Cork 3-9
Donegal 0-16
A RESULT TO break open Group 3 of the All-Ireland, Donegal turned over for the first time this season, and Cork claiming a win of genuine significance.
After marching through Ulster and swatting Tyrone aside last Saturday, Donegal carried serious momentum into this encounter.
And it looked like they had recovered from the setback of shipping goals as they reeled Cork in during a pulsating second-half. Substitute Aaron Doherty nailed the levelling point in the 67th minute but just as Donegal seemed on the cusp of crowning their comeback, it was Cork who tellingly wrestled back the momentum.
John Cleary’s side displayed big composure, producing the key interventions when the game was at its’ most pressurised. Steven Sherlock, sprung from the bench, floated over a super shot from the right wing, Cork having successfully countered after Caolan McGonagle over-carried in a Donegal attacking foray.
Donegal mustered a pair of injury-time attempts to rescue the game yet their accuracy and sharpness was off, Cork turning them over and clinching success when Colm O’Callaghan punched over a 75th minute point that sparked jubilation in the home crowd.
In brilliant summer sunshine, Cork really ignited their campaign with this victory that was founded on a goalscoring blast after half-time. Sean Powter and Rory Maguire both netted as Cork profited from their ferocious tackling that yielded turnovers and their lightning breaks when gaps appeared. Powter hammered home his shot in the 37th minute and Maguire followed up by palming home after Shaun Patton had blocked a prodded shot.
When Brian Hurley knocked over a free soon after, Cork were flying high as they led 3-5 to 0-9, yet Donegal took over as the second half progressed, dragging Cork back towards them. The home side held their nerve to produce a closing kick when the need was greatest.
Cork had their moments in the first half. The home faithful rose off their seats in the 19th minute, Mattie Taylor crashing a powerful shot to the net, capping off a lung-bursting run of over 70 metres. Powter robbed Ryan McHughof the ball and released Taylor who galloped clear with the pitch open in front of him.
Donegal were caught on a couple of other occasions when they lost possession up front, Cork racing away and creating overlaps with little defensive cover to breach. Twice it seemed they could push to work a goal, but were content to settle for Chris Óg Jones popping over points.
The theme of their season in creating goal chances and failing to convert cropped up again before the break, Brian Hurley was denied by Shaun Patton, while Colm O’Callaghan’s rebound effort was tipped away by Michael Langan. To pour salt on the wound, Mark Cronin’s resultant ’45 floated wide.
Donegal were generally more clinical, more efficient, more incisive in their attacking forays. They trailed 1-3 to 0-4 after 20 minutes but had surged clear by 0-9 to 1-4 at half-time.
Patrick McBrearty was always a threat as he posted five points, Cork goalkeeper Chris Kelly managing to tip one blistering shot over the bar. Oisin Gallen chipped in with a brilliant score, while Ciarán Moore raided forwad for two more. When they were properly set, the Donegal defence offered firm resistance in the opening period, but they caved early in the second half as Cork poured forward.
When Hurley fired over a 52nd minute free, Cork were four to the good entering that final quarter but their scoring sources dried up. Ryan McHugh, Gallen, McGonagle and Doherty all raised white flags. It appeared a game heading inevitably towards the outcome of an away triumph, but Cork were not to be denied.
Tyrone face Clare tomorrow in Omagh, a clash both of these will watch with interest.
Scorers for Cork: Rory Maguire 1-0, Mattie Taylor 1-0, Sean Powter 1-0, Brian Hurley 0-3 (0-2f), Colm O’Callaghan 0-2, Chris Óg Jones 0-2, Paul Walsh 0-1, Steven Sherlock 0-1.
Scorers for Donegal: Patrick McBrearty 0-7 (0-3f), Oisin Gallen 0-3 (0-2f), Ciaran Moore 0-2, Ryan McHugh 0-1, Caolan McGonagle 0-1, Niall O’Donnell 0-1, Aaron Doherty 0-1.
Cork
1. Chris Kelly (Éire Óg)’
2. Kevin Flahive (Douglas), 3. Daniel O’Mahony (Knockagree), 6. Tommy Walsh (Kanturk),
4. Maurice Shanley (Clonakilty), 5. Rory Maguire (Castlehaven), 7. Matty Taylor (Mallow)
9. Colm O’Callaghan (Éire Óg), 8. Ian Maguire (St Finbarr’s)
12. Brian O’Donnell (Carrigaline), 11. Seán Powter (Douglas), 10. Paul Walsh (Kanturk)
25 Mark Cronin (Nemo Rangers), 15. Brian Hurley (Castlehaven), 13. Chris Óg Jones (Uibh Laoire),
Subs
- 14. Conor Corbett (Clyda Rovers) for Powter (44)
- 26. Steven Sherlock (St Finbarr’s) for Jones (50)
- 19. Thomas Clancy (Clonakilty) for Tommy Walsh (inj) (57)
- 24. Ruairi Deane (Bantry Blues) for Cronin (65)
- 23. Eoghan McSweeney (Knocknagree) for Hurley (70)
- 17. Seán Meehan (Kiskeam) for Paul Walsh (73)
Donegal
1. Shaun Patton (St Eunan’s)
7. Peadar Mogan (St Naul’s), 3. Brendan McCole (St Naul’s), 2. Eoghan Bán Gallagher (Killybegs)
5. Ryan McHugh (Kilcar), 6. Caolan McGonagle (Buncrana), 4. Ciaran Moore (St Eunan’s)
8. Jason McGee (Cloughaneely), 9. Michael Langan (St Michael’s)
10. Shane O’Donnell (St Eunan’s), 11. Ciaran Thompson (Naomh Conaill), 12. Daire Ó Baoill (Gaoth Dobhair)
13. Patrick McBrearty (Kilcar), 14. Oisin Gallen (Ballybofey), 15. Niall O’Donnell (St Eunan’s)
Subs
- 24. Aaron Doherty (Naomh Columba) for Ó Baoill (half-time)
- 19. Odhran Doherty (Naomh Conaill) for McGee (41)
- 23. Jamie Brennan (Bundoran) for Niall O’Donnell (53)
- 21. Jeaic Mac Ceallbhuí (Naomh Conaill) for Shane O’Donnell (61)
Referee: Brendan Griffin (Kerry)
