Kilroy earns draw for Garryowen at Temple Hill

Cork Constitution 12 Garryowen 12

Full-back Conor Kilroy steered Garryowen to a share of the spoils against Cork Constitution at Temple Hill this afternoon as two of Division One's top sides played out a 12-12 draw.

Kilroy landed four penalty kicks out of four to help the visitors come from behind in the Munster rivals' 21st AIB League encounter since 1991.

Despite their early dominance, Con were only 12-9 in front at the break thanks to tries from Munster's John Kelly and former skipper Frank Cogan.

But in the wet and windy conditions, a lone second half kick from Kilroy sealed the stalemate.

It was first plays third in Cork with Con hoping to extend their enviable run of 12 wins in their last 13 AIB League games. Of course, that sole defeat was their 16-15 reversal to Garryowen in last May's top flight final.

Mindful of that game and looking for some revenge, Con started the game the better and notched their two tries inside the opening 20 minutes.

Their first try was from Munster veteran Kelly and it was a cracking effort. A veritable team try, it came from a set move as the pack laid the platform by winning lineout ball and a quick string of passes created the space for Kelly to score.

The second try, which soon followed, was a typical forwards effort with Cogan muscling over from close range. A single conversion from Daragh Lyons edged Con 12-6 in front before Kilroy banged over his third and final penalty of the opening half.

Kilroy was rock solid under the high ball and in what was a real game of two halves, the reigning champions came to the fore in the second half.

Con, who also included Munster hooker Denis Fogarty and the province's Denis Hurley also got a 15-minute run-out at full-back, saw control of the game wrestled away from them.

Kilroy had the game level at 12-12 by the hour mark and that was how it stayed as Con lost their grip on top spot in the division and the draw saw a battling Garryowen side remain in the top three.

Scorers: Cork Constitution: Tries: John Kelly, Frank Cogan; Con: Daragh Lyons

Garryowen: Pens: Conor Kilroy 4