Magnificent Mayo seal a second-half thriller
 BY David
Thorpe
Mayo 1-13
Cork 1-11
A superb second-half performance from Mayo ensured the county claimed
the All-Ireland U-21 title against Cork after a thrilling game at Cusack
Park in Ennis on Sunday.
The Rebels had the benefit of a hearty first half breeze and were soon
four points to the good without hitting top gear.
Mayo battled hard to restrict Cork’s wind-assisted opportunities
in the first half, the Munster men leading by 0-7 to 0-3 at the interval.
They were rewarded for their endeavours at the start of the second period
when towering midfielder Sheamus O’Shea was fouled in small square.
The subsequent penalty was brilliantly saved by Cork netminder Ken O’Halloran,
but the rebound was smashed to the net by Aidan Kilcoyne.
That would prove the turning point of the match. Kilcoyne had a personal
tally of 1-6 on the day as the Knockmore clubman looked the best forward
on view.
The game simmered nicely to the boil when Dan Goulding levelled matters
for Cork with an excellently taken solo goal on 47 minutes.
The pacy Cork forwards had the beating of their men throughout but the
supply of ball was inadequate and therein lay the reasons for the Rebel’s
defeat.
Cork enjoyed more of the possession throughout but failed to convert their
ball into scores while Mayo — a bigger, tougher team than Cork —used
what ball they won extremely efficiently.
Mayo threatened to pull away several times in the second-half but the
excellent Goulding kept the Rebels in touch with points at crucial times.
The game became more error-strewn as the tension mounted near the end
and Cork who rely more on the short-ball game had several attacks broken
down at crucial moments while Mayo’s long-ball strategy ensured
they got the scores they needed.
With the time almost up and Mayo seemingly cruising to a three-point victory
and the All-Ireland title Goulding broke clear for Cork. Bearing down
on goal the Macroom youngster did everything right floating a shot over
Keith O’Malley in the Mayo goal only to see the ball clip the far
post and drift wide.
Mayo deserved their victory though in hindsight Cork played nowhere near
the high standard they displayed in defeating Laois in the semi-final.
Mayo won’t be complaining though as they take the trophy back across
the Shannon. |
