Cork defeated Limerick in the McGrath Cup Final at Mallow by a score of 0-19 to 2-7. It was a well-deserved victory for Cork, who limited Limerick to just 1-3 from the field in the game.
Limerick had a chance to get back into the game after Cork had a comfortable lead with goals in each half from Iain Corbett and Davy Lyons, but the shooting strength of Brian Hurley and Stephen Sherlock proved too much.
Cork took the lead in the fourth minute thanks to a Sherlock free, which was quickly followed by Brian O’Driscoll’s first from play.
Cork led by five points after scores from Sherlock, Chris Og Jones, and Hurley, but Limerick scored on a Cian Sheehan free.
Cork’s advantage was regained by a superb Hurley mark from 50 yards, but Limerick were soon back in the game. Corbett ultimately placed a threatening ball over the edge of the square after a long buildup.
Jack Ryan had pushed his way into the attack and appeared to be about to paw the ball into the net when he was blocked by O’Driscoll, and referee Brian Fleming gave the penalty, which Corbett converted into the left corner.
The Limerick captain then responded with a stunning sliced attempt from 45 yards, leaving the score at 0-6 to Limerick and 1-2 in Cork’s favour after 24 minutes.
The Rebels answered with a Sherlock point, but Limerick led by one at halftime courtesy of a wonderful team play that ended with Cillian Fahy fisting the ball over the bar. The result at halftime was 0-7 to 1-3 for Cork.
Hurley kicked two consecutive goals to extend the advantage to three shortly after the interval. A Sheehan free then brought that advantage to two with four gone in the second half.
Cork regained their form again in the first quarter of the second half, with Sherlock hitting four free throws in a row to extend their lead to six points. Hurley’s fourth from play quickly brought the total to seven.
Sheehan slowed the tide for Limerick, and Davy Lyons scored from close range after his initial attempt was blocked and Adrian Enright’s effort was blocked.
After 55 minutes, there were two left in the game. However, with Hurley at the helm, Cork finished stronger and earned a well-deserved victory.
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