Dublin 1-16
Cork 0-14
DUBLIN HAD THE depth and dynamism to win a lively All Ireland quarter-final at Croke Park.
Cork contributed handsomely to a pleasant encounter, but ultimately they lacked the substance to cause a mild surprise as Dublin held on for a satisfying success.
On another day Dublin’s failure to convert might have cost them dearly, but they had sufficient possession to accumulate a healthy total.
The football was fluid with goalscoring chances manufactured by both teams during a first half that was sprinkled with class.
Stephen Cluxton’s dead ball accuracy was crucial for Dublin as the Parnells clubman kicked four opening period points for Jim Gavin’s side.
Cork, though, were rugged as inside forwards Daniel Goulding, Ciaran Sheehan, and Brian Hurley all registered from play within 12 minutes.
Dublin trailed by 0-3 to 0-2 at that stage, but Cluxton continued to kick 45s and distance frees as the match continued at a decent clip.
Level at 0-4 each Dublin spurned a goal chance when the highly effective Paul Flynn drilled over the bar, but Cork stayed defiant.
Damien Cahalane converted a 45 into the Hill and the Rebels’ challenge was increasing in belief and momentum.
A Goulding free was replied to briskly by Cluxton, but Dublin were just that bit slicker as the interval approached.
Bernard Brogan and Diarmuid Connolly might have rattled the Cork net, but Dublin still went in 0-9 to 0-7 in front at the break.
Mark Collins scored to leave the minimum in it, but then Dublin finally planted a goal that they had been threatening for so long.
Jack McCaffrey timed his run to perfection and had sufficient skill to make the Cork net dance from an acute angle.
Cork rallied for a while with Goulding and Hurley sharp inside getting the margin down to 1-11 to 0-12 by the 49th minute.
Dean Rock has been industrious as an impact replacement for Dublin this summer and the Ballymun Kickhams star landed a vital score just as Cork were beginning to examine the locals’.
Kevin McManamon gained fame in 2011 for operating a similar role and he also announced his arrival here with a splendid point.
Cork craved a major in the closing stages, but Dublin confidently closed the deal as they advanced to the penultimate stage.
Scorers for Dublin: S Cluxton 0-6 (3fs, 3 45s), Jack McCaffrey 1-0, Paul Flynn 0-2, Dean Rock 0-2, Ciaran Kilkenny 0-2 ,MD MacAuley 0-1, Kevin McManamon 0-1, Denis Bastick 0-1, Bernard Brogan 0-1f.
Scorers for Cork: Daniel Goulding 0-5 (2fs, 145), Brian Hurley 0-3, Mark Collins 0-2 (1f), Ciaran Sheehan 0-1, John O’Rourke 0-1, James Loughrey 0-1, Damien Cahalane 0-1 (0-1 ’45).
DUBLIN: Stephen Cluxton (c); John Cooper, Rory O’Carroll, Kevin O’Brien; James McCarthy, Ger Brennan, Jack McCaffrey; Michael Darragh MacAuley, Cian O’Sullivan; Paul Flynn, Ciaran Kilkenny, Diarmuid Connolly; Paul Mannion, Bernard Brogan, Brian Cullen. Subs: D Rock for Cullen (41 mins), Philly McMahon for Cooper (50 mins), Kevin McManamon for Mannion (54 mins), Denis Bastick for McAuley (60 mins), Eoghan O’Gara for Kilkenny (65 mins).
CORK: Alan Quirke; Eoin Cadogan, Michael Shields, Thomas Clancy; Damien Cahalane, Graham Canty, James Loughrey; Alan O’Connor, Pearse O’Neill; Mark Collins, Aidan Walsh, John O’Rourke; Daniel Goulding, Ciarán Sheehan, Brian Hurley. Subs: P Kissane for Cadogan (36 mins), P Kerrigan for O’Rourke (43 mins), J O’Sullivan for Clancy (47 mins), Donncha O’Connor for A O’Connor (51 mins), Tomas Clancy for Canty (54 mins).
Referee: David Coldrick (Meath).
