Month: September 2021

AS THE CURTAIN was pulled down on another Cork hurling season, the focus moved onto John Meyler’s future in the hot-seat.

His initial two-year term as manager has been completed after their mid-July exit from the championship and he stated after the game that he would take time out to consider his future as boss.

Meyler was a selector under Kieran Kingston in 2017 when they lifted the Munster title, and he followed that up with another provincial success after assuming the number one role last season.

Cork were edged out by eventual champions Limerick after extra-time in the All-Ireland semi-final last summer, while their campaign ended with defeat to Kilkeny in the quarter-final this time around.

Some supporters have called for a new man to take on the position, but Rebels legend Brian Corcoran warned that changing the manager does not guarantee success.

“It’s his second year,” he said. “Sometimes bringing in a new manager can be just as disruptive.

“It’s very rare that a new manager comes in and they hit the ground running in their first year so the concern with bringing in someone new is that there’s going to be a rebuilding process again.

“Is that going to take another couple of years versus giving Meyler another shot at it and trying to build on what’s there?

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Corcoran continued: “I’m not sure what the public opinion on it is. I know some people are probably looking for new faces but I’m not sure that’s necessarily the best thing either. We haven’t had great success at underage level either, it’s not like we’ve won three minors and two U21s and that manager is ready to come forward.

“Denis Ring and John Considine have been involved in the underage the last few years but we haven’t won All Irelands in that grade either. So if you do bring in someone new, you’re back into a rebuilding process.

“John got criticised last year for the depth of the bench and having to bring injured guys back on for the Limerick game and obviously, he tried to address that this year with having a little bit more attacking power on the bench.

“I wouldn’t be immediately of the mindset that Meyler has to go and bring in somebody new because I’m not sure we have someone waiting to take the reigns up.”

Brian Corcoran was speaking at the Bord Gáis Energy GAA U20 hurling provincial championship finals preview.

Source: Sam Barnes/SPORTSFILE

At 31-years-old the time is running out on Patrick Horgan’s chances of winning the Liam MacCarthy Cup during his career. Corcoran believes a failure to win a Celtic Cross won’t affect the Glen Rovers man’s legacy in the game.

“Obviously, an All-Ireland medal is great to have. There was a Cork-Waterford charity game there a couple of months ago between the teams of 15, 20 years ago.

“You were dealing with the Waterford lads, the likes of Ken McGrath, Dan Shanahan, Tony Browne and these guys who didn’t win an All-Ireland when they were close so many times. Does that affect their legacy or make them lesser hurlers? Looking back on it I don’t think so, they were still great players.

“Hoggie is unfortunate that his career came in that 15 or 16 year period when Cork didn’t win an All-Ireland. But I think he is without a shadow of a doubt, people talk about Ring – obviously I didn’t see Ring but in terms of artists, stick-work, skill, wrist work – I don’t think there’s been a better Cork hurler than him.

“Does he need an All-Ireland to prove that – obviously, it would be great for his sake but I still think he will go down as one of the best Cork players ever. There’s very few guys who can strike a ball as well as Patrick Horgan.”

Corcoran believes an over-reliance on Horgan was more Cork’s issue rather than any hang-ups around playing at Croke Park, where they haven’t won since the 2013 All-Ireland semi-final.

“I don’t think it’s Croke Park. I think every player wants to be here. But obviously they haven’t produced going back to 2013, All-Ireland final they had a great chance, probably should, they almost had the original game won. The last two years, the Waterford game until the sending off, there wasn’t much in it.

“And obviously last year, six points up with whatever it was left. I’m not sure it’s a mental block with the stadium but maybe it’s a belief or lack of belief or confidence, are we really going to be good enough to win it?

“Bottom line from the display yesterday is that we’re too reliant on Patrick Horgan. Everyone is talking about what a great game he had and he had a fantastic game but if he wasn’t there, we would have been well beaten and that’s the problem.

“He got a couple of goals that most other guys wouldn’t have got and a couple of points that most others wouldn’t have got so if he wasn’t there, it would have been a much wider margin of loss.”

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THIS WEEKEND SAW the business end of the 2019 All-Ireland football and hurling championships arrive with a bang. 

There were opening Super 8s football clash wins for Kerry, Dublin, Donegal and Tyrone with Kilkenny and Tipperary both progressing to the All-Ireland SHC semi-finals.

David Clifford, Patrick Horgan and Jack McCaffrey were three of six to get the nod.

Source: Inpho.

With some impressive team performances produced across the board, there were also several individual players recognised for their exploits and six man-of-the-match awards handed out with every game live on either RTÉ or Sky Sports despite clashes.

In yesterday’s All-Ireland quarter-final double-header at Croke Park, the Cats and Liam Sheedy’s Premier County marched on but it was losing sides Cork and Laois who held man-of-the-match winners.

Rebels star Patrick Horgan fired an outstanding 3-10 at HQ, the captain leading the charge from start to finish. Alongside him in the inside attack was Alan Cadogan, scorer of 0-4, and while the pair caused Kilkenny major issues, Cork couldn’t just service them enough.

Source: The Sunday Game.

Horgan scooped the individual accolade, but the curtain came down on his side’s summer in disappointing circumstances.

Likewise, it was Laois defender Jack Kelly who took the prize in their loss to Tipperary. The Rathdowney Errill man chipped in with two fine scores from play and starred throughout despite Eddie Brennan’s side meeting the end of the road.

'Go again next year' – Laois half back Jack Kelly accepts his Man of the Match award pic.twitter.com/BFY5hDb4W9

— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) July 14, 2019

Meanwhile, in Croker on Saturday night, Jim Gavin’s Dublin beat Cork to well and truly open their five in-a-row bid. Three late goals saw the Sky Blues power past a gutsy Rebel side.

Their first of five, however, came from man-of-the-match Jack McCaffrey in the 12th minute. The Clontarf flyer attacked from half-back throughout, creating the platform for a lot of Dublin’s chances.

As well as finding the back of the net himself — “Any day I get a goal is a good day for me,” he smiled afterwards — McCaffrey created several other openings – the last Brian Fenton’s closing goal.

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'Any day I get a goal is a good day for me' – Jack McCaffrey on his Man-of-the-Match display against Cork #rtegaa pic.twitter.com/70ByfuKsFf

— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) July 13, 2019

In Saturday evening’s other Group 2 game, Tyrone beat Roscommon at Dr Hyde Park to pick up a valuable opening two points with Cathal McShane in electric form once again.

The Owen Roe ace led the way with 0-8, three of those points coming from play, as the Red Hand were four-point winners.

Group 1 got up and running then yesterday in Ballyboffey and Killarney respectively, with the hosts both coming out on top.

Michael Murphy, Cathal McShane and Jack Kelly were also honoured.

Declan Bonner’s Donegal produced a strong finish to see off a spirited Meath side, with Michael Murphy collecting the man-of-the-match award there.

The captain produced an excellent showing, inspiring his side from start to finish and hitting 0-3 in doing so, while Paddy McBrearty also had a day to remember as he accounted for 1-6.

And last but definitely not least, Kerry opened their Super 8s campaign in style with a statement win over Division 1 league winners Mayo in Killarney.

Source: The GAA Twitter.

Man of the match David Clifford said a good start was key to Kerry's comprehensive win over Mayo. pic.twitter.com/nKJw0aNBPp

— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) July 14, 2019

10 points separated the sides at the death as David Clifford’s devastating performance and 0-7 tally — 0-6 of that from play — was honoured at the end.

David Moran and Stephen O’Brien were among those to also impress for the hosts, but Fossa superstar Clifford landed The Sunday Game man-of-the-match award.

Do you agree with the man-of-the-match selections? Let us know.

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KERRY WERE UNDOUBTEDLY the biggest winners from the opening weekend of the Super 8s. 

Source: Inpho

The Kingdom impressively tore Mayo apart in Killarney, enjoying a 10-point victory that catapulted them up the list of challengers to Dublin’s crown.

It was a game that highlighted just how costly Mayo’s Connacht semi-final exit to Roscommon was. James Horan’s team looked fatigued by their run through the backdoor, which has seen them in action for the last four weekends on the bounce.

As it stands, Kerry and Donegal look most likely to progress from Group 1 and both promise to give Dublin a stern examination in the knock-out stages of the All-Ireland series. 

The single biggest reason for Kerry to believe they can be the team that stops the Dublin juggernaut is the form of the young prince in their attack. 

And it was the performance of David Clifford that left the home fans purring as they poured out of Fitzgerald Stadium yesterday. 

Still only 20 and in his second season out of minor, Clifford rubber-stamped his status as the elite forward in the Kerry attack and, arguably, in the country. He has already been anointed as the heir to Colm Cooper’s throne, at an age when most youngsters are still getting to grips with inter-county football at this level.

Just 18 months into his senior career, Kerry’s charm offensive to convince the Fossa star to turn down overtures from the AFL proved to be a wise one. That’s not to say that Aussie Rules scouts won’t come calling over the next few years, but for the moment Clifford seems content with lighting up the All-Ireland SFC for the green and gold. 

Brendan Harrison tackles David Clifford.

Source: James Crombie/INPHO

Clifford has already usurped Paul Geaney as the primary score-getter in the Kerry attack.

The Dingle forward plus former Footballer of the Year James O’Donoghue were more than happy to drop deep and get themselves involved in Kerry’s build-up play while Clifford held his position as their most advanced attacker. 

Kerry wisely looked to isolate Clifford in one-on-one situations with Brendan Harrison.

Five minutes into the game, the number 13 had two points to his name already. The first arrived from a Geaney kick-pass that bounced into his chest, the second from a strong Stephen O’Brien run down the left where Clifford came around on the loop.

The hosts had 0-7 on the board after 10 minutes, their attack clicking nicely through the gears. 

Kerry’s aggressive press on David Clarke’s kick-outs, allied to David Moran ruling of the airwaves, gave Peter Keane’s team a solid platform to attack. After 21 minutes, flying wing-back Gavin White burst down the flank and again Clifford glided into a pocket of space behind him, received the hand-pass and guided the ball between the posts.

That was his third point from four shots, but the best was yet to come. The comparison with Maurice Fitzgerald is natural considering Clifford’s languid style. The 26th minute free he stroked stroke over from near the sideline bore more than a passing resemblance to Fitzgerald.

David Clifford delights the home fans with this brilliant strike from the sideline. Kerry lead by eight and it's not half-time.

Watch highlights on #sundaygame 9:30pm pic.twitter.com/AAZ5THdtF4

— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) July 14, 2019

If that score reminded Kerry supporters of Fitzgerald’s sideline point in Thurles, then his through ball to Geaney that almost produced a goal earlier in the half smacked of Gooch against the Dubs in 2013.  

(Click here if you can’t view the clip above)

Clifford had 16 possessions in total, finishing with 0-7 from 10 attempts at the posts. He assisted a further two scores and was fouled for another converted free, meaning he was directly responsible for 0-10 of Kerry’s 1-22 tally.

By the 56th minute, the Kingdom were 1-18 to 0-10 and in cruise control. They let their foot off the gas in the final quarter, understandable given they’ve got a quick turnaround before they face Donegal at Croke Park next weekend.

The prospect of unleashing Clifford on a Dublin defence that shipped 1-17 to Cork no doubt gives Keane hope they can end a five-year wait without the Sam Maguire next month.

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Defensive issues still need to be sorted and Kerry have a few fish to fry before they can even countenance taking down the Dubs, but it’s nice to know they’ve got a genuine shot with a forward of Clifford’s class in their ranks.

Kerry failed to progress from the Super 8s in 2018, yet Clifford did enough over the three games to deliver the Young Footballer of the Year gong and his maiden All-Star. He scored 4-14, including a dramatic last gasp equalising goal against Monaghan in Clones.

And he has started this year’s All-Ireland quarter-final phase in a similar vein of scoring form.

He’s less than two years into his senior career, but already this is Clifford’s team. It’s up to the rest to find a way of stopping him.

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LAOIS MANAGER EDDIE Brennan is somewhat torn about how to reflect on the 2019 season.

Progressing to an All-Ireland quarter-final from humble Joe McDonagh Cup beginnings is certainly progress for the county.

The pivotal victory over Dublin which sent them through to the last six of the All-Ireland SHC is arguably the county’s greatest achievement since defeating Wexford in the 1985 Leinster hurling semi-final. 

They gave Tipperary a tough contest in Croke Park over the weekend and bowed out with honour after battling for most of the second half with 14 players.

And yet, Brennan can’t help but feel that Laois could have progressed further this year.

“Overall I suppose, the cup is half full,” he says as he digests it all.

We’d a massive year, all in all. That’s ultimately where it’s at right now. The competitor I’m conditioned to be, I look at that match and say ‘we could have got more out of it’.

“That’s the reality, and that’s the process of losing. When you do reflect on it, you see the bits and pieces.”

The Laois players saluting the crowd after their All-Ireland quarter-final defeat to Tipperary.

Source: Laszlo Geczo/INPHO

“We did so much good, the big takeaway was that we’re not that far away from the top-tier, and you’re kind of looking at it from the point of view that already, I’m looking forward to the National League campaign next year, because that’s where we’re at. There’s an opportunity to flesh out the squad even more.

“I was just very happy with them – a very young bunch of guys and the way they applied themselves, the fearlessness and how they embraced the whole thing. I think you could have been very easily forgiven to lie down yesterday.

Even with 14 men for long periods of that second half, we were game. That’s all you can ask for.”

Winning the Joe McDonagh Cup ensures that Laois will compete in the Liam MacCarthy Cup next year, and they will enter the round-robin series in Leinster. 

This means that Brennan will come up against Kilkenny, the side he represented with distinction for years until his retirement from inter-county hurling in 2012.

Helping Laois compete against the top sides over a sustained period is a huge goal for Brennan, but the prospect of facing his home county in the league and championship will bring up mixed emotions.

It will be a weird one, because we’re going to have to play them twice, in League and championship. At times, I find it weird that I’m up there and saying ‘we, in Laois’. At the back of it all, you’re kind of going God, it’s a funny state of mind.

“That was possibly on the cards coming in at the start and I suppose you just go in with the mindset that you’ve a job to do. It will be interesting, definitely. For the players, it’s a great opportunity just to measure yourself against Kilkenny.

Eddie Brennan celebrating Kilkenny’s victory in the 2011 All-Ireland final.

Source: Lorraine O’Sullivan/INPHO

“We get to do that next year. That for me will be a great opportunity to test themselves and for the lads, it’s great playing here and there but to go to Nowlan Park and to go to Ennis to play Clare or wherever the road takes us, that’s where you’re going to learn and that’s what the players will want I’d imagine.”

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The Leinster SHC could be set to expand in 2021. The provincial council will meet to discuss the possibility of having six or eight teams in the competition.

Laois’ win over Dublin prompted a huge reaction to introduce a sixth team in the eastern province, and Brennan agrees with that suggestion.

It makes sense, but ultimately, you’re trying to grow the game of hurling and if you can flesh out your Leinster to eight teams, wouldn’t that be phenomenal.

“That’s what you’re looking for and to really support the Carlows, Westmeaths, Laois, Offalys etc. and to try and get a stronger competition. That’s what you want, more teams competing and more teams at that top level.”

Bord Gáis Energy announced two exclusive tours of Croke Park for Rewards Club customers with Kilkenny’s Eddie Brennan and Cork’s Brian Corcoran.

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FIVE COUNTIES ARE now searching for new football managers, with Cian O’Neill and Damian McErlain the latest to step down from their positions. 

Cian O’Neill looks on during Kildare’s Leinster semi-final exit to Dublin earlier this year.

Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO

They follow Paul McLoughlin (Wexford), Liam Kearns (Tipperary) and Malachy O’Rourke (Monaghan), who all resigned following their exits from the All-Ireland SFC earlier this summer.

O’Neill made the decision to step down following Kildare’s exit to Tyrone in the qualifiers, departing after four years at the helm. The highlight of his tenure was undoubtedly the ‘Newbridge or Nowhere’ backdoor defeat of a Mayo side who reached the All-Ireland final the previous September.

Kildare established themselves as a top-12 side under O’Neill. They gave a good account of themselves in the 2017 Leinster final, where they fell to a battling nine-point defeat to Dublin.

They bounced back impressively from shock provincial defeat to Carlow last summer to reach the Super 8s, following backdoor victories over Derry, Longford, Mayo and Fermanagh.

They were relegated from Division 1 in 2018 and finished this year’s Division 2 campaign in fourth place, three points off second-place Donegal. 

The 2019 championship was less successful. Kildare were hampered by the absence of Niall Kelly in the spring and Daniel Flynn’s decision not to commit, plus injuries to key men Kevin Flynn, Paul Cribbin, Eoin Doyle and Kevin Feely at various stages during the campaign.

Kildare star Daniel Flynn in action during the 2018 Super 8s.

Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO

In the end, most within the county felt it was the right time for O’Neill to step aside, even though he had a year of his term left to run.

“Frustratingly we didn’t always reach our potential as a group,” O’Neill said in his resignation statement.

The vacant hot-seat is certainly an attractive position. The county’s U20s are the reigning All-Ireland champions and have provided a strong nucleus of players who’ll be expected to make the step up over the next few seasons.

Of the 21 players who saw action in the round 3 loss to Tyrone, just three of the victorious U20s from 2018 featured. Mark Dempsey started at corner-back, while Mark Barrett and U20 Footballer of the Year Jimmy Hyland came in off the bench. 

The new man will be expected to accelerate the progression of those U20s to the senior side. Kildare supporters are also excited about the potential of Moorefield attacker Adam Tyrrell, who sits in joint-second in the All-Ireland top-scoring list after a summer where his stock rose significantly.

Convincing former AFL player and 2018 All-Star nominee Daniel Flynn to commit next year will be the number one priority for O’Neill’s replacement.

Davy Burke, Malachy O’Rourke, Jack O’Connor and Glenn Ryan.

So who is the man to get the most out of this group? 

O’Rourke has stated his intention to take some time out of the inter-county game after seven years in charge of the Farney, but that hasn’t stopped him from being heavily linked with the Lilywhites job in recent days.

If the lengthy journey to Kildare’s Centre of Excellence in Hawkfield isn’t a turn-off, he’d be an obvious choice to succeed O’Neill. Given what he achieved during his tenure in Monaghan, O’Rourke is likely to be in contention for several high-profile jobs over the next 12 months so he may opt to hold out for a bigger county.

The Fermanagh native is among the early front runners, alongside legendary Kildare defender Glenn Ryan and All-Ireland winning U20 boss Davy Burke. 

Former Lilywhites skipper Ryan, who managed Longford between 2009 and 2013, was in the running when O’Neill was appointed in 2015. Ryan previously guided the Kildare U21s to the Leinster title and All-Ireland final back in 2008, although it’s unclear at this stage if he wishes to be put forward for the job.

Another interesting prospect is current Sarsfields manager Burke. After leading his native county to the Leinster and All-Ireland U20 crowns last August at the age of 30, he opted not to remain in charge for 2019.

“Basically my decision boiled down to me wanting to push on and progress, and I felt that opportunity was not available within Kildare at the moment,” explained Burke last October.

“I would see himself as very progressive and innovative with regard to the way I’d go about managing a football team but the Kildare board and myself did not eye to eye in that regard.

“Even though we won the All-Ireland, there were a number of aspects relating to the team this year that I wasn’t happy with. This is something that you could tolerate for one year but definitely not for a second year.”

The Kildare team celebrate with the All-Ireland U20 title.

Source: Gary Carr/INPHO

Burke’s assertion that he wanted to “push on and progress” suggested he had designs on the senior job, but there were also clearly some issues with the county board that needed to be resolved. 

Most recently, he was in charge of the Maynooth Freshers side alongside former great Johnny Doyle, another man who could be persuaded to get involved in some capacity. 

Moorefield manager Ross Glavin is the outstanding candidate on the club scene. He led the club to the Leinster club title in 2017 after a dramatic late victory over St Loman’s in the decider.

The most fascinating name to be linked with the role is certainly three-time All-Ireland winning manager Jack O’Connor. He has been actively involved in Glavin’s backroom team with Moorefield, where his sons Eanna and Cian play their club football. 

O’Connor is currently in charge of the Kerry U20s and was in the frame to replace Eamonn Fitzmaurice in the Kingdom after his resignation last year.

Elsewhere, UCD boss John Divilly – who won two All-Irelands as a player with Galway before spending one season lining out for Kildare – is another prospective option.  

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Kilkenny 1-17
Wexford 0-18

Ronan Fagan reports from Innovate Wexford Park

A FIRST-HALF Evan Shefflin goal proved priceless as DJ Carey’s Kilkenny hurlers held out for a first provincial title since 2017 against hard-trying Wexford at Wexford Park this evening in their Bord Gáis Energy Leinster U20 championship decider.

Wexford tried spiritedly to salvage a draw during five added-minutes. But the Cats held firm and now face the losers of Munster (Cork or Tipperary) in the All-Ireland semi-finals, where Wexford challenge the Munster champions.

Considerable intrigue surrounded the 11th hour decision by Kilkenny boss DJ Carey to bench senior star Adrian Mullen against Wexford, with James Bergin being the benefactor.

Despite difficult greasy conditions, intrigue mounted from early as the sides shared six points and both goals enjoyed narrow escapes, before a Niall Brassil free earned Kilkenny’s first taste of the lead after 16 minutes.

And the Cats pounced for a 1-4 to 0-4 lead in the 17th minute when Shefflin swept home a rebound for the ultimately decisive blow after Wexford ‘keeper James Lawlor had initially produced an outstanding save from Eoin Cody.

But Wexford stayed in the hunt, and two late Seán O’Connor points had them within 1-7 to 0-8 at half-time.

Wexford further encouraged the locals amongst the 6,612 attendance when drawing level on 0-12 to 1-9 after 38 minutes through Charlie McGuckin, Ross Banville (2 frees) and Cian Fitzhenry, a nephew of Damien Fitzhenry.

But Kilkenny appeared to reassert as points from David Blancfield, Seán Ryan, Eoin Cody and Eoin O’Shea opened-up a 1-13 to 0-12 gap midway through the second-half.

Kilkenny players celebrate after tonight’s game.

Source: Bryan Keane/INPHO

Wexford refused to yield as Ross Banville, Conor Scallan, Cian Fitzhenry and Chris Turner kept them in the fight, only to be denied a first clean-sweep of Leinster hurling titles for the Model County since 1970.

Scorers for Kilkenny: Niall Brassil 0-5 (4 frees), Evan Shefflin 1-2, Seán Ryan, Eoin Cody, David Blanchfield 0-2 each, James Brennan, Stephen Donnelly, Eoin O’Shea, Michael Carey 0-1 each.

Scorers for Wexford: Ross Banville 0-7 (frees), Seán O’Connor 0-3, Charlie McGuckin, Cian Fitzhenry, Chris Turner (1 free) 0-2 each, Jack Reck, Conor Scallan 0-1 each.

Kilkenny

1 Dean Mason (Ballyhale Shamrocks)

2 James Brennan (Erin’s Own)
3 Conor Flynn (Graigue Ballycallan)
4 Mikey Butler (O’Loughlin Gaels)

5 Conor Heary (O’Loughlin Gaels)
6 Michael Carey (Young Irelands)
7 David Blanchfield (Bennettsbridge)

8 Eoin O’Shea (O’Loughlin Gaels)
9 Evan Shefflin (Ballyhale Shamrocks)

13 Stephen Donnelly (Thomastown)
11 Niall Brassil (James Stephens)
12 Aaron Brennan (Graigue Ballycallan)

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21 James Bergin (Clara)
14 Seán Ryan (Graigue Ballycallan)
15 Eoin Cody (Ballyhale Shamrocks)

Subs:
22 Ciarán Brennan (Bennettsbridge) for Bergin (41)
Jack Kelly (Blacks-and-Whites) for Donnelly (54)
23 John Dowd (Erin’s Own) for O’Shea (59)
24 Jim Ryan (The Rower Inistioge) for A Brennan (60+5).

Wexford

1 James Lawlor (Ferns St Aidan’s)

2 Cathal O’Connor (Rathnure)
3 Eoin Molloy (Naomh Eanna)
4 Eoin O’Leary (St Martin’s)

5 Niall Murphy (Ferns St Aidan’s)
6 Mike Kelly (Oylegate Glenbrien
7 Conor Scallan (Ferns St Aidan’s)

8 Charlie McGuckin (Naomh Eanna)
11 Ross Banville (Shelmaliers)

10 Seán Keane-Carroll (Shelmaliers)
14 Connall Clancy (Faythe Harriers)
12 Jack Reck (Oylegate Glenbrien)

13 Seán O’Connor (Rathnure)
15 Diarmuid Doyle (Marshalstown)
9 Eoin Murphy (Ferns St Aidan’s)

Subs:
22 Cian Fitzhenry (Duffry Rovers) for Keane-Carroll (5)
23 Oran Carthy (Rapparees) for Doyle (HT)
21 Chris Turner (Ferns St Aidan’s) for S O’Connor (54)
17 Ben Maddock (St Martin’s) for Banville (58)

Referee: Mick Murtagh (Westmeath)

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Updated at 22.22

REIGNING CHAMPIONS KERRY have named their side to face Cork in their Munster U20 football final at Páirc Uí Rinn tomorrow night [throw-in 7.30pm].

The Kingdom have made just one change to the side that defeated Limerick last week on a scoreline of 0-18 to 1-3 at Austin Stack Park.

Scartaglin forward Eddie Horan starts on the 40, with Cathal Ferriter the player to make way. Last year’s captain Donal Down O’Sullivan, who top-scored with 0-9 last time out, takes his place at full-forward once again with Fiachra Clifford lining out at corner forward.

Kilcummin star Seán O’Leary captains the side from half-back.

Meanwhile, Cork manager Keith Ricken has also made just one change to his starting XV, with Daniel O’ Connell in for the injured Eanna O’Hanlon. The Rebels set up the decider after a 31-point victory over Waterford last Friday.

On that occasion, their full-forward line of Mark Cronin, Cathal O’Mahony and Damien Gore were excellent, combining for 3-10 against the Déise.

Waterford’s Alan Kissane will referee tomorrow night’s encounter.

Source: Kerry GAA/Twitter.

Kerry

1. Brian Lonergan (Ballymacelligott)

2. Dan McCarthy (Kenmare Shamrocks)
3. Dylan Casey (Austin Stacks)
4. Michael Potts (Dr Crokes)

5. Cian Gammell (Killarney Legion)
6. Patrick Warren (Gneeveguilla)
7. Sean O’Leary (Kilcummin — captain)

8. Joseph O’Connor (Austin Stacks)
9. Barry Mahony (St Senan’s)

10. Sean Horan (Scartaglin)
11. Eddie Horan (Scartaglin)
12. Adam Donoghue (Castleisland Desmonds)

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13. Fiachra Clifford (Laune Rangers)
14. Donal O’Sullivan (Kilgarvan)
15. Killian Falvey (Annascaul)

Cork

1. Josh O’ Keeffe (Newmarket)

2. Michael O’ Mahony (Knocknagree)
3. Maurice Shanley (Clonakilty)
4. Paul Ring (Aghabullogue)

5. Gearoid O’ Donovan (Newcestown)
6. Shane Hickey (Millstreet)
7. Peter O’ Driscoll (Ilen Rovers — captain)

8. Brian Hartnett (Douglas)
9. Daniel O’ Connell (Kanturk)

10. Colm Barrett (St Finbarrs)
11. Blake Murphy (St Vincents)
12. Mark Hodnett (Carbery Rangers)

13. Mark Cronin (Nemo Rangers)
14. Cathal O’ Mahony (Mitchelstown)
15. Damien Gore (Kilmacabea)

Subs:

16. Ian Giltinan (Carrigaline)
17. Jack McCarthy (Carrigaline)
18. Fionn Herlihy (Dohenys)
19. Sean Meehan (Kiskeam)
20. Rory MaGuire (Castlehaven)
21. Jack Murphy (Eire Óg)
22. Brian Hayes (St Finbarrs)
23. David Buckley (Newcestown)
24. Colm O’ Callaghan (Eire Óg)

Additional reporting by Paul Fennessy

Originally published at 20.59

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DUBLIN AND LAOIS have named their teams for tomorrow’s Leinster U20 football decider in Tullamore. 

The O’Moore County, managed by Billy O’Loughlin, dumped out reigning All-Ireland champions Kildare earlier in the competition with a 0-17 to 1-11 victory.

They saw off Westmeath and Meath to reach their first final at the grade in a decade.

Laois, who are bidding to win their first title since 2007, bring senior squad members Sean O’Flynn and Mark Barry into the starting team in place of Jack Lacey and Niall Dunne.

Tom Gray’s Dublin are unchanged from their comfortable 4-21 to 0-7 last four defeat of Wexford.

Their team includes senior panelist Peadar O’Cofaigh Byrne at midfield and talented attackers James Doran and Ross McGarry up front. 

The game throws-in on Friday night at 7.30pm and will be televised live by TG4. 

Dublin

1. David O’Hanlon (Na Fianna)

2. Darren Maher (St Patrick’s Donabate)
3. Daire Newcombe (Lucan Sarsfields)
4. Eoin O’Dea (Na Fianna)

5. Kieran Kennedy (Ballyboden St Enda’s)
6. Neil Matthews (Erin’s Isle)
7. Sean Lambe (St Vincent’s)

8. Peadar O’Cofaigh Byrne (Cuala)
9. Donal Ryan (Na Fianna)

10. Niall O’Leary (Kilmacud Crokes)
11. Karl Lynch Bissett (Naomh Mearnóg)
12. James Doran (Na Fianna)

13. Brian O’Leary (Na Fianna)
14. Ciaran Archer (St Maurs)
15. Ross McGarry (Ballyboden St Enda’s)

Laois

1. Matthew Byron (Courtwood)

2. Michael Dowling (Portlaoise)
3. Seamus Lacey (Ballylinan)
4. Alex Mohan (Portarlington)

5. Colin Slevin (Portarlington)
6. Sean O’Flynn (Courtwood)
7. Dean Brophy (St Joseph’s)

8. Robert Tyrrell (Camross)
9. Eoin Dunne (Rosenallis)

10. Mark Barry (O’Dempsey’s)
11. Michael Doran (Killeshin)
12. Ronan Coffey (Portarlington)

13. Alan Kinsella (Courtwood)
14. Dan McCormack (O’Dempseys)
15. Diarmuid Whelan (Ballyroan Abbey)

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Tyrone boss Mickey Harte.

Source: Tommy Dickson/INPHO

DESPITE SHARING 52 senior provincial titles between them, Cork and Tyrone have met infrequently in championship football over the years. 

This weekend’s encounter will be just their fourth clash in the All-Ireland SFC, following previous meetings in 2018, 2009 and 1973.

The counties have also faced-off in two All-Ireland minor deciders – in 2010 and 1972. 

The 2010 final, when overwhelming favourites Tyrone survived a late Cork blitz to prevail by a point, featured a number of players who will be involved Saturday evening at Croke Park.

Hugh Pat McGeary, Niall Sludden and Richie Donnelly were part of the winning side, while Cork’s team that day included John O’Rourke, Brian Hurley and Luke Connolly.

Niall Sludden and Padraig McNulty celebrate at the final whistle of the 2010 All-Ireland minor final.

Source: Morgan Treacy/INPHO

Red Hand boss Mickey Harte first crossed paths with the Rebels back in 1972, when he lined out at full-forward in the minor final. 

It was a 17-year-old Harte’s first taste of action in Croke Park, a venue he’d go on to enjoy considerable success at over the years.

Following their Ulster final defeat of Cavan, Harte grabbed 1-3 in the nine-point All-Ireland semi-final win over Meath to seal Tyrone’s first final at the grade since 1948.

He wore number 14 against Cork, who had a prodigious talent at the opposite end of the field in Jimmy Barry-Murphy.

Long before he simply went by the moniker JBM, the St Finbarr’s club man was a dual prospect who helped Cork reach both the All-Ireland hurling and football finals the previous September.

Barry-Murphy bagged just a point in Cork’s 2-8 to 0-11 semi-final win against Galway, but he was far more clinical in the final as the underdogs enjoyed a deserved 3-11 to 2-11 victory.

Newspaper reports following the game described Cork’s three-point winning margin as flattering on Tyrone. 

Harte managed to grab an early goal to fire Tyrone into a 1-5 to 0-5 lead after 25 minutes.

Tyrone legend Frank McGuigan in 1984.

Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO

It was brilliantly set-up by the star of the show Frank McGuigan. Wearing a pair of white boots – extremely unusual at the time – Tyrone’s skipper McGuigan dominated the proceedings from centre-field. 

Such was the extent of his control on the game, the following Monday’s Irish Independent match report wondered how the Ulster champions would have fared had McGuigan been more selfish in front of goal.

“McGuigan won virtually every ball he contested in the air, his leaping and catching being of the classic mould, and, his distribution was of pin-point accuracy,” Mitchel Cogley wrote.

“He was the instigator of nearly every Tyrone score, and his own three points were so perfectly taken that one wondered if it might have paid his team better had he been less unselfish and shot more often, rather than place colleagues who proved, in the main, so much less accurate.”

The Irish Examiner’s reporter Michael Ellard said the “fair-haired” McGuigan “gave Tyrone a complete monopoly of the midfield proceedings and linked up magnificently with his eager heavier forwards”.

Barry-Murphy put the Tyrone defence to the sword with a tally of 2-1. He struck for his opening green flag 30 seconds before half-time, which left the sides deadlocked at 1-6 apiece at the interval. 

During the second period, Barry-Murphy rounded two defenders and set-up Liam Good for a simple finish, before dispatching a spot-kick into the corner in the 57th minute.

“It was the kiss of death for Tyrone,” Ellard stated.

Former Cork player and manager Jimmy Barry-Murphy.

Source: Morgan Treacy/INPHO

Harte finished with 1-1 and McGuigan set-up a late consolation goal for Mick Quinn, but it wasn’t enough to deny the Munster side. 

“They filled the cup of victory to overflowing proportions in restoring Cork’s tarnished footballing pride and sending Tyrone back north in a disenchanted mood,” Ellard said.  

The majority of that Tyrone side were underage again the following year and they would go on to claim the Tom Markham Cup with a convincing win over Kildare. But Harte agonisingly missed out on the win in 1973 as he was overage.

After receiving a call-up to the seniors that year he opted out of the panel to focus on his studies and his role as captain of the Omagh VS team in the McRory Cup.

His school were defeated in the final of the prestigious second-level competition and he watched from the stands as the Red Hand claimed their first Ulster SFC victory since 1957 that summer. 

The defeat to Cork in 1972 would have a lasting impact on Harte. It created a burning desire inside him to win the All-Ireland minor crown. He had to wait 26 years for eventually lifting the cup as manager of Tyrone minors in 1998.

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Tyrone minors celebrate their All-Ireland win in 1998.

Source: INPHO

Incidentally, Frank McGuigan’s son Brian was a key player for the Red Hand against Laois that day, which arrived a year after they’d lost the final to the same opposition.

“It really stuck with him,” Brian McGuigan recalled last year.

“He always threw it up to us, saying he lost that final in ’72 and this (the 1998 final) was his chance to redeem himself.”

“The only ambition I had at the time was to win the Tom Markham Cup,” Harte said in 2005.

“I never thought beyond that. I’d played in 1972 when we lost to Cork 3-11 to 2-11. I’d have regretted it for the rest of my life. I determined that one day the Tom Markham Cup would sit in my house.

“It took to 1998 to get it and I was very fortunate that the county board stuck with me during those years when there weren’t any titles coming back.”

He’ll come full circle against the Rebels at HQ this weekend. But these days, Harte’s obsession is ending the 11-year wait without the Sam Maguire. 

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IT’S BEEN FAR from the easiest of years for Monaghan ladies.

After 27 years in the top flight, the Farney were relegated to Division 2 of the Lidl Ladies National Football League in March. Then, a rare 14-point Ulster semi-final defeat to Armagh ensued, meaning they missed out on reaching an 18th provincial final this century.

Monaghan captain Cora Courtney facing Kerry in 2016.

Source: Lorraine O’Sullivan/INPHO

A period of transition is definitely underway, however disappointing it may be. Yes, Dublin and Cork have taken ladies football to a new level in recent times but through the years, Monaghan have always been a big hitter.

Year on year over the past 30 years or so, they’ve probably been the most consistent side in battle and seem to always be in the latter stages of the race for All-Ireland glory.

Understandably, this is frustrating and that’s evident from talking to captain Cora Courtney.

A really mixed year, she agrees, but she’s hopeful that Monaghan can up their game for championship and right the wrongs going forward.

“This is the time of the year that people look forward to the most and championship is what people say it’s all about,” she tells The42.

“Getting to Croke Park in September obviously is a long way off and for us, we’ll not be thinking about that. We’re just thinking about one game at a time, hopefully getting through the group stages and possibly looking forward to an All-Ireland quarter-final.”

In a group with back-to-back All-Ireland champions Dublin and Waterford for the round-robin stages, the Déise are up first this weekend as they open their All-Ireland championship campaign on home soil.

Game by game, as she says. That daunting trip to Parnell Park will be dealt with after Saturday’s first hurdle. But that first hurdle is a very important one, especially considering their opponents starting out on a losing note against the Sky Blues.

The Monaghan team last April.

Source: Eóin Noonan/SPORTSFILE.

“Obviously Dublin are going to be favourites for that group so it will probably be between ourselves and Waterford for the second place,” she admits.

Maybe people mightn’t be giving Monaghan a good chance but back home, we’re confident enough. Nobody’s giving us a chance but we’ll be confident enough in our own ability.

Niall Treanor’s side have made no secret of the fact that they are rebuilding. A lot of players decided not to commit for 2019 so there have been difficulties on that front. 

That happens, and one must take the highs with the lows. 29-year-old Courtney is well aware of that, and has been through her many years of service in the white and blue.

“A lot of people know that we’ve been struggling with numbers this year and quality-wise,” the Donaghmoyne star frowns. “A lot of the girls have left.

“Unfortunately, the minors, we haven’t had them this year at all because of the Leaving Cert and they’re in an All-Ireland semi-final the day after we play Waterford so we can’t have them. Really nothing has gone our way this year.

We kind of have a few players with a bit of experience but then we have other club girls in who haven’t played county before. You could say we are on the weak side, but at the same time, you have to work with what you have.

“I suppose throughout the league we have been going well enough. Even though we did get relegated we’d be happy enough with the performances we put in. We could have beat Tipperary, Galway, Mayo… there’s maybe a couple of points that we could have got if we played the games a bit better on the day.”

On the ball for her club, Donaghmoyne.

Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO

The important thing, she acknowledges, is that the talent is coming through in the county.

As aforementioned, the minors are in the All-Ireland A semi-final against Meath on Sunday, the U16s were just pipped by Cavan in their Ulster A final while the U14s reached the All-Ireland gold final last month.

The work is well and truly being put in at underage level, and that will pay dividends in years to come. Just not now, with all the clashes.

“Our minor side is a really strong team, they are maybe favourites for that the All-Ireland semi-final,” she smiles. “If we had maybe three or four of those players, it would be a big, massive help. They are really good players.

We have to work with what we have though and unfortunately we are struggling numbers-wise, quality-wise. We’ll just keep going and try our best. 

“Maybe we knew the past couple of years that it was coming, girls saying, ‘Ah yeah, maybe I’ll hang on for one more year, one more year’.

“But this year maybe about 10 of them went of once, eight or nine of them are starters and if you take that out of any team, it is a lot to deal with.”

Understandably it’s tough on the players that are trucking away, but Courtney thinks of the new management team of the helm too. Treanor took the reins in January, and is joined by Ciaran Murphy and Adan Treanor.

Source: Monaghan LGFA/Twitter.

“Unfortunately for the management too, it was hard on them coming in,” she adds.

“It’s Niall’s first year, Ciaran would be new to ladies football this year and Adam would have been with [2018 All-Ireland intermediate club finalists] Emmett Óg. He knew a bit about ladies football.

“It was them trying to get to know us, to get to know the players and get them in. They were probably contacting people who have been here before for a long time and asking questions, ‘Are they coming, are they not coming?’

For a long time we didn’t know what kind of team we were going to have. It took a good few months before we got up and running properly. That was probably a big thing in the league as well, which maybe relegated us too.

“This past while, we knew what we were dealing with so we were able to continue on with what we had.”

Of the four Courtney sisters, who are synonymous with ladies football in Monaghan, just Cora and Rosemary — the youngest — are on the panel this year.

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She understands the others’ decisions to step back and pursue other things in life, but Courtney, who works in a creche, is firmly committed to the cause and doesn’t see herself going down another avenue anytime soon. 

“At the minute, no. I’m a home bird,” she laughs. “I wouldn’t be one for holidays or anything like that.

“I’ll be about for another maybe… I don’t know how long I’ll be about for, but another few years anyway.”

The senior counties represented at the 2019 TG4 All-Ireland championship launch.

Source: Eóin Noonan/SPORTSFILE

With the club scene back in full flow and kingpins Donaghmoyne targeting another successful championship kicking off the end of August, Courtney is more than happy to be in the thick of it all and for everything to be all go again. 

She’s reluctant to talk too much about club, she’d rather focus on Monaghan and the job at hand in that regard. The league and the Ulster championship are in the past, it’s all about the All-Ireland series, and overwriting the pain of the past few months.

“The Ulster semi-final, we were very disappointed against Armagh,” Courtney sighs.

“We were going in there so confident, we prepared so well and we were going, ‘We can actually do this’. After 10,15 minutes, the game was over basically. We did battle hard back.

“Now with Waterford, we got to see them on Facebook live in the Munster final and on TV against Dublin,” she concludes on an optimistic note.

“We’ve got to see them twice, they mightn’t have got to see us so maybe that’s a bit of an advantage in our hands. The fact that they have to travel to Monaghan too a week after playing Dublin will maybe help us as well.”

Maybe, just maybe.

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