Lucky 13 as Galwegians end the wait against Con

Cork Constitution 6 Galwegians 10

Constitution simply ran out of ideas against the determined Galwegians, whose first-half opportunism paved the way for a deserved victory. The result sent shock waves through the Cork club, with joint coach David Corkery describing the display as “completely unacceptable.”

The mood in the Galwegians’ camp, however, was a striking contrast: “This was a big day in the history of the club,” said coach Bernie Kelly. “It’s a very young side and we have struggled without our Connacht players so it was even more meaningful. Our defence got us through in the end and it was one of those days when it was better to play without the ball and force the opposition to make the mistakes.”

Constitution had plenty of possessions but their phases were pock-marked by basic errors. “The weather probably didn’t help but there can be no excuses for that type of performance. It just wasn’t good enough,” said Corkery. “We had earmarked this game as one to win to help us challenge for a top four place. We wanted to be in control of our own destiny but it will be a tough Christmas.

“It also means we might now have to rely on other teams losing matches in the latter stages of the competition if we’re to get into the play offs.”

Corkery admonished the players for poor defending in the opening half: “We just didn’t front up to the tackles. Conrad O’Sullivan was about the only back to do his job effectively throughout the game.”

Cronan Healy was about the only threat in a predictable back division, but didn’t help matters by getting sent to the sin-bin in the first half. In his absence, Galwegians got the crucial winning try after attacking Con down Healy’s wing.

Constitution’s afternoon of frustration continued when Galwegians had Peter Bracken yellow carded and they were unable to take advantage. Although Constitution came close to scoring three times in the first half through effective use of the maul, they had little else to offer.

Indeed, the Galwegians victory margin should have been greater. John Cleary missed a simple penalty and his two conversion attempts.

Pat McCarthy knocked over two penalties for Con but Galwegians found inspiration from a 20th minute James Littleton try and another brilliant effort from Tom Allen a minute from the break.

CORK CONSTITUTION: C. O’Sullivan, P. O’Brien, C. Mahony, J.V. Igarza, C. Healy, B. Keeshan, P. McCarthy; T. Ryan, D. Murray, J. Danaher, J. Moloney, S. O’Connor, D. Pusey, B. O’Connor, B. Cutriss.

Replacements: C. O’Keeffe for Pusey (60), N. Kenneally for Igarza (70), J. Stringer for Kenneally (82, injured).

GALWEGIANS: J. Littleton, B. Liddy, S. Meagher, D. Rogers, J. Cleary, T. Allen, M. Roche; D. O’Brien, J. Burke, P. Bracken, D. Boyd, B. McLaren, A. Conboy, S. Donald, I. Muldoon.

Referee: D. Keane.