McGrath Cup Final (Saturday 20th January 2024)
Cork 1-14 Kerry 1-14
(Cork win 4-3 on penalties)
By Stephen Barry at Páirc Uí Rinn
Mark Cronin scored the winning penalty as Cork defended their McGrath Cup title with a shoot-out victory over rivals Kerry.
With both sides having an eye on next weekend’s Allianz League openers, this quality work-out went straight to penalties after Darragh Cashman kicked the 72nd-minute leveller.
Goalkeeper Patrick Doyle scored Cork’s first spot-kick before Blake Murphy blazed over the bar to hand Kerry the initiative.
But Micheál Burns also fired over and Doyle, who almost denied an identical effort from Diarmuid O’Connor, got down low to save from Darragh Roche.
Conor Geaney and Barry Dan O’Sullivan were Kerry’s other successful takers but the Rebels saw it out through Fionn Herlihy and a peach from Chris Óg Jones into the top corner before Cronin’s composed winner.
After lifting the cup, Cork captain Seán Meehan paid tribute to his Kiskeam clubmate John Paddy Joe Murphy, who passed away this week and was remembered with a minute’s silence before the match.
Kerry manager Jack O’Connor selected a mix of six All-Ireland starters and newcomers, including debutant Armin Heinrich at wing-back. His finest moments were two perfectly lofted diagonal balls into the square which resulted in points for Killian Spillane and Ronan Buckley.
Cillian Burke was another youngster to stand out. His link-up play with Seán O’Shea created the first two points for Spillane and Dylan Geaney. He forced two turnovers in attack, allowing him to add a point of his own and create a goal chance for Brian Ó Beaglaoich, saved by Doyle.
O’Shea and Spillane both looked sharp, with the latter kicking 0-3 from play.
Cork led for most of the first half thanks to impressive centre-forward David Buckley. He won and converted three frees and added another from play as he gave Paul Murphy plenty of trouble.
His attempt at a fisted point also rebounded off the crossbar to Jones for another score.
Cork were experimenting with goalkeeper Doyle, an eye-catching shot-stopper, unafraid to join the attack. He was penalised by the referee, however, for taking too long over a kick-out and they conceded from the throw-in.
Cork compounded the error as all four covering defenders were sucked in towards the throw-ball, with Geaney the only player to gamble on outstanding midfielder Joe O’Connor punching the ball towards goal.
His finish made it 1-6 to 0-6 with both sides adding just one further point each before half-time.
Jack O’Connor, who picked up a yellow card early in the second half, made six changes at half-time and Cork’s greater continuity stood to them. O’Shea grabbed two marks to extend Kerry’s lead to four but the hosts hit back with a 1-2 streak.
The goal was calmly finished by Jones after a superb over-the-top ball by Ian Maguire caught out the Kerry defence. When Eoghan McSweeney and Luke Fahy pointed, they were ahead, 1-10 to 1-9.
Doyle saved a Micheál Burns rocket and Cronin pushed it out to a two-point lead, but Kerry kicked three in a row in response from substitutes Conor Geaney and Roche (two frees).
A gorgeous kick from Blake Murphy equalised before Burns put Kerry back ahead at the start of four added minutes.
Cashman’s fine left-footed point levelled the game for an eighth time and when Rory Maguire’s swing at a long ball rolled wide, penalties were on the cards.
Scorers for Cork: David Buckley 0-5 (4fs), Chris Óg Jones 1-1, Eoghan McSweeney 0-2, Luke Fahy, Brian O’Driscoll, Ruairí Deane (f), Darragh Cashman, Mark Cronin, Blake Murphy 0-1 each.
Scorers for Kerry: Dylan Geaney 1-1, Killian Spillane, Seán O’Shea (2m, 1f) 0-3 each, Darragh Roche 0-2 (2fs), Ronan Buckley, Cillian Burke, Gavin White, Micheál Burns, Conor Geaney 0-1 each.
Cork: Patrick Doyle; Maurice Shanley, Tommy Walsh, Kevin Flahive; Luke Fahy, Seán Meehan, Matty Taylor; Ian Maguire, Colm O’Callaghan; Eoghan McSweeney, David Buckley, Brian O’Driscoll; Ruairí Deane, Conor Corbett, Chris Óg Jones.
Subs: Rory Maguire for Walsh (h-t), Mark Cronin for Deane (h-t), Cathal Maguire for McSweeney (53), Fionn Herlihy for Buckley (57), Daniel O’Mahony for Meehan (57), Blake Murphy for Corbett (61), Darragh Cashman for Fahy (62).
Kerry: Shane Ryan; Graham O’Sullivan, Jason Foley, Dylan Casey; Brian Ó Beaglaoich, Paul Murphy, Armin Heinrich; Joe O’Connor, Seán O’Brien; Ronan Buckley, Dylan Geaney, Cillian Burke; Killian Spillane, Seán O’Shea, Dara Moynihan.
Subs: Gavin White for Heinrich (h-t), Tom O’Sullivan for Murphy (h-t), Barry Dan O’Sullivan for Seán O’Brien (h-t), Stephen O’Brien for Buckley (h-t), Micheál Burns for Geaney (h-t), Keith Evans for Burke (h-t), Conor Geaney for Spillane (53), Adrian Spillane for Moynihan (57), Damien Bourke for Casey (57), Darragh Roche for O’Shea (57), Diarmuid O’Connor for J O’Connor (57).
Referee: Donnacha O’Callaghan (Limerick).
Munster Hurling Leauge Update
The 2024 edition of the Co-op SuperStores Munster Hurling League is set to remain incomplete as a decision has been reached. Despite Waterford securing a spot in the final with victories over Kerry and Tipperary in Group B, the Group A match between Limerick and Cork has faced persistent challenges.
The game, scheduled for January 7 in Mallow, and subsequent attempts last Wednesday and Sunday in Rathkeale, were called off due to adverse weather conditions including fog, ice, and rain. Unfortunately, due to scheduling conflicts with the Electric Ireland Fitzgibbon Cup and the upcoming Allianz Hurling Leagues, finding suitable dates for the fixture proved unfeasible.
Cork take McGrath Cup after Penalty Shootout
McGrath Cup Final (Saturday 20th January 2024)
Cork 1-14 Kerry 1-14
(Cork win 4-3 on penalties)
By Stephen Barry at Páirc Uí Rinn
Mark Cronin scored the winning penalty as Cork defended their McGrath Cup title with a shoot-out victory over rivals Kerry.
With both sides having an eye on next weekend’s Allianz League openers, this quality work-out went straight to penalties after Darragh Cashman kicked the 72nd-minute leveller.
Goalkeeper Patrick Doyle scored Cork’s first spot-kick before Blake Murphy blazed over the bar to hand Kerry the initiative.
But Micheál Burns also fired over and Doyle, who almost denied an identical effort from Diarmuid O’Connor, got down low to save from Darragh Roche.
Conor Geaney and Barry Dan O’Sullivan were Kerry’s other successful takers but the Rebels saw it out through Fionn Herlihy and a peach from Chris Óg Jones into the top corner before Cronin’s composed winner.
After lifting the cup, Cork captain Seán Meehan paid tribute to his Kiskeam clubmate John Paddy Joe Murphy, who passed away this week and was remembered with a minute’s silence before the match.
Kerry manager Jack O’Connor selected a mix of six All-Ireland starters and newcomers, including debutant Armin Heinrich at wing-back. His finest moments were two perfectly lofted diagonal balls into the square which resulted in points for Killian Spillane and Ronan Buckley.
Cillian Burke was another youngster to stand out. His link-up play with Seán O’Shea created the first two points for Spillane and Dylan Geaney. He forced two turnovers in attack, allowing him to add a point of his own and create a goal chance for Brian Ó Beaglaoich, saved by Doyle.
O’Shea and Spillane both looked sharp, with the latter kicking 0-3 from play.
Cork led for most of the first half thanks to impressive centre-forward David Buckley. He won and converted three frees and added another from play as he gave Paul Murphy plenty of trouble.
His attempt at a fisted point also rebounded off the crossbar to Jones for another score.
Cork were experimenting with goalkeeper Doyle, an eye-catching shot-stopper, unafraid to join the attack. He was penalised by the referee, however, for taking too long over a kick-out and they conceded from the throw-in.
Cork compounded the error as all four covering defenders were sucked in towards the throw-ball, with Geaney the only player to gamble on outstanding midfielder Joe O’Connor punching the ball towards goal.
His finish made it 1-6 to 0-6 with both sides adding just one further point each before half-time.
Jack O’Connor, who picked up a yellow card early in the second half, made six changes at half-time and Cork’s greater continuity stood to them. O’Shea grabbed two marks to extend Kerry’s lead to four but the hosts hit back with a 1-2 streak.
The goal was calmly finished by Jones after a superb over-the-top ball by Ian Maguire caught out the Kerry defence. When Eoghan McSweeney and Luke Fahy pointed, they were ahead, 1-10 to 1-9.
Doyle saved a Micheál Burns rocket and Cronin pushed it out to a two-point lead, but Kerry kicked three in a row in response from substitutes Conor Geaney and Roche (two frees).
A gorgeous kick from Blake Murphy equalised before Burns put Kerry back ahead at the start of four added minutes.
Cashman’s fine left-footed point levelled the game for an eighth time and when Rory Maguire’s swing at a long ball rolled wide, penalties were on the cards.
Scorers for Cork: David Buckley 0-5 (4fs), Chris Óg Jones 1-1, Eoghan McSweeney 0-2, Luke Fahy, Brian O’Driscoll, Ruairí Deane (f), Darragh Cashman, Mark Cronin, Blake Murphy 0-1 each.
Scorers for Kerry: Dylan Geaney 1-1, Killian Spillane, Seán O’Shea (2m, 1f) 0-3 each, Darragh Roche 0-2 (2fs), Ronan Buckley, Cillian Burke, Gavin White, Micheál Burns, Conor Geaney 0-1 each.
Cork: Patrick Doyle; Maurice Shanley, Tommy Walsh, Kevin Flahive; Luke Fahy, Seán Meehan, Matty Taylor; Ian Maguire, Colm O’Callaghan; Eoghan McSweeney, David Buckley, Brian O’Driscoll; Ruairí Deane, Conor Corbett, Chris Óg Jones.
Subs: Rory Maguire for Walsh (h-t), Mark Cronin for Deane (h-t), Cathal Maguire for McSweeney (53), Fionn Herlihy for Buckley (57), Daniel O’Mahony for Meehan (57), Blake Murphy for Corbett (61), Darragh Cashman for Fahy (62).
Kerry: Shane Ryan; Graham O’Sullivan, Jason Foley, Dylan Casey; Brian Ó Beaglaoich, Paul Murphy, Armin Heinrich; Joe O’Connor, Seán O’Brien; Ronan Buckley, Dylan Geaney, Cillian Burke; Killian Spillane, Seán O’Shea, Dara Moynihan.
Subs: Gavin White for Heinrich (h-t), Tom O’Sullivan for Murphy (h-t), Barry Dan O’Sullivan for Seán O’Brien (h-t), Stephen O’Brien for Buckley (h-t), Micheál Burns for Geaney (h-t), Keith Evans for Burke (h-t), Conor Geaney for Spillane (53), Adrian Spillane for Moynihan (57), Damien Bourke for Casey (57), Darragh Roche for O’Shea (57), Diarmuid O’Connor for J O’Connor (57).
Referee: Donnacha O’Callaghan (Limerick).
Cork GAA County Committee Bulletin 16/01/24
Cork GAA County Committee Bulletin 16/01/24
Cork GAA County Committee Bulletin 16/01/24
A meeting of the County Committee took place on Tuesday, January 16th in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh. The following matters were discussed/approved.
1. Management Committee
Election of Club and Divisional Reps to County Management
The following Delegates were elected;
Delegates were informed that all other subcommittee membership would be brought for approval at the February meeting.
2024 Bye-Laws
The 2024 County Bye-Laws, as approved by County Convention have been reviewed by the National Bye-Laws committee and once finalised, the approved County Bye-Laws for 2024 will be circulated.
2025 Bye-Law Review
A review committee was approved to consider particular Bye-laws for 2025, namely Bye -Laws 1 (Terms of Office) and 3 (Subcommittees). The membership is this group will comprise of Chair Willie Ring (Uachtaráin), Kevin O’Donovan (Rúnaí) and Denis Calnan (Finance manager). A report is to be provided to County Management on February 20th with a view to holding a Special County Convention, if required, on April 2nd, before the County Committee meeting.
Motions to Congress
The strategy for promoting the Cork motion to Congress was outlined, with consideration being given to alignment with possible motions from other counties.
Election of Congress Club Delegates
Willie Ring (Imokilly) and Denis Kelleher (Glanmire) were elected to attend GAA Congress as part of the county delegation.
Communications Policy
The Cathaoirleach and Rúnaí both outlined rationale behind the change in policy with regard to media presence at meeting, while importance of the media in the promotion of Gaelic Games was also noted.
2. Games Administration
The Updated Master Fixture Plan and League programme were approved by County Committee. It was agreed to meet with Divisional committee representatives to iron out any issues in relation to coordinating fixture plans.
A significant number of Independent teams were approved ahead of the upcoming U21 Club competitions. However, the Rúnaí encouraged all clubs to endeavour to field their own teams in order to maximise participation. A 13-aside County C competition would be arranged in both codes to this end. A number of temporary transfers were also approved.
The draws for the ‘Confined’ Junior B and C County Championships will take place at the February County Committee meeting. The deadline for entries is 9pm on Wednesday, January 31st.
Club Developments
Three applications in relation to club developments were approved (Kilworth, Ballygarvan, Kilbrin) on the recommendation of County Safety and Facilities Officer, Tony McAuliffe.
3. Games Development
GDC Roadshows
The series of regional meetings for club officers now underway to provide a briefing on the new Cork GAA Games Development structures was outlined.
4. County Teams
Upcoming fixtures in the Munster Senior Hurling League and the McGrath Cup Final were discussed.
Team Liaison Officers were appointed to the County teams for 2024 as follows;
5. Finance & Governance
The appropriate method of distribution of the €1 million donation by the JP McManus Fund was considered and it was agreed to distribute the funds based on status as an affiliated club across the four codes.
6. Commercial
The Rúnaí presented a report on the commercial activities of Cork GAA / SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, outlining twenty-four commercial agreements (Powerpoint presentation below). Progress reports were provided on Premium Seats, advertising, Rebels’ Bounty, Rebels Online, Munster Rugby, Concerts, One Cork and Naming Rights. He confirmed to delegates that there was engagement with SuperValu on naming rights and that with discussions ongoing, no proposal would be brought to County Committee yet.
A statement was issued; https://gaacork.ie/2024/01/16/statement-from-cork-gaa/
Commercial activities of Cork GAA / SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh Powerpoint
In relation to a possible name change of the stadium, a number of delegates expressed a desire to maintain the Ó Chaoimh name as part any change, while others suggested leaving all options open. The challenging nature of the Board’s finances was also recognised, as was the significant progress on gaining multiple commercial partners over recent years.
7. Facilities
Members were informed that a six-month arrangement was now in place with Seandún regarding the use of Ballinlough GAA teams by inter-county teams.
Preparations are ongoing for the Munster v Crusaders Rugby game on February 3rd and the start of the National Leagues.
A stewarding course would follow in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh on January 20th.
The importance of appropriate maintenance budgets in both SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh and Páirc Uí Rinn was discussed.
8. Council Reports
Munster Council Delegate Joe Blake provided a report on the recent Munster Council Convention, which was held January 12th in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
Central Council Delegate Tracey Kennedy provided an update on the most recent Central Council meeting. Best wishes were conveyed to her ahead of the election for the position of Representative of Congress at the upcoming GAA Congress on February 23rd / 24th.
9. Next County Committee meeting:
Tuesday, February 13th at 8pm in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
Scór na bPáistí competitions to take place across the county;
The Cork Senior Hurling Team to Play Limerick in the Co Op Superstores Munster League has been announced;