Cork pip Dublin in a thriller

Cork Triumph in a thriller. By Fr. Liam Kelleher
Cork 5-13 Dublin 5-9

Cork’s phenomenal success at under 14 level which has seem
them unbeaten since 1999 almost came to an end in as thrilling
a football match as you could watch in a lifetime at Nenagh
on Saturday. This game had everything, with thrills, skills
and spills in abundance. Six terrific goals were packed
into the last 8 minutes when Cork had to come from behind
on 2 occasions to save their crown . Cork opened the game
playing with a stiffish breeze and after 15 minutes it looked
like the same old story. Inspired by Amanda Murphy back
to full fitness after an injury they took the game to the
Dubs and had 1-04 on the scoreboard without reply Amanda
shot 1-2 and points cam from Laura Harrington and Tracy
Mullane. Then Dublin much stronger physically, struck back
with points from Tara Carolan and Clara Murphy. Amanda Murphy
with 2 points restored Cork’s advantage and the teams traded
further points and a Jenny Luddy point saw Cork lead 1-08
to 0-5 into injury. Then Dublin gave their confidence a
huge boost when they struck for a great goal by Ciara Murphy
who rifled a ground shot to the net. Amanda Murphy got a
quick reply with a point before the break to give Cork a
5 point advantage.

Dublin must have been buoyant at the break having held the
much vaunted Cork girls to a respectable scoreline with
the strong wind to come. Good start Cork got a good start
to the 2nd period with a Jenny Luddy point. But it was all
Dublin for the next 15 minutes, point by point they battled
back and when Jemma Quinn struck for a goal there was just
a point between the sides and indeed they were unlucky to
miss the equaliser when they hit the post. It was virtual
stalemate until the last 10 minutes with Cork trying to
hang on to their title in grim fashion. Then all hell broke
loose in every good sense of the word. Amanda Murphy restored
Cork’s advantage to 4 points with a super goal. As Cork
celebrated Catriona Mc Gilip had the ball in the Cork net
within 20 seconds and they took a two point lead with another
witin a minute, Cork came back down the field and netted
through Rhona Buckley

Dublin replied immediately with another from Tara Carolan
to restore their 2 point lead. Cork were not to be out done
and from the kick out they worked the ball up field and
Noelle Corkery who came on as a second half sub, rattled
the net. The kick out was vital. Amanda Murphy amazingly
going for her 4th All-Ireland under 14 in a row gained possession
was fouled going through and with the last kick of the game
tagged on the insurance point. The brave Dubs were out and
Cork had advanced to their 4th final. Dublin to their credit
were magnaminous and magnificent in defeat and so were their
mentors.

Perhaps it was all summed up best by Kerry’s Michael Fitzgerald
who was involved in 9 Kerry All-Ireland Senior wins that
it was the best game of football he had every witnessed
and few present would disagree with him Well done to both
teams for a magnificent spectacle.

Cork Panel: Antoinette O’Connor St Vals, Claire O’Leary,
Kilmeen, Vicky Power Beara, Emer O’Donovan Aghada, Patricia
Murphy Mourneabbey, Orla O’Sullivan, Dunmanus Rovers, Roisin
O’Sullivan, Mourneabbey, Laura Harrington Mourneabbey, 0-2
Linda Barrett Donoughmore, Tracy Mullane Liscarroll,0-2
Amanda Murphy Beara,3-6 Jenny Luddy Mourneabbey,0-2 Aine
O’Sullivan Capt Rhona Buckley Naomh Fionbarra,1-0 Noelle
Corkery Naomh Aban.1-1 Ciara O’Sullivan Mourneabbey Ellen
Healy St Vals, Orla Crowley Castlehaven, Emma Hanley Beara,
Denise Murphy Rockban, Ella Ryan Lisgoold, Ciara Hegarty
Illen Rovers, Orla Deasy Valley Rovers, Ciara Murphy Beara
Sandra Conroy Mourneabbey, Grace Kearney Bride Rovers, Ann
O’Donovan Valley Rovers, Emma Murphy Beara, Theresa Crowley
Naomh Fionbarra.
Team Managemnt Justin McCarthy, Manager, Mike Murphy
Coach, Eileen O’Brien Fitness, Fr. Liam Kelleher, Charlie
McLaughlin

Dublin: Lyn Dowling Parnells. Sinead Goldrick Cabinteely,
Amy Murphy St Mark’s. Sinead O’Mahony Clann Mhuire Emma
Reilly Croi Ro Naofa, Fiona Hudson Fingallians, Denise McKenna
do, Vivienne Lee, St Sylvesters, Aiofe McGovern Capt Cuala
0-2, Lyndsey Davey Skerries Harps,1-0 Leanne McMahon, Croi
Ro Naofa.0-1 Ciara Murphy Cabinteely.1-0 Jemma Quinn O’Tooles,1-1
Catriona McGillip Cabinteely, 1-2 Tara Carolan St Brigids2-4
Balyboden St Endas. Leanne Quinn Castlenock. Elaien Bolger
Foxrock girls, Aoife Dunne Fingalions, Deborah Geraghty
Castlenock, Rachel Kavanagh Naomh Olaf. Elaine Finn St Marks.
Rebecca Grahanm Round Towers, Niamh Maguire St Peregrines.
Holly Lane St Sylesters. Sara McGinn Clontarf. Karen McDonell
Castlenock.

Management: Phillo McAnenly, Pat Sayers, Georgina McGovern.

The other semi final was a close affair as well with Cavan
and Mayo neck and neck for moist of the game. Mayo’s ability
to score goals saw them through.

Final score Mayo 4-4 Cavan 1-10