Wexford duo shine in Cork cup win
WHILE IT was a horrendous day for Wexford Youths Women in the Aviva Stadium on Sunday, two Slaneyside men were on the right end of things as their Cork City side scored a winner in stoppage time at the end of extra-time to win the Irish Daily Mail FAI Senior Cup.
For New Ross native Greg Bolger it was extra-special. He only moved to Cork at the end of last season but twelve months on he had the honour of lifting the trophy as club captain.
It was hardly any less special for Screen man Kevin O’Connor. The left-back, who cemented his place in the side last season, has been a key component of the City side which pushed Dundalk hard in the league all year.
Both men were in the starting line-up as Cork faced their big current foes, and justifiably flavour of the month, in the Aviva showpiece and both performed extremely well.
Bolger, playing in the heart of midfield, lasted into added time before being substituted, likely because of tiring legs after he left everything on the pitch.
As well as being strong defensively, Bolger moved the ball around the pitch calmly and was accurate on setpieces, sharing that responsibility with his county team-mate.
Dundalk’s talented players doubled up and got in a couple of times on the right but O’Connor was solid as a rock. Tackling with strength, the 21-year-old under-age international put in several superb setpieces but his side failed to take advantage.
With the off-season starting now, Cork will look to build on the momentum of this cup final win and build for another crack at Dundalk in 2017. With their form this past season, Bolger and O’Connor are sure to be part of those plans.
The victors’ substitute goalkeeper on Sunday was Matt Connor who left Wexford Youths earlier in the season.