Draw enough to see Cork through to semi-final
Cork 2-18 Clare 2-18 A draw was enough to see Cork through to the Allianz NHL semi-final in Cusack Park, Ennis on Sunday against Clare. It marked the first time in 18 years that Cork got through the league undefeated.
The game was played in wet conditions. Jack O'Connor placed Declan Dalton who was fouled, with Dalton pointing the free. Jack O'Connor forced Eibhear Quilligan to make a superb save, with Seamus Harnedy on hand to point from the rebound.
Clare had to wait till the 8th minute, when David Fitzgerald pointed, for their opening score. Brian Hayes replied for Cork. Good play by Brian Roche led to a goal by Padraig Power. David Reidy had a goal for the home side as Cork led 1-3 to 1-1 after 10 minutes. Rapid points by Declan Dalton and Seamus Harnedy were followed by four points from Aidan McCarthy, as the sides were level 1-6 each after 18 minutes.
David Fitzgerald edged Clare ahead, before Seamus Harnedy levelled once again. Declan Dalton landed two frees. Good work out of defence for Cork led to Seamus Harnedy cutting through the centre and finding the net, as Cork moved 2-10 to 1-8 clear. Seadhna Morey had a goal attempt saved by Ger Collins, the rebound fell kindly to Aidan McCarthy who goaled. Ryan Taylor and Alan Cadogan exchanged points and at half-time, Cork led 2-12 to 2-10.
TIGHT AFFAIR
On the resumption, Aidan McCarthy pointed a free. Conor Lehane pointed a free after a foul on Cormac O'Brien. Good play by Tony Kelly led to a fine Diarmuid Ryan point. Conor Lehane and Brian Roche worked well for Brian Hayes who was denied by Eibhear Quilligan.
In the 41st minute, Aidan McCarthy with a free levelled - 2-13 each. Padraig Power and Aidan McCarthy (free) had them deadlocked 2-14 each. In the 45th minute Conor Lehane pointed a free for Cork. A foul on John Conlon led to another McCarthy pointed free and McCarthy then edged Clare ahead with two frees, leaving it 2-17 to 2-15.
Cork got a point back. Good play in the closing moments saw David McInerney place Robyn Mounsey for a point. In injury time Cork forced level with points by Conor Lehane and Conor Cahalane, the latter after good play by Ethan Twomey and Brian Hayes.
Cork will now meet Kilkenny in the semi-final this Sunday in Nowlan Park.
Cork: Ger Collins (Ballinhassig), Niall O'Leary (Castlelyons), Daire O'Leary (Watergrasshill), Eoin Roche (Bride Rovers), Cathal Cormack ( Blackrock), Robert Downey (Glen Rovers), Cormac O'Brien (Newtownshandrum), Brian Roche (Bride Rovers – 0-1), Ethan Twomey (St. Finbarr's), Declan Dalton (Fr. O'Neill's - 0-4; 0-3f), Seamus Harnedy (St. Ita's - 1-3; 0-3f), Brian Hayes (St. Finbarr's – 0-2), Alan Cadogan (Douglas – 0-1), Padraig Power (Blarney – 1-1), Jack O'Connor (Sarsfields – 0-1). Subs: Conor Lehane (Midleton - 0-4, 0-3f) for Seamus Harnedy (inj), Conor Cahalane (St. Finbarr's – 0-1) for Declan Dalton (inj), Shane Kingston (Douglas) for Alan Cadogan, Ger Millerick (Fr. O'Neill's) for Brian Roche, Damian Cahalane (St Finbarr's) for Daire O'Leary.
Referee: Thomas Walsh (Waterford).