douglas
  14. Alan Connolly, Blackrock
  15. Luke Meade, Newcestown
  16. Eoin Davis, St. Catherines
  17. Niall O’ Leary, Castlelyons
  18. Damien Cahalane, St Finbarrs
  19. James O’ Flynn, Erins Own
  20. Billy Hennessy, St. Finbarrs
  21. Bill Cooper, Youghal
  22. Tadgh Deasy, Blackrock
  23. Simon Kennefick, Glen Rovers
  24. Sean Twomey, Courcey Rovers
  25. Brian Turnbull, Douglas
  26. Daniel Meaney, Blackrock

Cork Senior Football team to play Laois has been announced

Cork Senior Football team to play Laois in Allianz Football League has been announced. The game will take place on Saturday at 7pm. It will be streamed live on GAAGO.

  1. Mícheál  Martin, Nemo Rangers
  2. Sean Powter, Douglas
  3. Daniel O’ Mahony, Knocknagree
  4. Kevin Flahive, Douglas
  5. Kevin O’ Donovan, Nemo Rangers
  6. Sean Meehan, Kiskeam
  7. Mattie Taylor, Mallow
  8. Ian Maguire, St. Finbarrs
  9. Paul Walsh, Kanturk
  10. Sean White, Clonakilty
  11. Ruairi Deane, Bantry Blues
  12. Kevin O’ Driscoll, Tadhg MacCarthaigh
  13. John O’ Rourke, Carbery Rangers
  14. Cíaran Sheehan, Eire Og
  15. Luke Connolly, Nemo Rangers
  16. Anthony Casey, Kiskeam
  17. Sam Ryan, St. Finbarrs
  18. Paul Ring, Aghabullogue
  19. Cian Kiely, Ballincollig
  20. Tadhg Corkery, Cill na Martra
  21. Shane Forde, Na Piarsaigh
  22. Colm O’ Callaghan, Eire Og
  23. Mark Collins, Castlehaven
  24. Damien Gore, Kilmacabea
  25. Blake Murphy, St. Vincents
  26. Dan Dineen, Cill na Martra

 

 

 

Cork Credit Unions Title Sponsor of Cork GAA Football Leagues

Cork Credit Unions and Cork GAA are delighted to announce a new three-year partnership that will
see Cork Credit Unions as the Cork Football Leagues title sponsor.
The Cork Credit Union cover an area stretching from Castletownbere to Youghal and Kinsale to Mitchelstown,
there is a credit union to be found serving every community just like the county’s GAA clubs. With
over 30 Credit Unions and offices across Cork, providing more services to communities than ever
before. Over 50 football teams are participating in the upcoming leagues.
Cork Credit Unions have come together to forge stronger relationships with Cork focused initiatives.
This cooperation between Credit Unions is a key ethos by which they operate, helping them to
provide a multi award-winning service. Credit Unions are not-for-profit, always keeping the
members’ interests at the forefront of everything they do. A key factor is their relentless focus on
understanding what matters most to people and being able to deliver it in the experiences they give
them. As credit unions share a similar ethos of co-operation to football teams and the communities
they represent, showcasing the power of working as a team.
This season, the Co. football leagues take a different shape due to the tighter schedule available. It
means there is now 13 groups in total from Division 1A to Division 7. Divisions 1 to 6 will have two
groups in each, with the top in each group (A & B) playing in semi finals before going onto the finals. 7 finals will be played involving 53 clubs from across the county. The Cork Credit Unions Football
League Cup gets underway on the June Bank Holiday, from the 7th . There will be added bite also in
this years’ competition as there is set to be plenty of local derbies to whet the appetite of club
supporters.
Speaking at the launch of the partnership, Cork GAA Chairperson Marc Sheehan said, “We are
delighted to welcome Cork Credit Unions on board for a three-year period, as our clubs are
about to embark on a long-awaited period of activity. This partnership will allow significant
prize money for the competitions to go directly to clubs at a time of financial challenges for
all units”.
Cork GAA CEO Kevin O’Donovan said, “Our leagues are essential in the provision of regular
games for all our players and to have the support of Cork Credit Unions is a huge asset on
creating the suitable structures. Indeed, as our football leagues reach into every corner of
city and county, it is appropriate that our partners have similar links with our communities.
Once more, the One Cork structure has been a key factor in the new commercial model now
evolving locally”.
Cork Credit Unions Committee member, Luke Casey had the following to say: “We are delighted to
be involved with Cork GAA at a club level. Individual credit unions rooted in their communities have
been supporting clubs for years in one way or another. This three year partnership is another way in
which credit unions are here for Cork. Local clubs and credit unions are found in communities across
the county and the people they serve are the backbone of both. It really is a perfect fit for a
partnership. We look forward to the league season ahead and wish all the participating teams the
best of luck!”

Head to www.corkcreditunions.ie to find out more about your Credit Union and the wider group.

Photos courtesy of Jim Coughlan

Cork and Tipperary finish level

TIPPERARY 0-22 CORK 2-16

Courtesy of www.gaa.ie

A late Jason Forde’s long-range injury-time free earned Tipperary a draw against Cork in Thurles on Saturday night.

Tipperary  had drawn their opening game with Limerick last week while Cork had seen off Waterford and it looked as if the Rebels would win their first two games for the first time since 2012 when subs Alan Connolly and Conor Cahalane had points to put them 2-16 to 0-20 in front.

Tipp wouldn’t relent though and gave themselves some hope as Cathal Barrett pointed – the third member of the hosts’ full-back line to do so – and when they were awarded a free behind their own 65, Forde sent over his 11th point of the night. While Cork captain Patrick Horgan had a late attempt at a winning score, his shot came back off the post, ensuring the spoils were shared.

Both teams will take a measure of positives from the game while knowing that there are still areas to be improved upon, not least periods of below-par shooting, for Cork in the first half and Tipp after the interval.

Indeed, having had the game’s opening point from Alan Cadogan inside 18 seconds, Cork could have put themselves four in front as Cadogan set up Jack O’Connor for a good goal chance but he fired wide. Tipp made the most of that let-off to move 0-3 to 0-1 in front through Forde, corner-back Barry Heffernan and John McGrath, but Cork were in front in the 12th minute as midfielder Tim O’Mahony goaled from close range after linking with Horgan.

Tipp were level by the water-break, with Cork having had six wides by then, and Forde’s frees helped Liam Sheedy’s side to go in at half-time with a 0-12 to 1-8 advantage.

They lead was extended to three early in the second half as John McGrath and Forde scored, but it was Tipp’s turn to experience inaccuracy in front of the posts and Cork were level as Darragh Fitzgibbon set up Horgan for a well-taken goal on 44. Soon after that, Horgan sent over his fifth point and Cork were back in front, 2-9 to 0-14 – they wouldn’t trail again, but neither could they fully see off Tipp.

A purple patch before and after the water-break saw Cork register points through subs Daire Connery, Tadhg Deasy and Conor Cahalane to lead by 2-12 to 0-15 with 12 minutes left but Tipp wouldn’t let them clear.

Ronan Maher with a free from distance, full-back Brian McGrath and Forde brought them within a point on 63 and, while Horgan pushed Cork ahead again, Forde and Heffernan tied matters.

Though Cork pushed ahead again, they couldn’t see out the game and Tipp secured a point.

Scorers for Tipperary: Jason Forde 0-11 (0-10 frees), John McGrath 0-3, Barry Heffernan 0-2, Cathal Barrett, Brian McGrath, Ronan Maher (free), John O’Dwyer, Jake Morris, Paul Flynn 0-1 each.

Scorers for Cork: Patrick Horgan 1-6 (0-5 frees), Tim O’Mahony 1-1, Alan Cadogan, Conor Cahalane 0-2 each, Darragh Fitzgibbon, Daire Connery, Tadhg Deasy, Alan Connolly, Robbie O’Flynn 0-1 each.

TIPPERARY: Barry Hogan; Barry Heffernan, Brian McGrath, Cathal Barrett; Pádraic Maher, Séamus Kennedy, Ronan Maher; Alan Flynn, Noel McGrath; Jake Morris, Jason Forde, Niall O’Meara; John O’Dwyer, John McGrath, Willie Connors. Subs: Michael Breen for Flynn (40), Paul Flynn for O’Meara (44), Paddy Cadell for Noel McGrath, Patrick Maher for O’Dwyer (both 56), Brendan Maher for Connors (60), Dylan Quirke for Morris (64).

CORK: Patrick Collins; Niall O’Leary, Damien Cahalane, Seán O’Leary Hayes; Robert Downey, Mark Coleman, Niall Cashman; Billy Hennessy, Tim O’Mahony; Luke Meade, Darragh Fitzgibbon, Robbie O’Flynn; Alan Cadogan, Patrick Horgan, Jack O’Connor. Subs: Conor Cahalane for O’Flynn (28, injured), Daire Connery for Cashman (45), Eoin Cadogan for Downey, Tadhg Deasy for O’Connor (both 53), Alan Connolly for Alan Cadogan, Seán O’Donoghue for O’Leary Hayes (both 59), Seán Twomey for Meade (70).

Referee: Johnny Murphy (Limerick)

Pictures courtesy of George Hatchell