Cork 1-15
Clare 1-9
Fintan O’Toole reports from Mallow
CORK ROUNDED OFF their McGrath Cup endeavours on a successful note with a six-point win over Clare in tonight’s final at a chilly Mallow tonight.
New manager Peadar Healy has picked up silverware at his first attempt as Cork warmed up ahead of next Sunday’s league opener against Mayo.
Brian Hurley top scored with 1-4 for a Cork team that were ahead 1-10 to 1-4 at the interval with Eoin Cleary bagging Clare’s goal.
Colm O’Driscoll chipped in with 0-3 for Cork as despite being named at corner-back, he roamed to good effect as he kept tabs on Clare sweeper Seanie Malone.
It was a deserved success for Cork but they were grateful to Ken O’Halloran’s point-blank save from Cleary in the 55th minute at a crucial time when they possessed a four-point advantage.
From there Cork clinically closed the game out to ensure captain Daniel Goulding – who paid tribute in his acceptance speech to Cork GAA stalwart John Corcoran after his passing this week – lifted silverware.
Cork only registered one goal in the opening period but certainly did not lack chances to raise green flags.
Dan MacEoin rapped one shot against the butt of the upright after weaving through. Mark Collins blasted over a 21st minute point from close-range after Hurley’s alertness created the opening from a free.
Two minutes later Ian Maguire’s speculative delivery bounced over the bar with Clare relieved that the ball did not loop into the net.
Hurley did ensure the Clare goal was breached, punting home in the 15th minute after Dan MacEoin released him into space with a handpass.
Clare’s reply to the concession of that goal was swift. Within a minute Cork goalkeeper Ken O’Halloran was picking the ball out of the net after Eoin Cleary palmed it home, profiting from a charging run from Gary Brennan and the unselfishness of Sean Haugh to play it across.
Cleary’s goal nudged Clare ahead 1-3 to 1-2 but it was not a springboard for the Banner as they were outscored by 0-8 to 0-1 for the remainder of the opening period.
MacEoin weighed in with a brace of fine points for Cork before the interval as they retired with a six-point cushion.
Scorers were rationed after the break but Clare started to make inroads into Cork’s position. Captain Gary Brennan gained a forceful grip around the middle while Shane McGrath and David Tubridy were focal points in attack.
When Sean Collins pointed in the 55th minute, Clare were only four adrift at 1-11 to 1-7. Their best chance to rock Cork came soon after through Cleary’s goal chance but O’Halloran repelled them and this contest was killed off by Cork soon after.
Scorers for Cork: Brian Hurley 1-4 (0-2f), Colm O’Driscoll 0-3, Daniel Goulding (0-1f), Dan MacEoin 0-2 eacah, Paul Kerrigan, Ian Maguire, Mark Collins, Seamus Hickey 0-1 each.
Scorers for Clare: Eoin Cleary 1-2 (0-2f), David Tubridy (0-1f), Shane McGrath, Sean Collins 0-2 each, Cathal O’Connor 0-1.
Cork
1. Ken O Halloran (Bishopstown)
4. Kieran Histon (Cobh)
3. Eoin Cadogan (Douglas)
2. Colm O Driscoll (Tadhg MacCarthaigh)
5. Brian O Driscoll (Tadhg MacCarthaigh)
6. James Loughrey (Mallow)
7. Tomas Clancy (Fermoy)
8. Ian Maguire (St Finbarrs)
9. Mark Collins (Castlehaven)
10. Kevin O Driscoll (Tadhg MacCarthaigh)
24. Paul Kerrigan (Nemo Rangers)
12. Ruairi Deane (Bantry Blues)
13. Dan McEoin (Ilen Rovers)
14. Daniel Goulding (Eire Og – captain)
15. Brian Hurley (Castlehaven)
Subs
20. Andrew O’Sullivan (Castletownbere) for Deane (9)
23. Luke Connolly (Nemo Rangers) for Kevin O’Driscoll (44)
25. Peter Kelleher (Kilmichael) for MacEoin (49)
21. Killian O’Hanlon (Kilshannig) for Maguire (60)
26. Seamus Hickey (Rockchapel) for Kerrigan (65)
19. Bart Daly (Newmarket) for Loughrey (68)
Clare
1. Joe Hayes (Lissycasey)
24. Kevin Hartnett (Meelick)
3. Jack O’Dea (Kilfenora)
4. Martin McMahon (Kilmurry-Ibrickane)
5. Pierce Lillis (Cooraclare)
6. Gordon Kelly (St Joseph’s Miltown Malbay)
7. Cian O’Dea (Kilfenora)
8. Gary Brennan (Clondegad – captain)
9. Cathal O’Connor (Coolmeen)
10. Sean Collins (Cratloe)
19. Shane McGrath (Thomas Davis, Dublin)
12. Seanie Malone (St Joseph’s Miltown Malbay)
13. Martin O’Leary (Kilmihil)
14. Eoin Cleary (St Joseph’s Miltown Malbay)
15. David Tubridy (Doonbeg)
Subs
23. Sean Haugh (O’Curry’s) for O’Leary (inj) (7)
26. Dean Ryan (Éire Óg) for Hartnett (half-time)
17. Keelan Sexton (Kilmurry-Ibrickane) for Haugh (half-time)
16. Pierce De Loughrey (Cratloe) for Hayes (inj) (46)
21. Graham Kelly (St Joseph’s Miltown Malbay) for Malone (47)
11. Pat Burke (Kilmacud Crokes) for McGrath (56)
Referee: Sean Lonergan (Tipperary)
