Men's Senior Football: Cork See off Mayo Challenge

Mayo 1-9 Cork 1-17

Cork added another two points to their championship tally with a fairly comfortable win over Mayo.  Mayo asked a lot of questions of Cork and at times opened up Corks defence, but Cork had too much class around the middle of the field and in their forward line.  Things were still too tight from a Cork perspective until the final 10 minutes when Cork found the going easier and the scores flew over the bar.

Cork's Mike Moynihan tries to stop
Barry McShea.

Cork had the advantage at the end of the first period, in large part thanks to a goal from Mike Moynihan.  Cork had worked the ball well to corner forward James Horgan, and his shot was well saved by Brian Cassidy, but Moynihan was first to the rebound to put Cork into a four point lead just before the break.  Cork had started the better of the two teams with James Califf and Martin Burke doing well in midfield, while the forward line took care of business with points from Packie Leddy, Burke, and Skibbereen man, Donal Og Hodnett.  Mayo looked threatening at times however, and were right back in the game with a goal from corner forward Tommy Rooney.  A high ball from a free was not adequately dealt with by the Cork rearguard and Rooney was on hand to palm the ball into the net from the edge of the small square.  The goal provided Mayo with the impetus to continue to drive forward, Kevin McAllister (1) and Danny McGowan (2) pointed.  Dubliner, Sean Kenny, was coming into the game more in the middle of the field for Mayo.  Cork kept their noses in front with points from James Horgan, Burke, and a great score from Califf.  Then came Moynihan’s goal and Cork supporters breathed a little easier.

Sean Kenny and James Califf
challenge for this one.

Cork pressed home their advantage in the second half, though will be concerned about the ease with which Mayo penetrated the rearguard at times.  If the rebels are to pull off a result against Christopher’s next week some tighter play at the back will be required.  Cork moved the ball well, and Hodnett put some lovely scores over the bar, the pick of which came with about 5 minutes to go and put Cork a comfortable seven points ahead.  Mayo had the southerners worried at times, but only managed four points for their efforts.  Cork’s Califf, Leddy, Hodnett, and Wycherly played the ball around well and as the game drew to a close the scores came easier for them.  Colm Caffrey had a fine second half at wing back for Cork, and Hodnett also did well in the second period.

Referee:  Joe Moriarty (Ciarrai)

Man of the Match:  Donal Og Hodnett (Cork)

Mayo:  B. Cassidy, F. Coyne, S. Clifford, M. Hickey, B. McShea, R. Murphy, S. Burns, S. Kenny, D. Igoe, S. McHale, K. McAllister, T. Rooney, D. McGowan.  Cork:  M. Lynch, K. Moynagh, O. Boylan, M. Coyle, C. Moynagh, C. Caffrey, J. Califf, M. Burke, D. Og Hodnett, P. Leddy, J. Wycherly, J. Horgan, M. Moynihan.

By Rory O'Donnell