Powerful Cork IT intent on finishing the job

For only the second time in their history, Cork IT will be battling for honours on Fitzgibbon Cup final day after producing a commanding and professional performance to halt Limerick IT’s charge in yesterday’s semi-final at the Mardyke.

It was a momentous success for CIT who now attempt this afternoon to atone for their 2003 final defeat by Waterford IT. They have claimed a series of fine scalps en route to this juncture and maintained that form yesterday. A formidable rearguard, where Stephen McDonnell and Patrick O’Connor excelled, allied to the assured point-taking of Paudie O’Sullivan and Pádraig Gould, was pivotal to CIT’s success.

The loss of talisman Joe Canning with a shoulder injury was an undeniable setback for LIT’s aspirations and that was exacerbated when Clare senior Sean Collins was forced out before throw-in due to illness. As a consequence, LIT were badly hampered in attack and amidst the satisfaction in the CIT camp afterwards, manager Pat Mulcahy adopted a cautious tone.