Promotion the target for Cork after opening round win against Westmeath

New Cork captain Sarah Leahy said there is a "great buzz" among the panel right now. 

PERFECT START: Hannah Looney got one of Cork's three first half goals in their Lidl National Football League Division 2 victory over Westmeath at Páirc Uí Rinn. Pic: Dan Linehan

New Cork LGFA senior manager Joe Carroll got his reign underway with a deserved victory at home to Westmeath in the Lidl National League Division 2 at Páirc Uí Rinn on Saturday.

A 3-12 to 0-5 final score underlined the Rebels’ superiority for the majority of a league fixture played out amid awful weather conditions.

Libby Coppinger (two) and Hannah Looney’s first half goals handed the eventual winners an unassailable interval lead.

Westmeath improved after the break however, and restricted their opponents to five points.

So, a welcome opening day win for the new Cork manager and his backroom team but plenty to work on ahead of travelling to All-Ireland SFC runners-up Galway next weekend.

“We have Galway next week up in Galway, which is going to be a massive game for us,” Carroll commented.

“We played Galway three times last year. Cork won twice and Galway won once. So there will be nothing between those two teams.” 

“Division 1, that’s our target. We’d love to win Division 2 but we’d love to get up (more). That’s the first target, get up out of Division 2 because Cork shouldn't be really down there.

“It is Division 2 and they should be playing Division 1 as all Cork teams, whether it be football, hurling, camogie or whatever it is. They all like to play at the top grade and we are no different. But look, it will be a bit of a learning curve and we are not going to get up there easy.” 

New Cork manager Joe Carroll said his side should not be down in Division 2. Pic: Dan Linehan

New Cork senior captain Sarah Leahy was also delighted to get off to a winning start.

“Defeating Westmeath wasn’t easy which is always a good sign because we’ve learned a few lessons from today,” the Aghada and Cork LGFA captain admitted.

“I think it was important for us to get out and get a win on the first day, especially as we had four debutants on the pitch. So we can be pleased coming away from the game.” 

Leahy acknowledged Coppinger and Looney’s first half goals were the catalyst for her county’s victory against a dogged Westmeath.

A victory, yes, but agreeing with her manager, still a lot of work to do for a new look Cork senior setup.

“Our performance at the beginning of the first half was great anyway,” Leahy said.

“It’s great to be converting those scores. Look, we weren’t getting as much scores in the second half, but as I said, there is plenty for us to learn from and work on during the week ahead of facing Galway.

“So far, so good though. Our training sessions from December to January have been quite tough. It is challenging but that’s a good thing.

“There is competition for places on the panel. There are loads of new players on the Cork team as well and plenty more to come back. There is a great buzz right now.”