Cork Advances to Munster U20 Football Championship Final on Score Draw

Cork secured their spot in the Munster U20 Football Championship final with a dramatic 1-11 (1-1-9) to 0-14 (0-2-10) score draw against Tipperary at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Tuesday evening, thanks to a last-gasp free from Bryan Hayes.

Match Recap

The Leesiders, guided by manager Ray O’Mahony, knew that a result would book their place in the provincial decider, and they did just enough to earn that spot despite an unconvincing performance.

Cork had the wind advantage in the first half but struggled to convert that into a dominant performance. They led by a point at the break, thanks in part to a well-worked goal finished off by Dylan O’Neill. However, Tipperary was the better team for much of the game and tied the score at half-time.

O’Mahony brought on injured returner Dara Sheedy for the second half, and he had an immediate impact, scoring two points to help Cork’s cause. Despite Cork leading for much of the second half, they couldn’t shake off the resilient Tipperary side. The match ended 1-11 to 0-14, with Cork progressing on scoring difference.

What’s Next

Cork will now face Kerry in the final, which is scheduled for Monday, April 28, at 7:30 PM at the same venue.

Scoring Breakdown

• Cork: D. O’Neill (1-1), B. Hayes (0-4 – 0-2f, 1 2pt f), A. O’Sullivan, D. Sheedy (0-2 each), C. Gillespie, D. Clifford (0-1 each).
• Tipperary: D. Hogan (0-5 – 0-4f), B. Carey (0-3 – 0-2f), J. Higgins (1 2pt), B. Tierney (1 2pt f) (0-2 each), C. King, P. O’Keeffe (0-1 each).

Squads

Cork: B. Curtin; N. O’Shea, C. Molloy, C. Clifford; T. Kiely, G. Daly, S. O’Leary; D. Clifford, C. Gillespie; D. Harrington, D. Miskella, A. O’Sullivan; B. Hayes, D. Gough, D. O’Neill. Subs: M. Maguire, D. Sheedy, L. Shorten, B. O’Connell.

Tipperary: R. McGrath; E. Bonner, E. O’Connell, B. Tierney; K. Butler, C. King, J. O’Keeffe; J. Higgins, D. O’Connor; T. Charles, B. Carey, D. Cotter; D. Hogan, P. O’Keeffe, JP Mbokha Tansia. Subs: L. Freaney, S. Hall.

Referee: Jonathan Hayes (Limerick).

Did you know?

This is Cork’s first appearance in the Munster U20 Football Championship final since 2017.

Pro Tip

Keep an eye on Dara Sheedy. His return from injury provided a significant boost for Cork and could be a key factor in the final.

“Cork’s Darragh Clifford goes high with Tipperary’s JP Mbokha Tansia.”

All photos in this article are courtesy of EchoLive.ie and used under fair use for reporting purposes.

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