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Gavin O’Connor was in Austin Stack Park tonight to see another crushing defeat for the Kerry U21s against the Rebels…
Kerry 1-14
Cork 3-9
Cork players celebrate victory while Killian Spillane of Kerry can only wonder what might have been. Photo by Dermot Crean
A DRAMATIC injury time point by Cian Dorgan won the EirGrid U21 Munster Final for Cork and makes it six consecutive wins for the Rebels over Kerry in the competition.
It had looked as though Kerry had forced extra-time when Tony Brosnan, on 60 minutes, put over a score but it was not to be again.
With the concession of three goals in the 11th, 23rd and 47th minutes, Jack O’Connor’s side were fighting an uphill battle.
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Indeed, after Cork’s second goal by Sean Powter, Kerry trailed by six points. By the end of the half they would cut that back to three and go in 2-4 to 0-7 down.
Tony Brosnan of Kerry celebrates a late point to level matters. Photo by Dermot Crean
Kerry got off to a good start with two quick scores from Jack Savage and Brian O Seanacháin.
It wasn’t long though before a more physical Cork side began to get on top and exploited gaps in the Kerry defence running from deep inside their own half.
The Leesiders were worth their lead going in at the break, despite being maybe glad of the short whistle with Kerry in the ascendancy kinking the final three scores of the half – Jack Savage with two frees and a superb point from Eanna O Conchúir.
At the beginning of the second half, these two old rivals went point for point until Kerry were supplied just what they needed – a goal.
And what a goal it was! Powering through, the returning Mark O’Connor finally got a run at the Cork defence. Bearing down on goal, he smashed the ball into the roof of the net from ten yards out.
Greg Horan gets a pass away. Photo by Dermot Crean
The crowd had barely time to draw breath before Jack Savage pointed to put Kerry two points in front, 1-10 to 2-5 on 40 minutes.
Cork stayed in touch with a point from Sean O’Donoghue soon after to make it a one point game once more.
The lead that Kerry worked so hard to claw back was gone again by the 47th minute when Cork hit for their third and final goal courtesy of Sean White. The score 3-7 to 1-11.
Matthew Flaherty in action for Kerry. Photo by Dermot Crean
Tony Brosnan’s score on 60 would bring Kerry level, but – as was the story of the night – Cork had the answer and the power to drive home a score when required.
There’s no use sugar-coating it, this was another agonising night for Kerry at U21 level. And with the U21 competition suggested to be for the scrapheap, it makes it even more crushing. (more photos below)
Jack Savage in action. Photo by Dermot Crean
Attendance – 4,683
Scorers for Kerry: Jack Savage (0-5, 4f), Dara Roche (0-3), Mark O’Connor (1-0), Killian Spillane (0-2), Brian O Seanachain (0-1), Micheal Burns (0-1), Eanna O Conchuir (0-1), Tony Brosnan (0-1).
Scorers for Cork: Brian Coakley (1-1, 0-1f), Sean White (1-0), Sean Powter (1-0), Michael Hurley (0-2), Ryan Harkin (0-2), Sean O’Donoghue (0-1f), Peter Kelleher (0-1), Cian Dorgan (0-1), Stephen Sherlock (0-1f).
A dejected Kerry captain, Jack Savage, at the final whistle. Photo by Dermot Crean
Kerry
1. Eoghan O’Brien (Churchill), 2. Brian Ó Beaglaoich (An Ghaeltacht), 3. Jason Foley (Ballydonoghue), 4. Tom O’Sullivan (Dingle)5. Matthew Flaherty (Dingle), 18. Tom (Leo) O’Sullivan (Dingle), 7. Gavin White (Dr Crokes), 8. Barry O’Sullivan (Dingle), 9. Mark O’Connor (Dingle), 10. Brian Ó Seanacháin (Ballydonoghue), 11. Micheál Burns (Dr Crokes), 12. Eanna Ó Conchúir (An Ghaeltacht)13. Dara Roche (Glenflesk), 14. Killian Spillane (Templenoe), 15. Jack Savage (Kerins O’Rahillys)
Subs:
21. Greg Horan (Austin Stacks) for O Seanachain (HT)
19. David Foran (St Senans) for M O’Connor (42)
24. Cormac Coffey (Kerins O’Rahillys) for O Beaglaoich (43)
20. Jordan Kiely (Dr Crokes) for E O Conchuir (48)
17. Tony Brosnan (Dr Crokes) for Roche (55)
23. Fionán Clifford (Waterville) for White (56)
Cork
1. Anthony Casey (Kiskeam), 2. Michael McSweeney (Newcestown), 3. John Mullins (Eire Og) 4. Dylan Quinn (St Finbarrs), 5. Kevin Flahive (Douglas), 6. Stephen Cronin (Nemo Rangers)7. Kieran Histon (Cobh), 8 Sean White (Clonakilty), 20. Sean O’Leary (Bantry Blues), 23. Sean Powter (Douglas), 11. Sean O’Donoghue (Inniscarra), 12. Ryan Harkin (Mallow), 13. Brian Coakley (Carrigaline)
14. Peter Kelleher (Kilmichael), 15. Michael Hurley(Castlehaven)
Subs:
21. Stephen Sherlock (St Finbarrs) for Powter (HT, inj)
22. Dan O’Duinin (Cill Na Matra) for O’Donoghue (46)
17. Cian Kiely (Ballincollig) for Flahive (52, black card)
10. Cian Dorgan (Ballincollig) for Coakley (52)
19. Eoin Lavers (Dohenys) for O’Leary (53)
Cork players celebrate at the final whistle. Photo by Dermot Crean
Killian Spillane dispossesses Cian Kelly of Cork. Photo by Dermot Crean
Greg Horan rises highest for the ball. Photo by Dermot Crean
