Cleary Returns as Cork Cruise to victory

678378

 

Cork 7-23 Clare 1-6

 

Cork in front of a large vocal Mourneabbey crowd made very light work of a Clare challenge that disappointed massively in the opening round of the TG4 Munster Senior Championship.

Cork looked sharp from the off and the current League and All Ireland champions amassed 2-5 with consummate ease by the 8th minute to effectively kill off the tie. Ciara O’Sullivan and Grace Kearney raising green flags within the same minute.

Clare opened their account courtesy of a well taken free from Aine Kelly but it was mild respite as the rebels moved freely.

They launched attack after attack from their half back line and Clare were unable to cope with the sheer power and pace of Briege Corkery, Annie Walsh and Ciara O’Sullivan whose work rate reflected hugely in the scores that Valerie Mulcahy and Emma Farmer amassed prior to the break.

O’Sullivan added a third Cork goal on the 12th minute but it may have been a hatful more were it not for Emma O’Driscoil in the Clare goal who repelled goal efforts from O’Sullivan, Kearney and Farmer.

Cork headed to the break 3-12 to 0-2 ahead and Eamon Ryan withdrew Corkery and Buckley at the break. The pair were on duty with the Cork camoige team the following day.

Clare might have expected a reprieve from the All-Ireland champions in the second half under the soaring temperatures but it was not to be as the Rebels never dipped below top gear. Further second half goals by Emma Farmer, Grace Kearney and a brace by minor Eimear Scally saw the scoreboard go into overtime despite the best efforts of Laurie Ryan, Niamh Keane, Marie Considine and Louise Henchy.

Keane’s 32nd minute point was a defiant effort as she moved passed three Cork defenders to score from 40 yards but it was a mere flashpoint of what Clare were capable of.

Clare did raise a green flag late on and a just reward for Aine Burke who chased down Cork keeper Martina O’Brien before stealing possession from the Cork custodian to fire to the Cork net.

Nollaig Cleary made a welcome return to the Cork team when introduced on the 42nd minute.

Cork now take on Kerry on Saturday 28th June in Pairc Ui Rinn at 2.30pm knowing a draw or better will secure a final appearance while Clare will seek to redeem themselves on July 2nd with a home game against Kerry.

 

Cork: Martina O’Brien, Roisin Phelan, Angela Walsh, Brid Stack, Vera Foley, Deirdre O’Reilly 0-1, Geraldine O’Flynn 0-1 (0-1F), Rena Buckley 0-2, Briege Corkery, Annie Walsh 0-1, Ciara O’Sullivan 2-1, Orlagh Farmer 0-1, Emma Farmer 1-7, Grace Kearney 2-2, Valerie Mulcahy 0-5 (0-1F):

Subs: Orla Finn 0-2 For Corkery (H/T) Aisling Barrett for Buckley (H/T) AM Walsh for C O’Sullivan (H/T) Eimear Scally 2-0 for Walsh (42) Nollaig Cleary for Mulcahy (42)

Clare: Emma O’Driscoil, Laurie Ryan, Eimear O’Connor, Clare Hester, Eimerar Hillery, Louise Woods, Rosin Howley, Niamh Keane 0-1, Roisin Looney, Tina Hartley, Louise Henchy, Marie Considine, Aoife Keane, Aine Kelly 0-4 (0-4F), Grainne Nolan:

Subs: Becky Mahon for Eimear O’Connor (49) Amy O’Brien for Laurie Ryan (54) Aine Burke 1-0 for Aoife Keane (54) Ann Marie Callinan 0-1 for Niamh Keane (56)

Ref: Kevin Martin (Waterford)

 

Round 2 Fixture

 

Cork v Kerry

Saturday June 28th

Pairc Ui Rinn

Time: 2.30pm

Ref: Keith Delahunty (Tipperary)

 

Sign up to our email newsletter

sponsors

Partners & Supporters

PROVINCES

Counties

BRITAIN

INTERNATIONAL

See all LGFAClubs