Cork qualify for Suzuki Ladies National Football League Semi-finals

Cork Qualify for Suzuki League Semis. By Fr Liam Kelleher.
Cork 3-13 Meath 0-10.

In perfect conditions at Portarlington on Sunday Cork upped
their previous form considerably to defeat favourites Meath
and qualify for their first ever Suzuki Ladies National league
semi-Final. Meath had topped their group in the league with
8 points while Cork struggled and finished with just 4 points.
They showed good form in their narrow loss to Galway in their
final game and that form was upped another notch against Meath.
Three goal Mary O’Connor gave Cork the impetus they needed
after Meath started the better. Two of her goals came in the
opening half and sent Cork into the dressing room with a 2-6
to 0-6 lead. Some solid defending from Brid Stack, Emer Walsh,
Angela Walsh and Hanora Kelleher allied with fine displays
from Midfielders Julie Murphy and Norita Kelly gave Cork the
platform for this success.

Meath started the 2nd half in determined mood and had cut
the margin by 2 points in as many minutes but when Mary O’Connor
completed her hat-trick early in the half it spelt the end
of Meath’s chances. After that morale boosting score Cork’s
confidence grew even more and intelligent play from the other
forwards particularly Briege Corkery, Valerie Mulcahy and
Geraldine O’Flynn ensured that Meath did not get back into
the game. They did hit the crossbar from a stinging shot from
Jackie Shields who also missed a penalty but Cork’s determination
ensured that they would maintain their momentum until the
end. The victory earned them a semi-final spot against the
form team of the league, Galway who scored a 17 point win
over all Ireland finalists Dublin.

Meath were very lackadaisical on the day and could never come
to terms with the non stop action of Cork who moved the ball
with speed and skill. The Rebel girls under new coach Eamon
Ryan were finding their way in the early stages of the league
when they lost heavily to Kerry and their main aim was to
stay in Division 1. Now in a league semi-Final for the first
time ever at this level, everything from here on in is a bonus
and will be a tremendous fillip for championship action during
the Summer. There are still a number of weaknesses to be sorted
out but the most important aspect is that things are going
in the right direction. The momentum gained from last years
Div 2 success is continuing.

Cork scorers: Mary O’Connor 3-1 Geraldine O’Flynn 0-6
Valerie Mulcahy 0-3 Julie Murphy 0-1 Aisling O’Connor 0-1
Briege Corkery 0-1
Meath scorers: Elaine Duffy 0-3 Jackie Shields 0-3
Grainne Nulty 0-2. Michelle Doyle 0-1 Katie O’Brien 0-1

Cork: Elaine Harte, Deirdre Foley, Brid Stack, Emer
Walsh, Angela Walsh, Hanora Kelleher, Rena Buckley, Juliet
Murphy, Norita Kelly, Briege Corkery, Valerie Mulcahy, Aisling
O’Connor, Geraldine O’Flynn, Regina Curtin, Mary O’Connor,
Claire 0’Donoghue, Amanda Murphy, Jean Lucey, Karen O’Sullivan.

Meath: Caroline Griffin Paula Dunne, Mary Sheridan,
Suzanne McCormack, Debbie Mangan, Jane Burke, Michelle Dunne,
Eve Wardick, Grainne Nulty, Elaine Duffy, Geraldine Doherty,
Katie O’Brien, Michelle Doyle. Louise McKeever, Jackie Shields.

Cork B Team lose
Cavan 1-14 Cork B 2-7

Cork B had only themselves to blame after their playoff loss
to Cavan in the Div 2 of the League. Cork after a bad start
gradually got back into the game. But some very bad misses
in front of goal and hesitant play denied them a victory that
could well have been achieved. They fought back from 7 points
down to be 4 adrift at the short whistle 1-10 to 2-3. Scoring
honours were shared in the 2nd half.

Mairead O’Sullivan was very dependable in goals and the defence
apart from the opening 10 minutes were very solid with Siobhan
Buckley making some fine catches and long relieving clearances.
Sinead O’Reilly and Laura Harrington worked very hard at midfield.
The forwards got plenty of chances through frees and op[en
play to wrap this game up but they failed to take their chances.
The experience gained will be invaluable for the forthcoming
Junior Championship, provided the impetus is kept going

Scorers: Mairead Kelly 1-2 Nollaig Cleary 0-4, Deirdre
O’Sullivan 1-0 Niamh Hickey 0-1
Cork: Mairead O’Sullivan, Catriona Moran, Siobhan Buckley,
Elaine Cotter, Norma kelly, Rose Cogan, Sheila O’Callaghan,
Sinead O’Reilly, Laura Harrington, Eleanor Twohig, Mairead
Kelly, Deirdre O’Sullivan, Nollaig Cleary, Niamh Hickey, Triona
Lucey. Eimear O’Connell, Mary White, Clodagh O’Driscoll, Siobhan
Fordre, Grace O’Sullivan.

Golf Classic.
Calling all golfers to the Cork Ladies Football Golf classic
at Kanturk Golf Club on Saturday April the 14th

Fr Liam Kelleher PR0 087-8516984