Munster Football semi-final report 2020 Cork vs Kerry
By Steven Kelly,
20-year-old Collingwood AFL player Mark Keane, returned from down under to end Kerry’s championship aspirations for another year, in a dramatic Munster senior football semi-final on Leeside yesterday. The 20-year-old got on the end of a wayward kick by fellow substitute Luke Connolly, in the final minute of extra-time after the rebels had trailed by a point, before sending the ball past Kerry goalkeeper Shane Ryan resulting in the Kingdom crashing out of the Munster and All-Ireland race, at the first hurdle.
With over 90 minutes of football being played, Keane’s divine intervention proved a mere highlight in a dogfight of a game, that saw both sets of forwards struggle to impose their authority on proceedings. The kingdom had lead narrowly throughout the game, with torrential rain making conditions difficult leading to a damp spectacle. Cork only forced extra-time late in the game, as the man of the match Sean Powter ventured forward only to be fouled, with corner forward Mark Collins tapping over the resulting free. Kerry’s inability to put Cork to the sword ultimately proved costly.
It was Cork’s first win over Kerry since 2012 and the first time they had knocked Kerry out of the championship since 1999. The opening exchanges were cagey, with the kingdom’s ace forward David Clifford and Cork’s corner forward Mark Collins cracking over from play, in what at times was a damp affair. Just before the water break, Kerry’s half-forward Brian O’Beaglaoich stole in behind the Cork cover with his effort expertly saved by Cork keeper Michael Martin. Cork’s full-forward Brian Hurley also had a goal chance snuffed out by the Kerry defence who were aided by forwards Ronan Buckley and Dara Moynihan being deployed defensively and flooding the middle third of the pitch. Kerry’s defensive shape along with the huge work rate of Cork mid-fielder Ian Maguire and number 12 Rory Dean, meant that the game would be played largely in the midfield sector. The teams were level at 0-2 points apiece at the water break. On the resumption, Clifford immediately converted from 20 metres out before Cork’s impressive cornerback Powter ventured forward, before landing a monster score to bring the sides level again.
Kerry had a brief purple patch, with both a Clifford and Moynihan score leaving them with some breathing space. The ill-discipline on the part of both teams was evident, with referee Derek O’Mahoney letting many poor challenges go throughout. Cork’s cornerback Kevin Flahive was particularly fortunate on more than one occasion. With conditions getting worse scores from play dried up and Cork would dominate the end of the half, with a 65 and free being followed by a fantastic score from Cork’s number 5 Kevin O’ Donovan, with the Nemo Rangers man leaving the score 0-6 to 0-5 heading into the changing rooms.
Kerry hit the ground running in the opening minutes of the 2nd period, with corner forward Tony Brosnan opening their account from a tricky angle. Kerry had a goal chance moments later when Clifford hit a rocket from 25 yards out, which crashed the frame of the goal. The game was stop-start for the next few minutes with Clifford and Brosnan, in particular, being guilty of some poor shooting. Rebels Midfielder O’Hanlon put Cork back in front before both sides made numerous substitutions with Stephen O’Brien coming in for Kerry, along with Cork’s Mark Keane and Luke Connolly who would have a massive say later on. Kerry’s struggles were evident when Clifford uncharacteristically missed a couple of frees. Corks defence was proving Kerry’s Achilles heel. Kerry sprung Killian Spillane in search of scores, with the Templenoe man instantly giving Kerry more of an attacking threat.
After the 2nd water break, the discipline on both sides wilted in the rain, with Kerry’s Ronan Buckley being yellow carded along with Cork’s Kevin O’Donovan. Spillane added a fine score from play, along with a Sean O’Shea free which gave Kerry back the lead 0-9 to 0-8. David Moran was later black carded, but the Kingdom would go two up before substitute Luke Connolly landed a huge effort, with the outside of his boot. Collins would force extra- time however when Powter was fouled needlessly in the 72nd minute.
Extra-time provided a similar theme, with Spillane scoring a brace of points for Kerry with Cork’s Connolly replied almost immediately. The scene was set for substitute Keane to make his mark. In the final minute of extra-time, he delivered the killer blow fetching a speculative Connolly effort before finishing in style. The final whistle sounded with wild scenes. Cork have a Munster Final date with Tipperary in two weeks to look forward to, while Kerry are left wondering with what might have been.
Cork manager Ronan McCarthy was left delighted following this famous victory. He has huge admiration for Kerry but highlighted his side’s character “there a top side, but look I’m delighted with the victory today, I’m delighted for the players, and I’m also delighted with the manner of victory.” Where did it go wrong from a Kerry viewpoint? Manager Peter Keane believes “We had our chances, our decision making was poor, and it will serve as a huge lesson to us.”
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