CIARAN SHEEHAN’S LAST gasp goal snatched a dramatic victory for Cork against Down in this afternoon’s Allianz NFL Division 1 clash in Newry.
Sheehan pounced at the death from close range to seal a first League victory of the season for Conor Counihan’s Rebels.
Down, who suffered heavy League defeats against Cork in recent seasons, were left heartbroken as the visitors staged a smash and grab raid.
Down led by 1-9 to 2-4 at half-time and looked on course for their first League win of the season when Conor Laverty pushed them two points clear in the 69th minute with a fine solo score.
However, Cork finished with a flourish and Sheehan was on hand to bag the winning goal following good work from Fintan Goold. Down are now deep in relegation trouble and it remains to be seen what sort of psychological impact a defeat like this will have on the Mourne men.
Thomas Clancy bagged Cork’s opening goal in the 18th minute, after Down had opened better.
James McCartan’s home side hit back with a point from the impressive Donal O’Hare and two from Mark Poland as they moved 0-8 to 1-3 in front ten minutes before half-time.
Connaire Harrison netted as Down kicked moved further ahead but Aidan Walsh got the final touch in a goalmouth scramble before half-time for Cork’s second goal, which kept the Leesiders in touch at half-time.
Cork were in blistering scoring form early in the second half as they moved 2-10 to 1-10 clear but Down hit back to lead by two points with time running out. There was still time for late drama, however, as Sheehan popped up with a priceless winning goal.
DOWN: M Cunningham (1-00, own goal); D McCartan, B McArdle, R Boyle; R Mallon (0-01), A Carr (0-01), P McComiskey (0-01); K King, K McKernan (0-01); C Laverty (0-01), M Poland (0-02), K Quinn; D O’Hare (0-09, 0-04f), C Harrison (1-01), B Coulter.Subs used: J Johnston for Quinn (48 mins), E McCartan for King (58), S McArdle for O’Hare (65).
CORK: K O’Halloran; M Shields, E O’Mahony, E Cadogan; T Clancy (Fermoy) (1-00), N O’Leary, J O’Sullivan; G Canty, A Walsh (0-05, 0-01 ’45′, 0-01f); F Goold, C Sheehan (1-01), P Kerrigan (0-01); M Collins, C O’Neill (0-02, 0-02f), D O’Connor (0-03, 0-03f).
Subs used: P Kissane for O’Mahony (half-time), B O’Driscoll for O’Connor (60 mins), A O’Sullivan for Kerrigan (63).
Referee: Maurice Deegan (Laois)
