Cork hurlers well on top against Clare
Cork 2-30 Clare 2-21 Cork had 9 points to spare over Clare in the opening round Allianz Roinn 1 Group A game at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Saturday evening.
The game started in dry conditions with Cork having the aid of the breeze. Clare opened with early points by David Reidy (free) and Cathal Malone. Shane Kingston pointed for Cork before Diarmuid Ryan edged the Banner side 0-3 to 0-1 ahead. Mark Coleman and Cathal Malone swopped a point by the 7th minute. Both sides exchanged points as the sides were level 0-6 each after 13 minutes. Mark Rodgers and Ryan Taylor had points for Clare with Cork forcing level 0-8 each with points by Shane Barrett and Conor Lehane. They were also level at 0-9 each.
Mark Rodgers had a Clare goal in the 21st minute. Kingston followed with a pointed ‘65. Tim O’Mahony and Shane Kingston worked well on the flank with O’Mahony taking the return pass and struck the net for Cork as they edged ahead for the first time 1-10 to 1-9. Cork hit a purple patch adding 9 points without reply as they led at half-time 1-19 to 1-9.
On the resumption both sides exchanged points 1-21 to 1-11. By the 45th minute Cork led 1-24 to 1-12. Both sides continued to exchange points with Cork ahead 1-27 to 1-14. Shane Kingston and Patrick Crotty swopped a point. Cork had points by Padraig Power and Robert Downey that opened up a 15 point lead. Mark Rodgers had two points for Clare with Diarmuid Ryan closing the gap 1-30 to 1- 18. Luke Meade and Domhnall McMahon exchanged a late goal with Cork holding out for a 9 point win.
Cork’s next game is this Sunday v Offaly in Birr. Scorers - Cork: Shane Kingston 0-9 (0-5f. 0-1 ‘65), Mark Coleman 0-5 (0-3f), Darragh Fitzgibbon 0-4, Ciaran Joyce 0-3, Shane Barrett 0-3, Tim O’Mahony 1-0, Luke Meade 1-0, Seamus Harnedy 0-2, Conor Lehane 0-1, Alan Cadogan 0-1, Padraig Power 0-1, Robert Downey 0-1. Clare: Mark Rodgers 1-5 0-3f), Cathal Malone 0-5, David Reidy 0-3f, Domhnall McMahon 1-0, Patrick Crotty 0-2, Diarmuid Ryan 0-2, Ryan Taylor 0-2, Shane Meehan 0-1, Paddy Donnellan 0-1.
Cork: Patrick Collins (Ballinhassig), Niall O’Leary (Castlelyons), Ger Millerick (Fr O’Neills), Sean O’Donoghue (Inniscarra), Tim O’Mahony (Newtownshandrum), Mark Coleman (Blarney), Robert Downey (Glen Rovers), Ciaran Joyce (Castlemartyr), Darragh Fitzgibbon (Charleville), Conor Lehane (Midleton), Seamus Harnedy (St Ita’s), Sean Twomey (Courcey Rovers), Shane Kingston (Douglas), Alan Cadogan (do), Shane Barrett (Blarney). Subs: Conor Cahalane (St Finbarrs) for Sean Twomey, Jack O’Connor (Sarsfields) for Conor Lehane, Padraig Power (Blarney) for Alan Cadogan (inj), Luke Meade (Newcestown) for Seamus Harnedy, Robbie O’Flynn (Erins Own) for Shane Barrett, Sean O’Leary-Hayes (Midleton) for Niall O’Leary.
Clare: Eibhear Quilligan (Feakle), Rory Hayes (Wolfe Tones Shannon), Conor Cleary (Kilmaley), Paul Flanagan (Ballyea), Diarmuid Ryan (Cratloe), Aaron Fitzgerald (Eire Óg Ennis), David McInerney (Tulla), Jack Browne (Ballyea), Shane Meehan (The Banner), Cathal Malone (Sixmilebridge), David Reidy (Eire Óg Ennis), Robyn Mounsey (Ruan), Mark Rodgers (Scarriff), Ryan Taylor (Clooney Quin), Aaron Shanagher (Wolfe Tones Shannon). Subs: Patrick Crotty (Scarriff) for Robyn Mounsey, Domhnaill McMahon (Tubber) for Aaron Shanagher, David Fitzgerald (Inagh-Kilnamona) for David Reidy, Paddy Donnellan (Broadford) for David McInerney.
Referee: Johnny Murphy (Limerick).