Cork defence hold firm as they edge closer to third All-Ireland

Cork 3-8 Dublin 1-9

With the senior and minor titles safely tucked away the Cork side will now endeavour to bring their third All-Ireland trophy home when they face the winners of Tippeary and Antrim, who drew 3-7 to 2-10 in the Ragg yesterday, in the decider.

The visitor’s, who played with the strong crosswind in the opening period, looked a very good side and led the Rebels a merry dance in the first quarter. They were quickly into their stride and built up a five points lead, which did not flatter them in the opening 12 minutes with their defence, in particular Sonya Byrne and Louise O’Hara, very much on top.

However a brilliant goal by the youthful Breege Corkery put Cork back in the game.but Dublin led 1-5 to 1-2 at the break and should have been further ahead.

On the turn over, with the aid of the breeze, Cork upped the tempo but found the Dublin defence hard to break down and the Liffeysiders were able to keep their noses in front for most of the half. The introduction of Emer Watson for Emer O’Friel in the 39th minute was a master stroke for Cork for the forward line now began to click.

However poor shooting cost them dearly as they shot wide after wide, ten in fact in this half, before the Watson sisters hit a purple patch between the 55th and 56th minutes. Maria shot hard and low to give Cork a one point lead, 2-7 to 1-9 with a goal in the 55th minute and Emer billowed the net with another major a half a minute later..

Dublin tried hard to get back into the game after these setback but the Cork defence, in which Liz Sweetnam Joan Twomey and Jean O’Sullivan were superb, held firm for Cork to run out worthy winners at the finish of an entertaining and hard fought contest.

Scorers. Cork E. Watson 1-1, M. Watson 1-0, B. Corkery 1-0, H. Kenneally 0-4 (0-3 frees), V. Maher 0-2, R.Curtin 0-1.

Dublin: S. Keogh 1-1, D. Smith 0-3, C. Lucey 0-2 (0-1 free), G. McCluskey 0-1, S. Tracey 0-1, J. Draper 0-1.

CORK. D, Twomey; A. M. Fleming, L. Sweetnam, C. Foley; J. Twomey, J. O’Sullivan, C. Deasy; L..Dorgan, B. Corkery; C. Desmond, H. Kenneally, R. Curtin; E. O’Friel, M. Watson, V. Maher. Sub E, Watson for E. O’Friel (39th minute).

DUBLIN, S. Caulfield; S. Byrne, V. Reaney, G. Flynn; S. Hanks, L. O’Hara, A. McCluskey, S. Elliott, D. Smith; J. Draper, C. Lucey , S. Tracey, S. Crosbie, S. Keogh, G. Mc ey.

Referee. E. Browne (Wexford).