All-Ireland heartache for Cork at Croke Park, as the Rebels’ three-in-a-row dream was crushed by Galway.
Cork’s Saoirse McCarthy is dejected after the loss. Picture: INPHO/Tom O’Hanlon
Their great rivals were superb in a first half where Cork missed a penalty and trailed by five points, while a red card for Hannah Looney left them with a mountain to climb.
However, they showed huge character and drive to pull themselves level with an Orlaith Cahalane goal heading into injury time, only for Carrie Dolan to decide the destination of the O’Duffy Cup with a nerveless late free.
Cork manager Ger Manley was understandably disappointed to have lost out by a point after his side played the second half with 14 players, but was proud of their spirit and determination.
“Very disappointed to lose out and I suppose a few things went against us. I think we struggled a bit in the first half but they gave it their all in the second half and it was a heroic effort, with 14 for the entire second half.”
Galway manager Cathal Murray with Cork’s Ger Manley after the final whistle. Picture: INPHO/Ben Brady
Manley was frustrated with the referee Justin Heffernan and he didn’t hold back.
“Galway were on top. They brought huge physicality to the game but we settled.
There were a few dubious decisions that went against us. I don’t want it to sound like sour grapes but I expect better from officials at this level.
“There were a few occasions when players were pulled down, Amy Lee was clearly fouled and pushed to the ground and no free and the Galway player stepped in and slotted ball over the bar.”
He also felt the red card was harsh.
“In fairness Hannah is not a dirty player and it was hard decision. I felt he made it fast and maybe should have taken a bit of time, he flashed the card fairly fast.”
Manley was of course delighted at how the Rebels battled to the finish.
“In fairness, we changed things up a bit and the girls worked so hard all over the pitch. We got back to level on 60 minutes but again I felt it was a very harsh free against us to win the game.
“One of our mentors was actually over very near it and said it wasn’t a free so it’s a hard one to take given the huge effort the girls put in.”
Despite going a point down in added time, Clodagh Finn looked to have been fouled with the clock winding down but didn’t get a free.
“Clodagh went to pick the ball and it looked to be a clear free. The crowd reaction was instant but the ref simply waved at her to get up, so yes, that was disappointing.”
Asked about the future, he explained All-Ireland final was not the day to be talking about that.”
My term is up but today is not the day to talk about it. I’m here four years, two years with Mathew Twomey and I’m two years as manager.
“We’ll sit down and have a chat with the county board but today is not the day to be deciding anything.”