Sport

Cork class takes junior title

ROSCOMMON came to Croke Park fully expecting to build on their performance of last year when they lost by the narrowest margins…

By KATHRYN DAVIS
Mon Sept 23 1996 - 01:00

ROSCOMMON came to Croke Park fully expecting to build on their performance of last year when they lost by the narrowest margins but were blown away by a Cork team intent on victory with Mary Kenefick's hat trick ensuring it was not going to be a glorious day for West of the Shannon.

Cork were always on top and from the third minute when Kenefick got her first goal it was always going to be an uphill task for Roscommon. Indeed their tardiness at clearing their lines allowed Cork the vital first advantage.

But Roscommon kept trying and drew level after eight minutes thanks to points from Geraldine Carr, Maedhbh Healy and Karina Jones. Indeed they kept Cork scoreless for some 13 minutes of the opening half. Cork always looked as if they would open up at any time and their second goal, a neat sideline ball by Colette Cronin helped into the net by Eileen Buckley, was an indication of their class. But Roscommon with Caroline Connaughton leading by example from the back kept the score down to manageable proportions.

Up front Maebh Healy displayed predatory instincts when following up a Hilary Hussey shot to leave Roscommon only three points down by the break, 2-2 to 1-3.

READ MORE

But 41 seconds into the second half the roof came down on the Roscommon challenge with Sinead O'Callaghan finding a way past Ursula Hussey. Five minutes later another goal saw Kenefick strike again after a move started by Buckley and the task looked impossible with the score standing at 4-3 to 1-4.

Suddenly the defence which had looked so solid in the opening 30 minutes began to collapse as Cork found gaps behind the defenders. Kenefick got another goal and not even the ploy of bringing goalkeeper Ursula Hussey up to attack could turn the tide. But Hussey could not be held responsible for any of the goals. Cork on the day just had too much fire power.

Healy did get her second goal but that was cancelled out by a finely executed effort by Hilda Kenneally just on the stroke of full time as Cork took the junior title again to gain a measure for the loss suffered by their seniors.