Rebels survive stern Banner test

CORK progressed as expected in last night’s ESB Munster MFC quarter-final at Cusack Park in Ennis but no one in their camp need to be reminded that they made heavy weather of seeing off a brave and spirited Clare side.

The home team were crestfallen at the final whistle of this game and it was easy to understand their dejection, as they appeared on the cusp of a famous win with six minutes remaining. Neat footwork by lively wing-forward Padraig Collins saw him stride through for a left-footed point and with a 0-9 to 1-5 advantage against a Cork team that were down to 14 men after Sean O’Shea saw yellow for the second time in the 37th minute, the momentum appeared to be with Clare.

But while their performance was below-par for large chunks of this match, Cork summoned up the goods when their situation was most critical and they wrestled back the initiative. On a night when they largely flatlined in attack, it was the West Cork combination in their full-forward line that caught fire in the closing stages. Castlehaven’s Brian Hurley tied the game when swinging over a lovely shot with his left in the 57th minute and Ilen Rovers’ Daniel McEoin pushed them ahead when he thumped over a 62nd minute free.