Cork end Limerick's Munster dominance after epic battle at the Gaelic Grounds
Munster Hurling Final: Cork 2-27 Limerick 1-30 AET (Cork win 3-2 on penalties)
Cork
are the new Munster hurling champions, an unexpected outcome that sent hordes of their delirious supporters, in a crowd of 43,580, on to the pitch at the Gaelic Grounds, as Robert Downey accepted the Mick Mackey Cup.
Dismissed as having no more realistic ambitions than making inroads into the 16-point mauling suffered at the hands of
Limerick
less than three weeks previously, their understrength team rallied magnificently to confound the serial champions.
It took penalties, a first ever shoot-out in a provincial final, to separate the teams at the end but by hanging on when it looked as if the champions had irresistible momentum in the second half and indeed after Darragh Fitzgibbon had seen their first penalty saved by Nickie Quaid, the new champions were well deserving of their 55th Munster title.
The final was a smouldering, frantic affair, loosely refereed by Thomas Walsh, who went down with cramp in extra time and was replaced by James Owens.
READ MORE
It included an ill-tempered confrontation between the backroom teams at half-time, which will presumably attract the attention of the disciplinary authorities.
Cork's goalkeeper Patrick Collins saves a penalty to win the game. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho
After the near humiliation of the group match, Cork were viewed by many as akin to a political party, having suffered a landslide defeat and needing two more elections to catch up. Happily, hurling isn't politics and this match was completely different in its dynamic, respective performances and crucially, outcome.
Although their bench appeared to compare unfavourably with the multiple All-Ireland winning opponents' reserves, it was the Cork auxiliaries who proved decisive, providing 0-6 of their extra-time scores, the lion's share from Shane Kingston (0-3) and Conor Lehane (0-2), who also hit penalties in the shoot-out.
For John Kiely, it was a first defeat in 14 senior finals, spanning leagues, provincial championships and All-Irelands. Having posted a powerfully authoritative display in the group match, which matched their best efforts of recent years, this was a more fallible performance.
They hit crucial wides when faced with the prospect of pulling away and winning a seventh successive Munster title, particularly in extra time when they looked a tired collective and even in the penalty shoot-out when their last three efforts were weary strikes.
Limerick's Gearoid Hegarty with Cork's Darragh Fitzgibbon. Photograph: Laszlo Geczo/Inpho
Cork brought a greater urgency to their efforts both in defence and in attack, getting pressure on Limerick and disrupting the smooth patterns that had effectively monopolised the previous meeting.
They started with intent, opening a three-point lead in the first six minutes and even though they were reeled back in on many occasions, always responded either to equalise or nudge back in front.
An attack that managed just 0-3 from play in the entire 70 minutes on the last day out had 1-10 from play by half-time, at which point they led by four, 1-14 to 1-10. The goals had spiced up exchanges, first Aidan O'Connor equalising 1-5 to 0-8 in the 20th minute after a pinpoint ball from Cian Lynch had given him a run at Eoin Downey. His batted effort beat Patrick Collins at the near post.
Seven minutes later, a Cork attack ended with Brian Hayes, under real pressure, slipping the ball out to Shane Barrett, who whipped it sharply into the net, putting his team 1-9 to 1-7 ahead.
Having regained the initiative, they pulled away by half-time. There had been fine individual moments, especially from debutant Diarmuid Healy, who would finish with 0-3 from play.
Referee Thomas Walsh receives assistance from Limerick's Adam English after suffering cramp during extra time. Photograph: Laszlo Geczo/Inpho
Limerick were unable to establish the same puck-out domination even with the wind in the second half, but with the half-forward line of Tom Morrissey, Cian Lynch and Gearóid Hegarty, the Shannonsiders had their go-getters.
It was Hegarty, who launched a quick free into the forwards, which Gillane got to and cleverly kicked the ball into Shane O'Brien. The replacement finished emphatically and tied the match at 2-13 to 1-16 after Cork had largely protected the lead in the third quarter.
It went point for point for most of the remainder of the contest. When Limerick appeared to be making good the momentum of their goal, Cork kept hitting back. It was all hands on deck with points on the evening for two of their full-back line, veteran Damien Cahalane and Eoin Downey.
Limerick lost the better chances. Aaron Gillane had a free before the end of normal time to win it but Horgan also was ready to fire a point when blocked by Kyle Hayes, who was less imposing on this occasion than he had been in May.
It was the wides in extra time that really cost the champions. They managed six, some of them really poor shot selection, whereas Cork had just one, a free attempt from Fitzgibbon, who nonetheless had a storming match at centrefield, making up for his subdued outing at centre forward three weeks previously.
Cork's Darragh Fitzgibbon celebrates scoring a late point to take the game to penalties. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho
It was who took on the final act of extra time, a 65, awarded when the usually flawless Nickie Quaid spilled a long-range free from the same player and it went out of play.
It cleared the bar, wiping out Gillane's free for a foul on Cathal O'Neill, which briefly looked to have taken the champions home. Their manager, John Kiely, was unhappy at James Owens playing well over the allotted one minute of injury-time at the end but there had been stoppages within time added on.
Finally, the dice were rolled with the first penalty shoot-out in MacCarthy Cup history. Diarmuid Byrnes scored first and Fitzgibbon fired his straight at Quaid before Gillane made it 2-0. But from then on the champions were curiously lacking in conviction and Cork seemingly energised, as they seized the day.
LIMERICK:
N Quaid; S Finn, D Morrissey, M Casey; D Byrnes (0-1f), K Hayes, B Nash; A English (0-3), W O'Donoghue; G Hegarty (0-2), C Lynch, T Morrissey (0-2); A Gillane (0-9, 7f), A O'Connor (1-1), D Reidy (0-3).
Subs:
S O'Brien (1-2) for O'Connor (42 mins), P Casey (0-1) for Reidy, C O'Neill for T Morrissey (both 55), D O'Donovan (0-1) for O'Donoghue (65), B Murphy for M Casey, D Hannon (0-1) for Byrnes (both e-t), D Morrissey for Hegarty (79), D Byrnes for Lynch (90).
Penalties:
Byrnes, Gillane, Murphy (wide), T Morrissey (saved), Hannon (wide).
CORK:
P Collins; D Cahalane (0-1), E Downey (0-1), S O'Donoghue; M Coleman, C Joyce, C O'Brien; T O'Mahony (0-1), D Fitzgibbon (0-4, 1f, 65); D Healy (0-3), S Barrett (1-3), S Harnedy (0-2); P Horgan (0-7, 4f, B Hayes (0-1), A Connolly (0-1).
Subs:
R Downey for O'Brien, T O'Connell (0-1) for O'Mahony (both 59 mins), S Kingston (0-3) for Connolly, R O'Flynn for Harnedy (both 65), C Lehane (0-2) for Horgan (70), N O'Leary for O'Donoghue (73), B Roche for Healy (80), A Connolly for Coleman (84).
Penalties:
Fitzgibbon (saved), Lehane, Kingston, Connolly.
Referee:
T Walsh (Waterford) replaced by J Owens (Wexford) from 73rd minute.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
RTÉ News
35 minutes ago
- RTÉ News
Camogie round-up: Victories for Galway, Waterford, Cork and Tipperary at penultimate stage of group phase
With one round of group games still to play in the Glen Dimplex All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship, the knockout picture is looking much clearer after Cork, Tipperary, Waterford and Galway recorded comfortable wins this afternoon. Those four counties, along with Kilkenny, will go into the knockout stages, and barring a truly remarkable result when Clare cross the Shannon to play Tipperary next week, the Banner County will complete the sextet. In order for Clare to be overtaken by Limerick, Tipperary would have to win that game by a 60-point margin. Technically, Tipp have cause to try and run up a score in that game since they could yet take top spot in the group, albeit they would need a huge favour from Wexford as well for that to happen. The Model County crew are rooted to the bottom of Group 1, bound for a relegation play-off, where they will play either Derry or Dublin, even if they shock All-Ireland champions Cork. Tipperary are certainly in strong scoring form, as they put Limerick to the sword in Cappamore, 4-26 to 0-08. Róisín Howard (1-08) and Grace O'Brien (0-04) were among the main tormentors of the Limerick backs and they opened the scoring, with Karin Blair striding forward from full-back to add a third point. Emily O'Halloran and Sophie O'Callaghan battled gamely in the Limerick defence, while Sarah Gillane made a couple of excellent saves, but the pressure was relentless, with Karen Kennedy and Grace O'Brien scoring goals in a first half 2-12 to 0-1 landslide. Denis Kelly showed the depth of his panel by bringing on Jean Kelly and Lucy Purcell in the second half and they both raised green flags of their own, with Limerick taking crumbs of consolation from Orlaith Kelliher and Stephanie Woulfe each scoring of a pair of points from play. SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh was the venue for the other game in the group as Clare attempted to turn the tables on their 2-22 to 0-10 loss to All-Ireland champions Cork when they met in the Munster championship. The Banner couldn't make that leap but they were much improved, opening the game with a superb solo run and finish from Jennifer Daly for the game's only goal in the first minute, with Caoimhe Cahill adding a point immediately afterwards. Without ever playing to their full potential, Cork settled into the contest with an Orlaith Cahalane score after five minutes. They took a three-point lead by half-time and were 0-21 to 1-09 in front by the time the long whistle sounded. Cork had ten scorers in all, with Saoirse McCarthy (0-05, four from play) their top scorer, complemented by some excellent saves from Amy Lee at the other end of the field. All of that means that Clare need to beat Tipperary to overtake their eastern frontier neighbours and go into second spot, Wexford will contest the relegation final regardless of their result against Cork, and the O'Duffy Cup holders just have to avoid a catastrophic defeat to make sure of top spot and straight passage to the last four. In Group 2, Waterford and Galway are headed for a showdown out west next Saturday, a game that will decide pole position and the automatic semi-final berth that comes with it. With the aid of the breeze, Dublin started brightly in Walsh Park and led by 0-06 to 0-01, but that was before Waterford's twin threat of Beth Carton and Niamh Rockett came into the game. Both players found the net midway through the first half en route to scoring 1-04 and 1-06 respectively, and with Waterford leading by five at the interval, the second half was one-way traffic. Abby Flynn and Annie Fitzgerald both found the net as the hosts ran out 4-16 to 1-11 winners. Kilkenny are cemented into third spot but Tommy Shefflin has work to do following a second defeat in advance of a quarter-final clash in Croke Park in a fortnight, as Galway were full value for a 1-17 to 0-12 win at UPMC Nowlan Park. Again the breeze was a factor and it was Kilkenny who needed to use it in the opening half. Instead they held just one lead in the hour, 0-04 to 0-03 on the back of consecutive points from Caoimhe Keher Murtagh and Aoife Prendergast midway through the half, and just one more white flag before the break was a paltry return. Galway had to work hard for their scores, Ann Marie Starr creating one for Carrie Dolan while Ciara Hickey hoisted over a majestic effort that put two between the sides at 0-07 to 0-05 at the turnaround. Kilkenny were at their best in the third quarter when the Laura-Murphy-anchored defence held firm, conceding just three points up to the 45th minute. Three was still the margin at 0-13 to 0-10 going into the closing stages but again it was the Tribeswomen who came up with the big plays, one of which saw Aoife Donohoe set up Dolan for a point with a wonderful lift on the run and under pressure on the left sideline. Then Niamh Niland picked the pocket of a Kilkenny defender and swept in the game's only goal from a tight angle to kill the contest with a few minutes to play. Now Waterford and Galway have two chances to reach the last four, Kilkenny are idle next week and Dublin need to avoid a slip-up at home to Derry if they are to stay out of the relegation final.
The 42
41 minutes ago
- The 42
LIVE: Dublin v Limerick, Galway v Tipperary, Dublin v Cork
Good evening and welcome along to what is sure to be an exciting evening of action. There are three crunch games across the hurling and football championships that we will be keeping a close eye. In the hurling, it's quarter-final time as Limerick and Dublin enter the final minutes. Galway also face Tipperary at the Gaelic Grounds. And in the football, it's Dublin v Cork in Croke Park in the All-Ireland preliminary quarter-final. The winners will go into the hat for Monday morning's quarter-final draw. Those two games get underway at 6.15pm and we will have team line-ups for you in the next few moments.
The 42
44 minutes ago
- The 42
Kildare knock Armagh out of All-Ireland ladies football championship
Kildare 1-12 Armagh 1-10 By Shaun Casey KILDARE CAUSED A massive upset in the TG4 All-Ireland senior championship, knocking Ulster champions Armagh out of the competition at the BOX-IT Athletic Grounds to book their spot in the last eight. The visitors were sharper from start to finish and withstood a late Armagh onslaught to complete a famous victory. Armagh were without captain Clodagh McCambridge and Aoife McCoy, but Kildare were full value for their win. Three sensational saves from Anna Carr kept Armagh in touch during the first half, while the hosts only kicked 1-3 from play. Kildare on the other hand had nine different scorers and their defence was on top throughout. Caroline O'Hanlon swapped scores early on with Ruth Sargent and Gillian Wheeler while Aoife Rattigan and Niamh Henderson also cancelled each other out. Kildare then went two in front thanks to efforts from Lara Curran and Alannah Prizeman. Kildare were reduced to 14 players for the final ten minutes of the opening period, with Lisa Shaw picking up a yellow card. During that time, Niamh Reel and O'Hanlon posted frees while Ciara Wheeler pointed to see the sides level at the break at 0-6 apiece. Advertisement Kildare captain Laoise Lenehan extended the Lilywhites' lead from the second half throw in as Roisin Byrne and Reel (free) raised white flags at either end of the field. Both sides struggled to hit the target and passed up a series of scoring opportunities before Reel tapped over a free. Mia Ryan, kicking a score with her first touch after being introduced, and Henderson registered points at either end. Kildare then put a real stamp on proceedings by delivering the first goal of the game. Byrne did all the hard work before slipping the ball across to Lenehan, who tapped home the easiest of finishes. Lauren McConville dejected. Leah Scholes / INPHO Leah Scholes / INPHO / INPHO Rattigan made it a five point game but Armagh could have had a goal of their own. Niamh Coleman set up Kelly Mallon, but the former captain's palmed effort was saved on the line by Mary Hulgraine. Emily Druse and Prizeman pointed before Armagh skipper Lauren McConville, played through by Henderson, handed her side a massive lifeline by smashing the ball to the bottom corner. Aimee Mackin, making her first appearance of the season, tapped over a free to leave one the margin but Kildare had the final say and Ryan's second of the day confirmed their victory. Scorers for Kildare: L Lenehan 1-1, A Prizeman 0-2 (2f), A Rattigan 0-2, M Ryan 0-2, R Sargent 0-1, C Wheeler 0-1, G Wheeler 0-1, R Byrne 0-1, L Curran 0-1. Scorers for Armagh: C O'Hanlon 0-4 (4f), L McConville 1-0, N Reel 0-2 (2f), N Henderson 0-2, E Druse 0-1, A Mackin 0-1. Kildare: M Hulgraine; R Sargent, L Lenehan, M Doherty; L Shaw, L Murtagh, M Aspel; L Reilly, C Moran; C Wheeler, A Rattigan, L Curran; G Wheeler, A Prizeman, R Byrne. Subs: M Ryan for L Murtagh (43 mins), E Dowling for A Rattigan (50 mins), A Mahon for G Wheeler (57 mins). Armagh: A Carr; M Ferguson, C Towe, R Mulligan; E Druse, M McCann, G Ferguson; N Coleman, C O'Hanlon; L McConville, C McNally, B Mackin; K Mallon, N Henderson, N Reel. Subs: E Lavery for B Mackin (HT), E McConaghy for C McNally (40 mins), E McGeown for K Mallon (50 mins), A Mackin for N. Reel (55 mins). Referee: Eddie Cuthbert (Down). *****
