Junior A Football: Cork v Aidan McAnespies

Cork 1-12 Aidan McAnespies 3-9

Sean McConville was the hero of the hour for Aidan McAnespies in their junior football encounter with Cork.  The Monaghan native banged in two fine goals, one in each half, and was pulled down to win a penalty and see Aidan McAnespies junior A side through a test against last years finalists.  The goals came just before half time and late in the second half, each time with Cork in the lead, and wiped out the rebels advantage on both occasions.  The second goal was a killer as the spoils looked like they might be heading Cork’s way as a Mike Moynihan penalty had just put Cork into a one point lead. 

Tommy McKitterick on the attack for Cork.

The first half was a well contested affair with Cork building a three point lead, though the teams were neck and neck for most of the half.  Mike Moynihan tallied the first couple of scores for the rebels before Tom Rigney answered for McAnespies.  Cork worked the ball well upfield, however left themselves open at the back for counterattacks.  With teams level at five points each Cork opened the lead with scores from Peter Wallace and Padraig O’Shea.  However, just before half time Seanie McConville’s persistence, in spite of the efforts of his marker, hit the back of the net with an effort from a tight angle and the teams headed into the break on level terms.

Sean McConville Shoots for McAnespies

McConville also made a big contribution to the McAnespie cause after being pulled down in the box mid way through the second period, and Callum Comiskey sent Ollie Murphy the wrong way with the shot to put Macs on top by a goal.  The spaces opened up as the half wore on and players took advantage, carrying the ball on both sides.  Cian Horan won a penalty for Cork after he was pulled down following a long run, and it was Moynihan to slotted the kick home. 

The goal put Cork one to the good as Moynihan had put a free over earlier to break the tie, however the lead did not last long.  Comiskey broke through the Cork defence and hit inrushing McConville with a pass that McConville buried into the far corner of the net.  With the initiative in their favor, McAnespies drove forward to point twice, Darragh Murphy and Shane Lynn made it a four point game.  Cork got within a goal with a point Padraig O’Shea, however a tying goal was not on the cards for the rebels.  With the win, McAnespies junior As maintain a 100% record along with the senior team.

Cork:  Ollie Murphy, E. Barry, M. Carolan, T. McKitterick, J. Lynch, D. O’Donovan, G. Bastible, C. Horan, P. O’Shea, M. Moynihan, S. Kennedy, C. Caffrey, P. Wallace.  Macs:  E. McKenna, P. Daly, M. McQuaid, C. Comiskey, T. Rigney, R. McCrystal, E. Hamill, D. Fitzpatrick, S. O’Kane, S. McConville, D. Spratt, D. Murphy, D. Kennedy.

By Rory O'Donnell