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.’’