O’Shea’s double crucial as Cork see off brave Mayo

WHILE there were several key interventions – most notably a goal from top forward Amy O’Shea in each half – Cork’s character in the face of their biggest challenge since getting to the top in the TG4-sponsored Ladies Football All-Ireland senior championship in 2005 kept their five-in-a-row quest alive in Nenagh on Saturday.

They had seven points to spare at the end of what O’Shea described as “a dogfight” but it wasn’t until Briege Corkery got their third goal 55 seconds from time they secured the win. Before that, they were in danger of losing to a Mayo challenge inspired by Cora Staunton.

“We came here to win, but it just didn’t happen on the day,’’ said Mayo manager Kevin Reidy. “Cork got their goals and we had a couple of chances which we didn’t take. But, they are a fabulous team. I wouldn’t take anything from them.’’

The story of the first half was primarily one of wasted chances by Cork. By the 17th minute they hit 10 wides – manager Eamonn Ryan conceded some of them were “terrible” – and all they had to show was an 0-3 to 0-1 lead. And, it would have been even worse but for an outstanding save by All-Star goalkeeper Elaine Harte from Emma Mullin and later a timely tackle from Ciara O’Sullivan which prevented a certain goal.

Cork also failed to take advantage of Mayo having a player sin-binned. On the credit side, two pointed frees from star midfielder Juliet Murphy lifted spirits. But, the score which really boosted their confidence was a goal from O’Shea in the 24th minute. Set up by centre-forward Deirdre O’Reilly, it saw the holders turn over leading 1-5 to 0-2.

Within four minutes of the resumption the game took the first of several dramatic turns, when Staunton put over two frees and Cork had Rhona Buckley sin-binned. However, inside five minutes Cork had cancelled out these scores, with a free from Valerie Mulcahy and the first of two inspirational points from corner-back Geraldine O’Flynn.

Back came Mayo with two more points, only to see O’Flynn lift Cork again and, in the 45th minute O’Shea produced what could have been a clinching goal but for the fact that Mayo came thundering back with a great goal from Staunton.

Combined with two terrific points from frees from her, it opened up the game. Cork now had Buckley back on the field and she was needed. It set the scene for a frenetic climax, with some excellent defending from Angela Walsh and Corkery complementing Juliet Murphy and Norita Kelly at midfield, while the heroics of O’Shea and improved play from Mary O’Connor and Valerie Mulcahy in attack.

Scorers for Cork: A. O’Shea 2-0; B. Corkery 1-0; V. Mulcahy 0-3f; J. Murphy (0-2f), G. O’Flynn and D. O’Reilly 0-2 each; M. O’Connor 0-1.

Scorers for Mayo: C. Staunton 1-7 (0-5f); E. Mullin and Cafferkey 0-1 each.

Sub for Cork: L. Barrett for O’Sullivan (54).

Subs for Mayo: S. Cafferkey for McNicholas (inj, 28); C. O’Hara for Hurst (53).

Referee: Keith Delahunty (Tipperary).