Goals crucial as half-forward line provide platform for Rebels’ success

With the teams level at half-time, it was clear the first goal would have a huge bearing on the result. And so it proved.

Cork wing-forward Seamus Harnedy – my man of the match – grabbed a puckout 20 minutes into the second half and then showed great maturity by taking on the defence, heading for goal, with Gavin O’Mahony, his marker, and centre-back Wayne McNamara anticipated him driving through the centre. As Harnedy ran at the posts, Limerick full-back Richie McCarthy was directly in his line.

The percentage defensive play is to pressure the oncoming forward into passing the ball. But McCarthy moved a little to his left, anticipating a pass to Cadogan, thus opening the door. Harnedy’s strength and pace took him through. He has that coolness in front of goal that only the most natural forwards possess and he gave Nicky Quaid no chance with a piledriver. If the first goal was critical for Limerick, the second was terminal.