Corkery a colossus in Nemo victory

Nemo Rangers 0-15 Bishopstown 1-7

This was a history-making feat for the most successful club in the land and they richly deserve to celebrate it,

because complete outsiders Bishopstown, making their grand final debut, had the game grasped at half time.

After a nervous start by both sides in front of a crowd of 14,500, Bishopstown came out of their shell and with right corner-forward James O'Shea in sparkling form, led by two points at the interval and a surprise was on the cards. However, Bishopstown froze and Nemo, drawing on their vast reservoir of experience, ruthlessly shattered their opponents hopes of glory.

One man, in particular, determined the outcome of a final that promised much coming up to the interval but nose-dived into mediocrity after the resumption. Bishopstown lost their way and missed out on a glorious

opportunity to script a different story for themselves.

Corkery, with 11 points, five from play, five from frees and one 45 conversion, was a colossus. Alan Cronin had a fantastic game also, but without Corkery's contribution, decorated with sheer footballing genius, a different scenario could have unfolded.

Corkery was brilliance personified and some of points he scored will live long in the memory after the dust settles on this final. He was an awesome figure and his accurate kicking was poetry in motion.

Ironically though, Corkery, like most players on both sides, apart from Cronin, who made a marked impression from the start, had an inauspicious beginning. He was booked for a needless high tackle on outstanding corner-back Noel O'Donovan with his side leading 0-3 to 0-2 after the opening quarter.

However, when he scored his second point in the 17th minute to edge Nemo two in front, he began to blossom. When Bishopstown put their stage fright behind them, they became more than a match for their more celebrated opponents.

With corner-backs Mark Kilgallon and Noel O'Donovan doing tremendous work, Bishopstown came of age in the seething cauldron. Two spectacular points from the gifted O'Shea and Robert Honohan on the 40 brought them to level terms in the 21st minute. And although Corkery scored a great point, after receiving a marvellous cross-field pass from Martin Cronin, to nudge Nemo back in front, it was Bishopstown who were now in full cry.

It looked as if this could be Bishopstown's day when, in the 24th minute, an attempted pass out of defence by Martin Cronin was blocked down and when the ball was channelled through to O'Shea, he picked his spot beautifully to score the game's only goal.

O'Shea and Corkery exchanged points to leave Bishopstown 1-5 to 0-6 in front at half-time. Psychologically, the ball was now in Bishopstown's court.

But they failed to strike while the iron was hot and it was Nemo, playing composed and methodical football, who seized the initiative and never relinquished their hold.

Corkery was almost through for a goal but his shot was saved brilliantly by Bishopstown goalkeeper Micky Galvin. From the resultant 45, Corkery pointed, then added another beauty to tie the game in the 38th minute.

Nemo had hit a purple patch and points from Joe and Derek Kavanagh powered them two in front again as Bishopstown wilted.

It was extraordinary how a Bishopstown side that promised so much early faded and died so easily. But they were their own worst enemies because the tactics they employed in the second half were ridiculous.

They constantly lost possession with a misguided, short-passing game, when a long ball in to corner-forwards O'Shea and Johnny Crowley would have undoubtedly reaped a better harvest.

When goalkeeper Don Heaphy blocked a goal-scoring attempt from Justin Honohan with his body in the 42nd minute, the die was cast for Bishopstown. Crowley did manage to point his only score of the game a minute later, but it was clear that Nemo were now on top. Five points on the trot from the mercurial Corkery not only put daylight between the sides, but ensured a comfortable win for Nemo and copper-fastened defeat for Bishopstown, who had their second, and only, score of the second half from O'Shea, a minute into injury time.

Scorers Nemo Rangers: C. Corkery 0-11 (0-5 from frees; 0-1 from 45); A. Cronin, K. Cahill, J. Kavanagh, D. Kavanagh 0-1 each.

Bishopstown: J. O'Shea 1-4 (0-1 free); B. Healy, R. Honohan, J. Crowley 0-1 each.

NEMO RANGERS. D. Heaphy; L. Kavanagh, N. Geary, B. O'Regan; G. Murphy, M. Daly, M. Cronin; K. Cahill, D. Kavanagh; A. Cronin, S. O'Brien, M. McCarthy; J. Kavanagh, C. Corkery, A. Morgan. Subs: Sean O'Brien for Daly; W. Morgan for A. Morgan; D. Mehigan for McCarthy; J.P. O'Neill for Steven O'Brien; L. O'Sullivan for J.

Kavanagh.

BISHOPSTOWN. M. Galvin; N. O'Donovan, B. McCarthy, M. Kilgallon; B. Hussey, S. Murphy, M. Hayes; L. Honohan, B. Cuthbert; B. Healy, R. Honohan, J. Murphy; J. Crowley, J. Honohan, J. O'Shea. Subs: M. Cogan for Healy; D. O'Mahony for J. Honohan; D. Murphy for Hussey.

Referee: M. Collins.