24-05-2025
Cork a class apart as they make short work of Limerick
All-Ireland Camogie Championship: Cork 6-25 Limerick 0-5
To get a clearer understanding of this landslide result, Cork were always likely to romp to victory over Limerick in the opening round of the Glen Dimplex All-Ireland senior camogie championship at Páirc Uí Rinn on Saturday.
The defending champions are currently in a different league compared to a lot of other teams when it comes to performance, as division 1B side Limerick found out.
However, while it was contemplated the All-Ireland titleholders would secure a straightforward triumph, an enormous 38-point margin wasn't expected. This complete annihilation was hard to watch.
You'd have to spare a thought for Joe Quaid and his inexperienced squad who had to prepare for a long journey home afterwards.
Also, when you consider this was a Cork team that took to the field minus injured duo Libby Coppinger and Sorcha McCartan, the Rebels are a force to be reckoned with again as they go in search of three-in-a-row titles. And for the record, both teams wore shorts.
Cork held an unassailable 3-12 to 0-1 lead at the break. All six forwards contributed with the goals arriving in the fourth, sixth and 20th minutes from Amy O'Connor, Katrina Mackey and Orlaith Cahalane. Emma Murphy showed superb vision to set up Cahalane for the third goal. Second-half goals from Clodagh Finn (2) and Cahalane completed the rout.
On an extremely challenging day for Limerick, their captain Caoimhe Costelloe closed out the scoring from a placed ball.
If we didn't already know, Ger Manley's charges will be difficult opponents going forward. Next up for them in Group 1 is an away clash with Tipperary on Saturday while Limerick must regroup when they host Wexford, who were defeated by Clare.
Scorers for Cork: A O'Connor (1-7, 0-5 frees), O Cahalane and C Finn (2-3 each), K Mackey (1-4), S McCarthy (0-3, 0-2 frees), E Murphy and K Wall (0-2 each), C O'Sullivan (0-1).
Scorers for Limerick: C Costelloe (0-3, 0-2 frees, 0-1 45), L Southern (0-2).
CORK: A Lee; M Murphy, P Mackey, M Cahalane (Capt); A Healy, L Treacy, L Hayes; H Looney, A Thompson; E Murphy, O Cahalane, S McCarthy; C Finn, A O'Connor, K Mackey.
Subs: K Wall for K Mackey (24-27 temp), K Wall for L Treacy, R Harty for A Healy (both half-time), C Healy for E Murphy, C O'Sullivan for S McCarthy (both 39).
LIMERICK: S Gillane; O Kelleher, M Creamer, E O'Halloran; C O'Riordan, S O'Callaghan, S Cunningham; A Larkin, M Ryan; L Boylan, S Woulfe, C Neenan; D Egan, L Southern, C Costelloe (Capt).
Subs: T Dore for M Creamer (43), A O'Tiarnaigh for M Ryan, A Foley for S Woulfe, L English for C Neenan (all 50).
Referee: Joseph Mullins (Clare).
