Cork through to Munster SFC final

Cork 1-16 Limerick 0- 11

Cork senior footballers recorded an 8 point win over Limerick in the Munster SFC semi-final at L.I.T Grounds Limerick on Saturday.

In the first minute, Gordon Browne opened the scoring for the home side. Cork replied with a goal a minute later when Luke Connolly and Ruairi Deane worked well for John O’Rourke who netted. In the movement, Limerick keeper Donal O’Sullivan got injured and had to be replaced.

Both defences were largely on top in the opening quarter where scores were scarce. Limerick had their second point after 9 minutes when Hugh Burke pointed a free. Cork followed with a pointed free by Brian Hurley. At the end of the first quarter Robbie Burke pointed a free, to leave it 1-1 to 0-3. Ian Maguire pointed, as Cork were 1-2 to 0-3 clear after 18 minutes.

Cork hit a purple patch and two rapid points by Sean Powter followed by a late Mattie Taylor point, had the Rebels 1-6 to 0-4 clear at the break.

Early on the changeover Cork gained the upperhand. John O’Rourke pointed and Danny Neville replied for the home side. Brian Hurley with free opened up a six point lead, 1-8 to 0-5.

Limerick improved with Michael Donovan, Iain Corbett and the Childs’ brothers doing well. Hugh Burke pointed a free and Aaron O’Sullivan landed a ‘45, as they came within four points - 1-8 to 0-7.

Cork replied with points by Brian Hurley and John O’Rourke - 1-10 to 0-7. Good play by Darragh Tracey led to a Danny Neville point. Hugh Burke added another free in the 53rd minute, cutting the lead again to four points. Cian Kiely pointed for Cork, who were five ahead at the second water break - 1-11 to 0-9.

Good play by Ruairi Deane led to another John O’Rourke punched point. Cian Kiely opened up a six point lead and Cork finished strongly, Dan Dineen and Ruairi Deane combined well for Brian Hurley who kicked over. In the closing moments Cork ensured their place in the Munster final with late points by Brian Hurley and Sean Meehan.

SCORERS

Scorers for Cork: Brian Hurley 0-6 (0-4f), John O’Rourke 1-3, Cian Kiely 0-2, Sean Powter 0-2, Mattie Taylor 0-1, Ian Maguire 0-1, Sean Meehan 0-1.

Limerick: Hugh Burke 0-5f, Iain Corbett 0-2, Danny Neville 0-2, Gordon Browne 0-1, Aaron O’Sullivan 0-1 ‘45.

TEAMS

Cork: Miceal A Martin (Nemo Rangers), Sean Powter (Douglas), Daniel O’Mahony (Knocknagree), Kevin Flahive (Douglas), Kevin O’Donovan (Nemo Rangers), Sean Meehan (Kiskeam), Mattie Taylor (Mallow), Ian Maguire (capt - St. Finbarr’s), Paul Walsh (Kanturk), Brian Hartnett (Douglas), Ruairi Deane (Bantry Blues), John O’Rourke (Carbery Rangers), Luke Connolly (Nemo Rangers), Brian Hurley (Castlehaven), Dan Dineen (Cill na Marthra). Subs: Cian Kiely (Ballincollig) for Sean Powter, Kevin O’Driscoll (Tadhg MacCarthaigh’s) for Paul Walsh, Brian Murphy (Nemo Rangers) for Daniel O’Mahony (inj), Mark Collins (Castlehaven) for Luke Connolly, Michael Hurley (Castlehaven) for John O’Rourke.

Limerick: Donal O’Sullivan (Monaleen), Sean O’Dea (Kilteely-Dromkeen), Brian Fanning (Pallasgreen), Michael Donovan (Galbally), Robbie Childs (Galtee Gaels), Ian Corbett (capt - Newcastlewest), Gordon Browne (Na Piarsaigh), Darragh Tracey (St. Kieran’s), Tommy Childs (Galtee Gaels), Cian Sheehan (Newcastlewest), Cillian Fahy (Dromcollogher-Broadford), Adrian Enright (Fr. Casey’s), Danny Neville (Ballysteen), Robbie Burke (Adare), Hugh Burke (Adare). Subs: Aaron O’Sullivan (Pallasgreen) for Donal O’Sullivan (inj), Brian Donovan (Monaleen) for Robbie Burke, James Naughton (St. Senan’s) for Adrian Enright, Killian Ryan (Mungret-St. Paul’s) for Cian Sheehan, Josh Ryan (Oola) for Cillian Fahy.

Referee: Brendan Cawley (Kildare).