NFL DIVISION TWO: Cork 0-10 Fermanagh 0-7:A CROWD estimated between 1,500 and 2,000 braved wind and piercing rain to march on Páirc Uí Chaoimh yesterday in support of the striking 2008 Cork hurlers.
The majority filed through the turnstiles into the uncovered stand on a twin-mission of encouraging the footballers in their attempts to continue their unbeaten run in the league and to vent their anger at the county board over the controversial appointment of Gerald McCarthy as hurling manager.
Fermanagh’s use of the short pass suited them ideally from the start and Cork were fortunate to be 0-5 to 0-4 in front at the interval. And it could have been worse because full back Noel O’Donovan, who drove forward to land a fine point after 16 minutes, came to the home side’s rescue with a brilliant goal-line clearance, six minutes later.
Corner-back Shane Goan ventured way down field to set-up full-forward Séamus Ryder, whose fisted effort looked destined for the net until O’Donovan scooped the ball off the line for a 45.
Cork struggled to make any impression in attack, though, typically, captain Graham Canty, was majestic at centre back. The sides were level at 0-4 apiece before Conor McCarthy edged Cork ahead with a well-judged point a couple of minutes from the break.
Fermanagh’s challenge weakened considerably on the restart, however, and Cork tacked on three points without reply from a Daniel Goulding free, substitute Paul Kerrigan and Donncha O’Connor to lead 0-8 to 0-4 by the 50th minute.
The introduction of Daryl Keenan had the desired effect on the visitors’ attack as he kicked a couple of impressive points to keep his side in touch, though Fermanagh had a near miraculous escape at the other end, 12 minutes from the end. Kerrigan played in fellow substitute Paul O’Flynn and he had the easy task of finishing into an empty net. However, corner back Hugh Brady appeared from nowhere to fling himself at the ball and divert it onto a post. Another substitute, John Hayes, wrapped up the points with the final score four minutes from time.
CORK:A Quirke; M Shields, N O'Donovan (0-1), A Lynch; N O'Leary, G Canty (capt), P Kissane; A O'Connor, P O'Neill; C McCarthy (0-1), F Goold, N Murphy; D Goulding (0-1, free), M Cussen, D O'Connor (0-5, one free, one 45). Subs:P O'Flynn for O'Connor yellow card 19 mins, P Kerrigan (0-1) for Goold (half-time), J Hayes (0-1) for Murphy (44 mins), K O'Sullivan for Goulding (52 mins), G Spillane for Kissane (57 mins).
FERMANAGH:R Gallagher; S Goan, M Jones, H Brady; T McElroy (0-1), S McDermott, P Johnston; M McGrath, J Sherry (0-1); C McElroy, R Keenan, S O'Brien (0-3, two frees); E Maguire, S Ryder, M Little. Subs:D Kille for Ryder (half-time), R Foy for Johnston (46 mins), D Keenan (0-2) for R Keenan (49 mins), R Carson for C McElroy (54 mins), D Kelly for T McElroy (55 mins), N Bogue for Jones, yellow card (69 mins).
Referee:M Condon (Waterford).
