CORK CITY CLAIMED bragging rights in the Munster derby at Thomond Park thanks to a 2-1 win over Limerick.
Goals from Garry Buckley and Billy Dennehy early in the first half were too much for Limerick to handle, and not even a consolation from Rory Gaffney could inspire a comeback as the Blues are now without a win in six.
City took the lead after 13 minutes when former Avondale striker Mark O’Sullivan outmuscled Sam Oji on the right hand side. He took a touch to set himself before squaring for Garry Buckley. The young midfielder shot past Ryan, albeit the veteran came close to denying.
It only got worse for Limerick moments later – the in-form Dennehy doubled Cork’s lead. It was O’Sullivan again who provided the assist. Charging down the right, O’Sullivan was in acres of space to find Dennehy. The Tralee native took a poor touch, but wasn’t penalised for it as the ball landed at his feet to finish second time around.
City proceeded to sit very deep — inviting Limerick on, but the Blues couldn’t muster anything of note in the remainder of the first period.
Stuart Taylor’s half-time team talk must have worked though – Shane Tracy found space down the right. He looked up and saw Rory Gaffney in the middle. With a pin-point cross with his weaker right boot, he found the head of Gaffney perfectly and the former Mervue man made no mistake in converting.
Chances were really few and far between thereafter, both sides passing well without penetrating. The introduction of Danny Galbraith gave Limerick a direct option — his runs were the obvious danger for Cork.
It wasn’t until 10 minutes from time that Limerick would go on to have a real opportunity. Tam McManus lined up a free kick on the edge of the box — his strike was pure and looked to have McNulty beaten all ends up but the Cork stopper pushed it behind with the help of the post.
Cork City continue their march on the league title while Limerick sit second bottom.
LIMERICK: Ryan; Kelly, Oji, Folan, Williams (Nzuzi 8); Agyemang, Hughes, Duggan, Tracy (Galbraith, 57), McManus (Mann, 81), Gaffney.
CORK CITY: McNulty; Dunleavy, Murray, D Dennehy, Davoren; Healy, Buckley (Kearney, 76), Morrissey; Lenihan (Lehane, 69), O’Sullivan, B Dennehy.
Referee: Paul McLaughlin (Monaghan)
Replace one warrior with another. Good.
@Chris Mc: Seanie will right a few things ahead of next season.
@Chris Mc: I’m sure you remember this quote from the 2017 Lions tour: Phil Gifford, from Stuff, who was critical of the Lions style of play in general, referred to Sean O’Brien as “a flanker so tough and hard-edged he’s basically a roll of barbed wire in boots.” Great move by Leinster.
Great signing a great bit of business
No need to clean the toilets in cassidys
@Tony Mcgrath: bit of an insulting remark from a Munster supporter. Check your own coaches for a similar problem.
He might play a few games even. Would love to see it
I thought he was taking the pee ;)
@CAMILA REMONA: bad news for the Dublin homeless
Good project that hopefully works out
Seamus replacing Leamy. I wonder could we persuade Isa to come back and replace Dr. Phil?
RDS busy installing golden showers
Out with the old, in with the new!