What a Week In Sport

16th Jun 2003

STUDENTS STUNNED
Cork City 1
UCD 0

On Friday Cork City claimed all three points at Turners Cross against a UCD side thoroughly ouclassed from the start. The plucky students put up a commendably gutsy show but in truth it was a case of men against boys and the result was never in doubt.

John O'Flynn, still fresh after a gruelling international programme that would have exhausted lesser talents, struck the killer blow even before half time. O'Flynn's U21 heroics have been cruelly undermined by the news that Albania are to be awarded the points for last week's game, despite Ireland coasting to a 2-1 victory inspired by O'Flynn himself. UEFA took action after it emerged that Ireland had fielded an ineligible player. It is another case of the Dublin-based FAI thwarting the efforts of its best players to advance the cause of the national side. It is a measure of O'Flynn's strength of character that he put the fiasco behind him to power home a spectacular winner.

After the goal City sensibly and clinically shut the hapless UCD out of the game, content to dominate in their own half and allow George O'Callaghan to run their opponents ragged up front with his pace and skill. His link-up play with Kevin Doyle was superb, while the winger himself fired a perfectly- executed first-half shot on goal that UCD goalkeeper Pat Jennings Jr was extremely fortunate to get a hand to. Jennings was visibly relieved as it was clear he hadn't known much about it. At the other end, Mick Devine proved once again that he is the best keeper in the eircom league by some distance, with two excellent saves from the couple of shots the students managed.

City ruthlessly exploited UCD's negativity and one had to feel some measure of sympathy for the visitors and the five fans who made the trip, as they made the long journey back to Dublin with their tails between their legs. City gave the students a lesson in football and their relentless surge towards the league summit continues apace.


REBEL LEADS THE WAY
Republic Of Ireland (heavily assisted by the People's Republic Of Cork) 2
Georgia 0

In case you missed it Corkman Colin Healy's single handed efforts on Wednesday night against Georgia put the Republic Of Ireland soccer team smack bang in contention for a spot at the European Championships in Portugal next summer. The man from Ballincollig made limited and basic players such as Kevin Kilbane and Matt Holland look distinctly impressive by challenging for every ball that came his way (managing to win most of them too) and placing it at their feet.

His hard work, enthusiasm and determination are an eye opener for many of the other weaker players in the squad and his performance will no doubt have ended the international career of Mr. Invisible, Mark Kinsella whom he replaced. Healy's energy alone made Kinsella's performance against Albania the previous Saturday look like something from a Sunday morning street league in the car park of Dunnes in Blackpool.

Dublin's FAI officials now look more stupid than ever for allowing Mick McCarthy to leave Colin, not just out of the starting eleven in Japan but out of the entire World Cup Squad! Now with Gombeen-Man replaced by soccer's answer to Auld Mr.Brennan there is a good chance that Healy will be allowed to stamp his authority on the Irish Team like the last Corkman whose services put the team into two World Cups. An incorrect announcement was made at the match saying Wahhherford's John O'Shea had been awarded Man of The Match however we can reassure you after watching video replays that the correct decision was actually Colin Healy. Another cock up for RTE and the FAI to deal with.

It would be ludicrous to suggest that anyone but Colin Healy would be worthy enough to captain Ireland in their next game at home to Russia.
Doubtcha kid.

Final Score:
Ireland 2 - Georgia 0
Coin Healy (2) - Gary Doherty and Robbie Keane finished off his efforts.

IRWIN MIXES IT UP ON CAMERA
Irwin 1
Giles & Dunphy 0

Meanwhile off the field another fine tactical replacement was made exchanging the ageing Johnny Giles for Cork's Dennis Irwin to slot in alongside Eamon. Giles had been shipped out to the commentary perch alongside George Hamiliton.

Fresh after a hugely successful season with Wolves Irwin hit the studio for some match analysis with presenter and Glasheen's finest Bill O'Herlihy. Clearly a man who does not attend all night raves before he goes on telly Irwin mirrored Healy's gutsy efforts on the field taking Dunphy and Giles to task for some of their comments. Dunphy who is normally assured of agreement on every point he makes from Yes man Giles was somewhat rattled by Irwin's contradictory tone. Being outnumbered 2 to 1 by Corkonians seemed to drain his usually authoritative rants of credibility. Irwin scored a winner when Giles later backed down on his own comments - clearly taken aback by Irwin's refusal to agree. A rebel to be proud of.

BANNER BOMBED
Munster Hurling Semi - Final
Cork 1-18 (21)
Clare 0-10 (God love us)

In case you missed all the Cork sporting action last weekend you might be delighted to hear (or probably just gladly reminded) that Cork Senior hurlers stamped over a helpless team of lazymen from County Clare on Sunday in Thurles. The misfortunate banner men can be excused for seeming far more pathetic than usual in the face of such brilliant opposition. From the brick wall defence right up to the sensationally skilful full forward line the team only confirmed the divine hurling order . We really have to pat ourselves on the back once more and remind ourselves what a really fantastic county we really are. God, we really great.


GENEROUS GESTURE BY FOOTBALLERS
All Ireland Football Qualifiers
Cork 1-10
Roscommon 0-14
On Saturday the footballers knowing that a great performace was to be delivered from the hurlers the following day did not have to excel themselves. A brief run around with some men from Roscommon proved to be an enjoyable bit of sport and in true honest and sincere Cork style the footballers decided the lads from Roscommon deserved to go through. You may be interested to learn that there are less people in that particular county than the capacity of Pairc Ui Rinn so to make the game fair Cork decided to play with 13 men against 15 to allow Roscommon to develop their game.

As if bearing the stigma of being from Roscommon wasn't burdensome enough already the people are also victims of economic isolation, neglected by the Dublin goverment. The All-Ireland starved county is in a virtual state of despair. Cork cannot stand idly by and watch a county drive itself towards mass suicide therefore a decision was taken on Saturday to allow Roscommon win the watch by a token point. It would be wrong to insist on Cork achieving another double so soon after 1990 (widely known by leaidng economists to have kick started the Celtic Tiger) - it is important to share one's prosperity among the have-nots. We must admit to ourselves that we really are a great county.