Advertisement
INPHO/James Crombie
Overview

Drama at Croker as champions go crashing out

The final word on both of Sunday’s All-Ireland quarter-finals, as a tired Cork surrendered their title to James Horan’s Mayo.

MAYO ARE THROUGH to the All-Ireland semi-finals after they beat current champions Cork 1-13 to 2-06 in a brilliant second half performance on Sunday at Croke Park.

James Horan’s side showed phenomenal reserves of pace and power to end the Rebels’ reign, with a solitary second half point from John Miskella all Cork had to show as they meekly gave up their title.

The match had started so differently. Donncha O’Connor slotted in an early penalty before further scores from Fintan Goold and Paul Kerrigan helped them to a 1-04 to 0-01 lead.

Points from Kevin McLoughlin and Cillian O’Connor hinted at the fightback to come from Mayo, with a goal from the former reducing the arrears to a point, but Cork extended their lead when Kerrigan got on the end of a Fiachra Lynch punch to score his side’s second goal of the game.

Cork led 2-05 to 1-06 at half-time but Horan’s side emerged with renewed purpose. Aidan O’Shea was a phenomenon in midfield while the defence of Trevor Mortimer, Ger Cafferkey and Keith Higgins held firm.

Mayo’s seven scores were answered by just a single Cork point, and the Munster side’s misery was compounded late in the game when Miskella saw red for an off-the-ball offence.

In Sunday’s earlier game, Kerry were never troubled as they easily beat Limerick 1-20 to 0-10.

As it happened: How Cork gave up their crown >

As it happened: Kerry make light work of Limerick >

Your Voice
Readers Comments
4
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.