Strong second half sees Galway take points
A strong second half showing by Galway’s senior footballers saw them run out victors over a much improved Cork side in the Allianz National Div 2 FL encounter at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Saturday evening. The game attracted 3,174 spectators.
The opening half was keenly contested and it was only fitting they couldn’t be separated when tied at 1-12 each at the break. On the changeover despite exchanges being close enough early on it was the Westerners that prevailed winning out in the end by an eight point margin. In a high scoring and free flowing contest Galway got the scoring underway straight from the throw in when Robert Finnerty kicked over. Cork struck for the game’s opening goal in the second minute when Colm O’Callaghan set up Blake Murphy for a well taken goal.
Cork were full of confidence at this stage with Fionn Herlihy most impressive at centre forward and two points in quick succession by Stephen Sherlock opened up a 1-2 to 0-1 lead by the 5th minute. As the half went on Galway quickly settled with Shane Walsh who finished with a personal tally of 2-7 heavily involved in proceedings. In the eighth minute Shane Walsh made no mistake from a penalty and they followed with a series of well taken points by Robert Finnerty, Dylan McHugh, Shane Walsh, Matthew Tierney and Dessie Conneely that moved them 1-6 to 1-2 ahead by the 16th minute. At such an early stage they looked on course for a comfortable victory. However, a youthful Cork side regrouped well and from here to the interval they acquitted themselves very well.
Ian Maguire and Shane Walsh traded a point before key player Fionn Herlihy set up Blake Murphy who kicked over a great point from distance in the 20th minute 1-7 to 1-4. Dessie Conneely had a well taken point for the winners before a series of rapid points by Stephen Sherlock helped Cork get back on parity at 1-8 apiece by the 28th minute. In their next attack a very good movement involving Mallow’s Mattie Taylor resulted in Blake Murphy kicking over a splendid point. Galway restored parity through Owen Gallagher. In the closing moments Galway opened up a two point cushion when Shane Walsh kicked over two points in as many minutes. Kevin O’Donovan and Matthew Tierney swapped another before a late rally by Cork saw them get back on level terms before the half-time whistle. Good work by Kevin O’Donovan set up Tadgh Corkery for a fine point with Stephen Sherlock placing John O’Rourke for the equalising point deep in injury time that left the game in stalemate when tied at the break at 1-12 each.
After being level at half-time, Galway did well in the second half. Shane Walsh opened with an early free. Cork levelled when a foul on Fionn Herlihy led to a pointed free by Stephen Sherlock. Galway hit the front again. Cork lost Sean Meehen through injury and his loss was significant. Dylan McHugh pointed for Galway after a poor kickout. McHugh was denied soon after by Christopher Kelly in the Cork goal. A foul on Blake Murphy in the 48th minute led to a pointed free. Good play by Cathal Sweeney led to a Robert Finnerty point. Galway had their second goal in the 52nd minute when Paul Kelly worked well for Damian Comer who made 2-16 to 1-14. Stephen Sherlock followed with a great Cork point. The winners 3rd goal came in the 54th minute, when Matthew Tierney and Sean Kelly combined well for Shane Walsh who netted 3-16 to 1-15. Further Galway pressure yielded a free after a foul on Robert Finnerty that Walsh pointed. Shane Walsh added a point after a five man attack 3-18 to 1-15. By the 62nd minute Cork had just their 3rd point of the second half. Shane Walsh and Stephen Sherlock swopped a point 3-19 to 1-16 As the game entered injury time Cork had a goal by Daniel O’Connell after good play by Blake Murphy and Eoghan McSweeney. Time ran out and Galway were winners by an 8 point margin. Cork now have just a point from their four games. They need to win their last three games v Down, Offaly and Meath to be sure of Division 2 status for next year.
Scorers for Cork: Stephen Sherlock 0-10 (0-6f), Blake Murphy 1-2, Daniel O’Connell 1-0, Ian Maguire 0-1, Tadhg Corkery 0-1, Rory Maguire 0 -1, John O’Rourke 0-1, Kevin O’Donovan 0-1.
Cork: Christopher Kelly (Eire Óg), Billy Hennessy (St Finbarrs), Kevin Flahive (Douglas), Tadhg Corkery (Cill na Martra), Kevin O’Donovan (Nemo Rangers), Sean Meehan (Kiskeam), Mattie Taylor (Mallow), Ian Maguire (St Finbarrs), Rory Maguire (Castlehaven), Dan O’Duinnin (Cill na Martra), Fionn Herlihy (Dohenys), Colm O’Callaghan (Eire Óg), Blake Murphy (St Vincents), Stephen Sherlock (St Finbarrs), John O’Rourke (Carbery Rangers). Subs: Cian Kiely (Ballincollig) for Sean Meehan (inj), Paudie Allen (Newmarket) for Tadhg Corkery, Eoghan McSweeney (Knocknagree) for Billy Hennessy, Daniel O’Connell (Kanturk) for John O’Rourke, Miceal A Martin (Nemo Rangers) for Christopher Kelly.