O’Neill back as Rebels canter to win

PEARSE O’NEILL is on course for Cork’s Munster SFC semi-final against Kerry on June 6 after returning to county colours on Saturday.

Aghada powerhouse O’Neill was introduced during Cork’s comfortable challenge victory against Kildare in Cashel.

Referee Brian Tyrell played three periods in sweltering conditions – two of 25 minutes and one 20 minute stint – and O’Neill was introduced during the second period.

The hard-running O’Neill, an option for Cork at midfield or in the half-forward line, looked fit and hungry for action as he marked his return from the broken thumb that ruled him out of the concluding stages of the National Football League.

The news surrounding Graham Canty, however, doesn’t appear overly optimistic. Injuries have blighted Canty’s campaign and against Mayo in April, he damaged his shoulder. Canty was in Cashel last Saturday but did not tog out and admitted after the game his shoulder is still causing discomfort.

O’Neill’s return was the main talking point from a low-key outing against Kildare while Lilywhites veteran Dermot Earley got more valuable game time under his belt.

Kildare open their championship campaign on June 5 against Longford or Louth and while Earley is on course to feature in that game, his right knee was heavily strapped in Cashel.

Ace forward Alan Smith was forced off in the first period with what appeared to be a groin injury but he reappeared later in the game.

A breeze favoured Cork from the start but the Rebels hit five bad wides before finally opening their account in the 16th minute.

Kildare had roared 0-3 to 0-0 clear before Donncha O’Connor kicked a long-range point from play and the Ballydesmond man added a free to leave Cork 0-2 to 0-3 in arrears after 25 minutes.

Cork clicked through the gears in the second period as O’Connor, Colm O’Neill and Daniel Goulding terrorised a suspect Kildare full-back line.

The trio finished with 3-9 of their side’s tally and helped themselves to a goal each in the second 25 minutes.

O’Connor netted a 29th minute penalty but Kildare responded in kind when Ronan Sweeney coolly converted his effort six minutes later.

But Cork assumed control again when Goulding produced a moment of magic in the 38th minute as the Munster champions surged 2-6 to 1-4 clear.

Paul Kerrigan created the opening with a fisted pass and Goulding opted for a first time volleyed finish with his left foot through the legs of goalkeeper Shane McCormack.

Seven minutes later, O’Neill pounced on Emmet Bolton’s loose sideline kick which was aimed for McCormack and steered home Cork’s third goal as the Leesiders led by 3-8 to 1-7 with 50 minutes on the watch.

Cork made a raft of changes for the closing 20 minutes and Fiachra Lynch caught the eye with two neat points from play towards the finish.

Scorers for Cork: C O’Neill 1-4 (0-3f), D O’Connor 1-3 (1-0 pen, 0-1f), D Goulding 1-2, F Lynch 0-2, J Hayes 0-1f.

Scorers for Kildare: J Doyle 0-7f, R Sweeney 1-1 (1-0 pen), J Kavanagh 0-1f, E Callaghan 0-1.

CORK: A Quirke; R Carey, J O’Sullivan, E Cotter; P Kissane, M Shields, N O’Leary; A Walsh, A O’Connor; P Kelly, D O’Connor, F Goold; C O’Neill, D Goulding, P Kerrigan. Subs used: P O’Neill, D Kavanagh, B O’Regan, C O’Driscoll, P O’Flynn, J Hayes, K O’Connor, G Spillane, K McMahon, F Lynch.

KILDARE: S McCormack; E Bolton, G White, H McGrillen, K Cribbin, B Flanagan, M O’Flaherty; D White, D Flynn; J Kavanagh, J Doyle, R Sweeney; A Smith, A Rainbow, E Callaghan. Subs used: T O’Connor, A McLoughlin, D Earley, D Lyons.

Referee: B Tyrell (Tipperary).