Connolly the hero as Cork claim win over Tipperary

Cork 3-13 Tipperary 0-21

Luke Connolly was the Cork hero on Saturday as his side claimed a 3-13 to 0-21 win over Tipperary at Semple Stadium. The win preserves Cork’s unbeaten record in Division 3 of the league.

However it was Tipperary who made a super start to this game. They kicked four points through Steven O’Brien, Sean O’Connor, Emmet Moloney and Colman Kennedy. It took Ronan McCarthy’s men 10 minutes to find a score. That came courtesy of Mattie Taylor to make it 0-05 o 0-01. Cian Kelly got Cork’s second point. However, David Powers charges replied. It was Conor Sweeney and Quigley raising white flags. John O’Rourke pointed for Cork. Moreover, Ruairi Deane found the net and then Cathail O’Mahony pointed to leave it 1-04 to 0-07 after 26 minutes. Tipperary responded excellently though. Additionally, they kicked the next 5 points. However, Cork through O’Rourke and O’Mahony cut the gap to leave it 0-12 to 1-06.

The lead was pushed out to five points after 39 minutes. Liam Boland and Kennedy this time on target. Cork though thundered into the game from there. Luke Connolly registered a goal from the penalty spot after Mattie Taylor was fouled. It was 0-14 to 2-06. Cathail O’Mahony kicked over two points and the gap was down to one. Connolly then scored his second goal to put the Rebels ahead for the first time in the game. Ciaran Sheehan knocked over another point to make 3-10 to 0-16. Conor Sweeney and Brian Fox once again responded for Tipperary, but nonetheless Connolly and Mahony still had Cork leading with 63 minutes played.

Tipperary managed to get the gap down to minimum in the six minute of injury time, but Cork held on for a deserving victory which keeps them top of the table in Division 3. Therefore, firmly keeping the promotion charge back to Division 2 on track.

Scorers – Cork: Luke Connolly 2-02 (1-00 pen, 0-01f, 0-01 mark), Cathail O’Mahony 0-05 (0-02f), Ruairí Deane 1-00, John O’Rourke 0-02, Sean Powter 0-01, Mattie Taylor 0-01, Cian Kiely 0-01, Ciaran Sheehan (0-01) Tipperary: Jack Kennedy 0-05 (0-04f), Conor Sweeney 0-04, (0-04f), Riain Quigley 0-02, Steven O’Brien 0-02, Emmet Moloney 0-02, Evan Comerford (0-01, 1 ’45’), Colman Kennedy 0-01, Brian Fox 0-01, Sean O’Connor 0-01 (0-01 mark)

Cork: Micheál Martin; Paul Ring, Sean Powter, James Loughrey; Tomás Clancy, Mattie Taylor, Cian Kiely; Ian Maguire, Killian O’Hanlon; John O’Rourke, Sean White, Brian Hartnett; Ruairí Deane, Luke Connolly, Cathail O’Mahony (0-05, 0-02f).

Subs: Liam O’Donovan for Taylor (21-27, blood), Ciaran Sheehan for White (45), O’Donovan for Kiely (49), Colm O’Callaghan for O’Mahony (56), Paul Walsh for Powter (62), Kevin O’Driscoll for O’Hanlon (65).

Tipperary: Evan Comerford; Alan Campbell, John Meagher, Tadhg Fitzgerald; Kevin Fahey, Robbie Kiely, Bill Maher; Steven O’Brien, Jack Kennedy; Emmet Moloney, Colman Kennedy, Brian Fox; Conor Sweeney, Riain Quigley, Sean O’Connor (0-01, 0-01 mark).