Cork continue their winning ways

Cork must have gone into their Suzuki National League quarter
final against Armagh at Park Ratheniska in Laois on Sunday
last in apprehensive mood. The Orchard girls had put them
to the pin of their collar in last years All-Ireland final
before the Rebelettes just about got home in front. Up to
this stage of the league Cork had won all their games, so
there were a lot of imponderables and questions to be asked
in this game, but Cork answered them all positively in the
most emphatic fashion. Lining out virtually at full strength
apart from Rena Buckley and Regina Curtin who had missed
most of the league campaign, they lined out with the camogie
team. Cork playing their usual no nonsense brand of football,
were never really in trouble against a very physical Armagh
side. They led by 1-6 to 0-3 at the interval. The vital
goal coming from Laura McMahon whose confidence and influence
on the team is growing with every game, she also contributed
a point.

The Cork defence which have grown into a very mean machine had a bad day at the office in the first half of their last game against Galway conceding 3 goals early in the game, go their act together a gain and limited the Armagh attack to the minimum Elaine Harte has been a very reliable custodian and Sunday was no different, she coped admirably with the little she got to do. Angela Walsh flanked by Briege Corkery and an ever improving Linda Barrett were masters of all their surveyed, outside them the half line of Sinead O’Reilly and Geraldine O’Flynn ably marshalled by Brid Stack in the pivotal role rarely put a foot wrong. It was business as usual at midfield where Norita Kelly out with injury for a while returned to lord the middle of the park with the ever consistent Juliet Murphy supplying the forwards with quality ball. Valerie Mulcahy is definitely back to her 2005 best and scored 4 points and assisted Laura McMahaon with her 2nd half goal which closed out the game as a real contest. Mary O’Connor was as consistent as ever and found the target three times with the remaining point coming from Juliet Murphy. While Caoimhe Creedon and Nolliag Cleary did not make the scoring charts they too contributed to Cork’s cause. Armagh never reached the heights of last years All-Ireland final and Cork with this vital knockout game behind them are well on the road to a 3rd successive Suzuki league title on the trot. Its now 31 not out and counting a remarkable sequence indeed. Golf Classic. With the huge involvement of all Cork teams in the Inter-co arena and with so many away trips, finance is vital to keep the show on the road.

Norita Kelly who made her return to action

The Annual golf Classic takes place at Kanturk
golf club on Saturday April the 2lst. Entries are invited
for teams. All support from clubs and organisations would
be greatly appreciated. For tee times ring Kanturk golf
club. Underage teams. Training is going well for all underage
teams. The minors after their comprehensive win over Clare
in the first round have a semi final date against opponents
yet to be confirmed this Saturday. Trials are ongoing for
the under 16 squad and some excellent newcomers will be
pressing for places. The under 14 panel has been reduced
to 40 until after the All-Ireland under 14 blitz in May
12th. At Mullingar where Cork will field 2 teams.

On Friday last over 100 players gathered at Nemo Rangers
for 3 hours training. The group were given a fascinating
talk by 3 times Olympian in the Marathon Peter Maher who
also broke the world 25K record. Peter told the group how
he went from being a 17 stone smoking and drinking waster
who could not run 400m, to being a top class marathon runner.
Peter spoke about Acceptance, Attitude, and Action, which
wins Achievement. He also spoke about the importance of
good nutrition, when we exercise we cause oxidative stress
in our bodies and to repair the damage done we need to fuel
the body with good nutrition. He urged the players to stay
away from all fizzy drinks and so called sports drinks which
are really only a sugar fix. Water is the best drink and
we should drink at least 2 litres of water every day. For
those who train to a high level this is more vital. He also
urged the players to get their injures treated as soon as
possible and no to hide their injuries in fear of missing
out on a game or being dropped from the panel.

Good wishes for speedy recovery We send good wishes for
a speedy recovery to 2 Cork minor players Deirdre Cotter
and Laura Harrington.

Results submitted Under 16 Eire og 3-6 Naomh Aban 1-3. Eire
Og 7-5 St Vals 1-3 Inch Rovers 2-12 Watergrasshill 1-5 Junior
3 League Inch Rovers 4-12 Rockban 3-7 Naomh Aban 3-8 Gabriel
Rangers 1-4. Under 14 Inch 7-13 Lisgoold 1-3 Carrigaline
7-4 Grenagh 4-0. Junior 12 a side Glanmire 4-9 Castlemagner
2-3