01 February 2005 Cork open Suzuki National League campaign Share this Article 0 0 0 Shares! 0 Shares! Cork open Suzuki National League campaign CORK 5-9 KERRY 2-5 It was Valerie Mulcahy who illuminated Rathcool in the first round of the Suzuki National League on Saturday. With a tally of 2-4 the Kingdom couldnt contain the recently crowned All-Star however it was the overall team performance that impressed the mass of supporters. Possession was shared in the first quarter with Kerrys Sarah OConnor grabbing 1-1 within three minutes from the throw in. Cork then settled with a point from Mairead Kelly and a perfectly placed ball by Briege Corkery into the hands of Amanda Murphy saw the ball driven to the back of the net. The sides were now level but OConnor slipped through the Cork defence to notch her second goal on the 20minute to put the visitors in front. Katie Gleeson and Grainne Ni Fhlatharta were on form for Kerry but a second jersey pulling on Mulcahy saw her awarded a penalty which was accurately struck into the bottom right corner. Cork began to deliver the goods up front and at half time led 2-5 2-3. The Kingdom started the better but Juliet Murphy and Norita Kelly overshadowed the Kerry midfield. Any glimpse of an attack was quickly broken down by the Cork half back line of Angela Walsh, Briege Corkery and Ciara Walsh. New additions to the squad worked a treat for Manager Mary Collins as Caoimhe Creedon set up three goal scoring opportunities for her side while corner forward Deirdre OReilly also impressed. Sarah OConnor was repositioned to centre forward for Kerry but was now contained by Bearas Laura Power. Valerie Mulcahy initiated Corks purple patch with a cracking goal on the 44minute, followed by goals from sisters Sinead and Deirdre OReilly. Kerry attempted one last attack but it was to no avail. It was evident from the out start that Cork were streets ahead of where they were this time last season. They looked physically stronger, were more economical with the ball and most noticeably combined better offensively. Kerry did miss the injured Kasey ODriscoll and as a result were over reliant on Sarah OConnor and Geraldine OShea to get scores. Cork however had seven on the score sheet, including a great point from full back Brid Stack. All-Ireland junior champions Kildare however will be tougher opponents in Round two of the Suzuki National League which is scheduled for Sunday next in Glanworth. Ex Cork senior footballer John Courtney manages the Kildare ladies in this their first year in Division 1 and will surely be a cracking contest. Scorers for Cork: V Mulcahy 2-4 (1-0p, 0-1f), A Murphy 1-2, S OReilly and D OReilly 1-0each, M Kelly, G OFlynn and B Stack 0-1each. Scorers for Kerry: S OConnor 2-2 (0-1f), G OShea 0-3 (0-1f). CORK: E Harte, N Keohane, B Stack, L Power, B Corkery, A Walsh, C Walsh, J Murphy (c), N Kelly, V Mulcahy, M Kelly, D OReilly, S Oreilly, C Creedon, A Murphy. Subs: R Buckley for A Walsh (36), G OFlynn for M Kelly (36), C ODonoughue for E Harte (52), S OCallaghan for A Murphy (54), N Kelly for B Stack (54). KERRY: C OConnor, G OMalley, G Ni Fhlatharta, J Murnane, K Gleeson, E OConnell, R Ni Chinneide, C Kelly, J Murphy, S Delaney, S OConnor, P Dennehy (c), G OShea, K Kenneally, N Fealey. Subs: D Corridon for S Delaney (51). Referee: M Walsh (Limerick) STATISTICS CORK Wides 12 Frees 17 Goals 5 Points 9 Yellow Cards 0 Red Cards 0 KERRY Wides 4 Frees 12 Goals 2 Points 5 Yellow Cards 1 Red Cards 0 CORK 1-4 WEXFORD 1-10 Scores were hard to come by for the Cork juniors in yesterdays Suzuki National League battle with Wexford. The visitors opened the scoring and continued to dominate for the half with scores from Caroline Murphy and Leona Tectar. Corks Emma Harrington however snatched a superb goal on the 28minute and things looked brighter. The Rebels were far superior in the second and goalkeeper Mairead OSullivan was excellence personified between the posts. At midfield Annie Walsh rallied the troops further but it was to little to late for Cork who play Clare in Round 2 next Sunday at home. Scorers for Cork: S Power 0-2 (frees), E Harrington 1-0, C OSullivan 0-1, T Lucey 0-1. Scorers for Wexford: C Murphy 0-5 (0-4f), L Tectar 1-2 (0-1f), T Walsh, J Dwyer and M Hearne 0-1each. CORK: M OSullivan, J Hennessy, R Cogan, E Cotter, T Galvin, AM Walsh, B Wiseman, C OSullivan, A Walsh (c), E Harrington, S Power, L Harrington, C Hickey, N Hickey, L Moynihan. Subs: T Lucey for C Hanley (HT) and N Healy for L Moynihan (HT). WEXFORD: N Scully, L Corrigan, L OGrady, C OBrien, M Doyle, N Scallon, H Nugent, M Hearne, M Leary, L Kent, L Tectar, T Walsh, J Dwyer, M Quill, C Murphy (c). Referee: M Walsh (Limerick) STATISTICS CORK Wides 7 Frees 16 Goals 1 Points 4 Yellow Cards 1 Red Cards 0 WEXFORD Wides 13 Frees 15 Goals 1 Points 10 Yellow Cards 0 Red Cards 0 FUNDAMENTALS COACHING COURSE A FUNdamentals ladies football Level 1 coaching course organised by Cork Ladies Football will take place on Saturday February 19th in the Cork Institute of Technology from 9.30am-3.30pm. For more information on the course log on to www.ladiesgaelic.ie. The course is open to all and places are going fast so book now by sending 30 to Mary White, Ballyphilip, Whites Cross, Co Cork and include a contact telephone number or alternatively email marywhite33@yahoo.co.uk. CHILD PROTECTION COURSES The Cork Sports Partnership are carrying out courses in relation to Children and the Code of Ethics for those involved with children in sport. All clubs must now appoint a Childrens Officer who has completed the Code of Ethics Course. For more information log onto www.ccslp.com. Courses: Skibbereen, Mon Feb 7th 6.30-10.30pm; Kinsale,Tues Feb 1st 6 10pm; Fermoy, Weds Feb 16th 7-9pm & Thurs Feb 17th 7-9pm. Telephone: 021-4800960 or email: info@cclsp.com for more information. Share this Article 0 0