Rebels forced into major battle

AS EXPECTED, Cork qualified for a July 4 Munster final meeting with old rivals Kerry after this semi-final win over Tipperary in Semple Stadium last night, but they were made to earn it.

At half-time, leading by eight points (2-7 to 1-2), it appeared as though a rampant Cork were home and hosed, but a tremendous second-half performance by Tipp saw that lead closed to a very nervy two points on a couple of occasions with just minutes to go.

However, a couple of late points, the first by wing-forward Kevin Hallisey, the second – and final score – by substitute Dan McEoin, was enough to see Cork home against a Tipp team that had been reduced to 14 in the dying minutes, after corner-back Paddy Dalton got a second yellow card.

Cork were the better side overall, no question, but on this evidence they will need to improve if they’re to capture that Munster title.

On a perfect evening for football, Cork dominated the first quarter and led by four points courtesy of towering midfielder Damien Cahalane, full-forward Brian Hurley and wings Kevin Hallisey and Alan Cronin, before Tipperary finally got on the board, a pointed free by Billy Hewitt in the 13th minute.

Thereafter, however, it was Cork again on top, and the next 14 minutes was when they did most of their scoring damage. Two goals and a point they managed in that period, Tipp held scoreless, and both majors were from the top drawer, the result of superb teamwork.

The first came in the 14th minute, a fast free by outstanding wing-back Jamie Wall setting things in motion, the ball passing through the hands of wing-forwards Cronin and Hallisey, to the supporting Mark Sugrue, who drilled home a pile-driver.

The second was equally impressive, and again both Cronin and Hallisey were involved, setting up corner-forward Shane Duggan for another superb team goal.

Ominously for Cork, however, Tipp too were creating goal-scoring opportunities of their own, two good chances scorned by their inside forwards before Billy Hewitt finally delivered just before the break, leaving those eight points between the teams.

Even seven minutes into the second half there was still no sign of any Tipperary comeback, Cork having extended their lead by a point, 2-9 to 1-3, courtesy of points from Brian Hurley and midfielder John O’Rourke (Cork had eight different scores on the night, six forwards and both midfielders, a fair spread).

With dangerman Liam McGrath now on the edge of the square, however, and with their outside men finally beginning to speed up their play, Tipp finally came to life.

A point from corner-forward Liam Boland began the fightback, then a goal from dual star McGrath, on the end of an increasing number of lightning Tipperary team moves – Padraig O’Meara with a quick free, taken on by Paddy Dalton (another dual star) with yet another defender, centre-back Michael O’Sullivan, giving the scoring pass.

With the tempo now increased, Tipp attacking in waves, all Cork could do was to hold them out and gradually the pressure began to tell, three frees conceded in scoreable positions (three for Hewitt, one for Boland), along with a fine long-range point from midfielder Donagh Leahy, leaving Cork reeling.

Two points from Hallisey in the closing minutes, however, steadied the ship, and it was sub McEoin with the final say.

An entertaining game, lots of good football from two fine sides, but as noted above, it will take something extra for Cork to stop Kerry.

Scorers for Cork: M Sugrue 1-2; S Duggan 1-1; K Hallisey 0-3; B Hurley 0-2 (2f); D Cahalane, J O’Rourke, A Cronin, D McEoin, 0-1 each.

TIPPERARY: B Hewitt 1-4 (3f); L McGrath 1-1; L Boland 0-3 (3f); D Leahy 0-1.

CORK: D Hanrahan; D Crowley, M O’Shea, D Lester; T Clancy, J Burns, J Wall; D Cahalane, J O’Rourke; K Hallisey, M Sugrue, A Cronin (capt); K Sheehan, B Hurley, S Duggan.

Subs: D Murphy for Crowley, 48; S Ryan for O’Shea, 56; D McEoin for Sugrue, 59. Blood sub: D McEoin for Hurley 17/19.

TIPPERARY: P Nolan; P Dalton, C O’Sullivan, P O’Meara; B Maher, M O’Sullivan, S Taylor; D Leahy, J O’Callaghan; L McGrath, B Harkin, S Leahy; L Boland, L Treacy, B Hewitt.

Subs: N O’Meara (O’Sullivan 18); B Walsh (Harkin 50); S Carroll (Treacy 60).

Referee: R Hickey (Clare).