Champions Hammered by Rampant Rebels

24th Aug 2009

Cork 1-13
Tyrone 0-11

All-Ireland football champions Tyrone were left reeling after a comprehensive hiding from the Rebels at Croke Park on Sunday. Blasting the favourites with an early string of points, Tyrone looked dazed as Cork burst through the infamous Ulster defence to unleash a flurry of scores.

Within seven minutes Daniel Goulding bagged a superb goal crushing Tyrone's hopes of bringing the game to Cork. Even before half time it was clear that panic was setting in on the

Daniel Goulding celebrates his goal after just seven minutes

Tyrone bench as the Munster Champions rattled Tyrone's defence to its core. Early substitutions were a sure sign that Mickey Harte and his selectors were on the tactical back foot, down to plan C by the time the half time whistle blew.

Even with a woeful referee (who must be a contender for the most inconsistent match official of all time in any sport) the Red Hands couldn't get anywhere near the Cork goal with Lynch, Carey and Shields snuffing out every attack and launching the next wave of Cork possession in the process.

What fuel powers Graham Canty's legs is still unknown. One second he's gathering a ball inside his own twenty-one, the next he's snatching one inside the opposition's. If you didn't know better you'd think he had a twin at the other end of the field.

At times, and with good reason, Cork's footballer's mental strength has been questioned. There was one incident which typified the change since Conor Counihan took charge.

When Alan O'Connor, who had been making a massive contribution at centre field, was incorrectly sent off, the only move made was to bring Pearse O'Neill from centre forward into midfield for kick-outs. While some teams would lose heart, especially so early in the game, Cork's players and bench just stuck to the plan. No panic.

In years gone by Cork's players and management might not have had the resolving mental strength to stay calm and continue to implement their game plan. This year is different.

Kerry take on Meath next Sunday in the other semi-final and no Cork fan would turn down the opportunity to "do" Kerry in Croke Park so let's hope and pray that the Kingdom don't bottle it and the Rebel County are allowed an opportunity to seek ferocious revenge for 2007.

Scorers for Cork:
Daniel Goulding (1-1)
Donnacha O'Connor (0-4) 3f
Colm O'Neill (0-3)
Alan O'Connor (0-1)
Paul Kerrigan (0-1)
Pearse O'Neill (0-1)
Paddy Kelly (0-1)
Fintan Goold (0-1)