Munster MFC Final Report: Kerry 2-18 Cork 1-6
Gearóid White of Kerry showcased an outstanding performance, amassing eight points in Monday evening’s Munster football finals at Páirc Uí Rinn, contributing to Kerry’s back-to-back dominance in the championship. The Kingdom bagged their 52nd crown in what was a remarkable minor final display against traditional rivals, Cork. The match saw spectacular second-half goals from team captain Ben Murphy and Ronan Carroll, who equalled White’s score with a total of 1-5.
Forward White, from John Mitchels, undeniably clinched the man of the match title. Excelling with his right-flank incisions and formidable accuracy of both footed shots, White managed a five-point score exclusively from play before half-time, split between his left and right. He continued to impress in the second half, scoring three more from his left, including a pair of frees.
In front of a 2,444-strong audience, Kerry demonstrated dominant play from the get-go, suppressing Cork’s kick-out with fierce press, superior fielding, and an impressive drive for loose ball. They skilfully converted their possession into offensive manoeuvres and succesful attempts, with the half-time shot count standing at 18 for Kerry against Cork’s modest five. Had two goal attempts found the net, the half-time score margin would have extended beyond 0-11 to 0-3 in Kerry’s favour.
The match began with Kerry notching the first four points, with contributions from midfielder Murphy and Michael Horan’s impressive weaving shot. Cork attempted to make headway with swift responses from Danny Miskella and Ben O’Shea, but Kerry fired back with an unbroken run of four.
After half-time, Kerry continued their superiority, executing an impressive run of 1-5 and taking the scoreline to 1-16 to 0-3. Killian Dennehy launched the second half in the same vein as the first, seizing the throw-in, advancing forward, and securing a pointed free. Carroll and Aodhna Ó Beaglaoich rounded off with long-range scores.
Cian Cooney from Cork was prohibited from scoring a goal owing to Kacper Robak’s direct save and the rebound was then cleared by Joey McCarthy. In the chaotic aftermath, Seán Whelton got a black card which provided a numerical advantage to Kerry. Towards the end, Dylan O’Neill faced the consequences by being sin-binned.
The awaited goal made its appearance in the 38th minute. A significant player, Gavin O’Keeffe intercepted a return kick from Cork and Murphy intelligently raced past the defensive line, locating the lower corner of the goal.
The home crowd were given a reason to rejoice when Miskella scored a 1-1 goal, resulting from a penalty rebound following Robak’s initial save.
Carroll had the upper hand, winning and converting a penalty, contributing to a total victory by 15 points.
In the All-Ireland quarter-finals next month, both teams will contest against the finalists from Connacht.
CORK Players: J O’Flaherty; A Keane, N O’Shea, J Mouret; O Harrington, C O’Connor, C McCarthy; H Cogan, J Trench; C Cooney, B O’Shea (0-1), S Whelton (0-1); D Miskella (1-3), D O’Neill (0-1, f), H Canty with B Ryan replacing O’Connor, D O’Donovan for B O’Shea (both half-time), B Delaney for Trench (40 minutes), F O’Dwyer for Canty (44), C Ahern for Harrington (55) joining the game.
KERRY Players: K Robak; F Ryan, M Lynch, R Donovan; S Ó Cuinn (0-1), A Ó Beaglaoich (0-1), G O’Keeffe; B Murphy (1-1), K Dennehy; G White (0-8, 0-2f), J McCarthy, R O’Connell; J Joy (0-1), R Carroll (1-5, 1-0 pen, 0-3f), M Horan (0-1). Substitutes: É Murphy for O’Connell (44 mins), C Mac Gearailt for Horan (45), E O’Flaherty for Ryan (48), O Fleming for Joy (52), K Dennehy for Dennehy (56).
The match was officiated by Referee: D O’Callaghan from Limerick.