Cork Vs Limerick Result

This was, as I forecast in my preview the contest (battle) of the year in the All Ireland senior football championship,
Limerick contested ,defended and hunted Cork down to make them look very ordinary, I cannot understand why various writers and commentators did not give Limerick much of hope in overcoming Cork. How could they have forgotten the history of the last 2 years and Limericks epic contest in the Muster Final against Kerry.
Limerick were quickly into a two point lead , However Cork finished the first half , equalising at 0 -5 to 0 – 5, Limerick had some real reason for a penalty award ,they also hit the crossbar and post . Cork started the second half notching up a couple quick points and were leading by 0 – 12 to 0 – 7 with five minutes remaining of the game, when Jamie O’Sullivan conceded a free which Limerick converted, this free ( which was borderline) was a turning point, followed by another(questionable) free a few moments later when the referee awarded a penalty for a push on a Limerick player. Based on the overall flow of the match ,Limerick were entitled to a penalty . this was expertly converted to leave just a point between the sides and over a minute left on the clock. Allan Quirke must have believed that Limerick deserved better for their efforts , he delivered the kick out straight into the hands of a Limerick player directly in front of goal,who promptly dispatched it over the bar. Quirke had a excellent game otherwise .
In the first period of extra time Cork had a couple of pointed frees with Limerick failing to score, however they were first to score in the second period which left one point between the sides, Paddy Kelly who had been replaced in normal time was introduced again for the extra time, scored a great from out on the right wing, this score atoned somewhat for his poor free taking. Ian Ryan and Daniel Goulding exchanged points to leave a two point margin at the end.
Alan O’ Connor who did not start due to some illness during the week, although playing
quiet well, almost cost Cork the match, he was the man deemed to have fouled for the Limerick penalty, also he lost good possesion on two occasions after he was put clean through by a teammate. Paudie Kissane was awarded man of the match ,himself and Canty and Noel O’ Leary were the main line of attach for Cork on the night. Nicolas Murphy made another notable contribution from the bench. Pierce O’ Neill earned my man of the match . It was late in the game before Cork forwards managed to shake off a tight marking Limerick defence and have an ability to score from play. The referee was very firm and handed out 13 or 14 yellow cards and 1 red , he have been over the top but he was fair .
By: Hawkeye

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