EchoLive.ie, 26 May
Results went Pat Ryan's side in the last round of Munster group games,
which means they're now in action again on June 15
Cork hurling: Key dates for fans now Rebels are into All-Ireland series
Cork's Mark Coleman with fans after the Tipp game. Picture:
INPHO/Laszlo Geczo
Eamonn Murphy
IT'S Limerick versus Clare in the Munster final for the third year in a
row, but more importantly, Cork are through to the All-Ireland series.
The Rebels were sweating midway through the final group games when
Waterford came to within two points of Limerick after Shane Bennett's
second goal, as a draw for the Déise would have knocked Cork out on the
head-to-head rule. However, Limerick gritted their teeth and dominated
the last quarter, finishing 10 points in front at the end, 0-30 to
2-14. Cathal O'Neill and Barry Nash were brilliant throughout while
Gearóid Hegarty and Kyle Hayes stepped up when the need was greatest.
Clare defeated Tipperary 1-24 to 0-24 in Thurles which left the Premier
bottom of the table and Waterford were eliminated as well, despite
beating Cork and drawing with Tipp in the first two games.
Clare’s Diarmuid Ryan scores the crucial goal of the game in Tipp.
Picture: INPHO/Ryan Byrne Clare’s Diarmuid Ryan scores the crucial goal
of the game in Tipp. Picture: INPHO/Ryan Byrne
Cork now travel to the winners of the Joe McDonagh Cup final, Offaly or
Laois, in the preliminary quarter-final on June 15, with the
quarter-final proper against the Leinster runners-up, Kilkenny or
Dublin, at Semple Stadium on June 22.
It gives Pat Ryan and his selectors time to refocus the squad after the
thrilling victories over Limerick and Tipp that saved their season in
recent weeks, and for Ciarán Joyce, Damien Cahalane and Brian Roche to
recover from their injuries.
In the Leinster championship, Nemo referee Colm Lyons showed Galway's
David Burke a first-half red card which tilted momentum to Dublin, who
were 0-9 to 1-2 down at the time.
Referee Colm Lyons shows a red card to David Burke of Galway. Picture:
Daire Brennan/Sportsfile Referee Colm Lyons shows a red card to David
Burke of Galway. Picture: Daire Brennan/Sportsfile
They got six of the next eight points and with the wind at their backs
in Salthill in the second half powered to a 2-27 to 1-24 success with
Chris Crummey and Donal Burke outstanding. It brought the third year of
Henry Shefflin's tenure to a disappointing conclusion, while the Dubs,
under the guidance of former Tribe boss Mícheál O'Donoughue, now face
Kilkenny in the Leinster final.
Wexford, beaten by the minimum in Nowlan Park, 2-22 to 1-24, finished
third ahead of Galway due to their superior scoring difference.
After the highs of Thurles last Sunday, Cork had endured a
disappointing weekend underage.
The U20s were pipped in extra time in a Munster final by a point after
shooting 10 more wides than Tipp and having a goal wrongly disallowed.
Ben O'Connor's charges missed out on a rematch of last year's
All-Ireland final with an up-and-coming Offaly.
At minor level, John Meyler's side failed to fire at all in Semple
Stadium in a 2-16 to 1-10 loss to Wexford, which cost them a place in
the All-Ireland quarter-final. A late goal from Joe Twohig was scant
consolation for the U17s, for whom Mark O'Brien top-scored.
Thankfully, the senior hurlers march on, hoping to get back to Croke
Park for the All-Ireland semi-finals in early July for the first time
since 2021.
PRELIMINARY QUARTER-FINALS:
McDonagh Cup winner at home to Cork; McDonagh Cup runner-up at home to
Wexford, on Saturday, June 15.
ALL-IRELAND QUARTER-FINALS:
Loser of Dublin/Kilkenny v Cork/Offaly/Laois; Loser Clare/Limerick v
Wexford/Offaly/Laois, on Saturday, June 22, both in Thurles.
ALL-IRELAND SEMI-FINALS:
Leinster champions in action on Saturday, July 6; Munster champions in
action on Sunday, July 7, both in Croke Park.
ALL-IRELAND FINAL:
July 21, Croke Park.
Read More
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