CORK 1-11

ANTRIM 2-10

GER McCARTHY REPORTS

A SHOCK defeat at home to Antrim has left Cork facing a relegation battle to keep their place in the top tier of the national league.

Ger Manley’s new-look senior team suffered a second consecutive Centra Camogie Division 1A defeat, as the defending champions came unstuck at a wet and windswept MTU Cork on Saturday.

The core of the Rebels’ senior panel, who contested the last five All-Ireland finals in a row (2021 to 2025), are no longer present. Absences, withdrawals, retirements and injuries have decimated the Cork line-up during the early months of this season.

So, for the second game in a row, the Rebels, albeit with a fresh look, didn’t possess the requisite confidence or know-how to get the job done. To highlight the turnover, only three players who started last year’s All-Ireland final began against Antrim.

Take nothing away from the Saffrons, inspired by the excellent Nicole McAtamney, who were hungrier, sharper and deservedly won. Elaine Dowds’ side were full value for their victory ahead of competing in this year’s All-Ireland intermediate championship.

As for the defending league champions, two wins from their remaining three league fixtures against Kilkenny, Tipperary and Galway are required if their Division 1A status is to be maintained.

‘Obviously, we are disappointed but you have to take your hat off to Antrim,’ Libby Coppinger told The Southern Star.

‘They brought everything today and, unfortunately for us, they deserved the win. We have a weekend off now so we can put in a good two weeks of training.

‘I said last week that we had plenty to work on. We probably have more things now after today.

‘There’s time to do it as long as we knuckle down and get after those little things. Please God, it’ll make all the difference the next day.’

Antrim had the advantage of a strong wind and took the lead through Janey McIntosh’s fourth-minute effort. Hayley Ryan (45) equalised before goalkeeper Caitriona Graham brilliantly denied Cork’s Orlaith Cremin a goal.

Eobha McAllister restored the visitors’ advantage prior to Nicole McAtamney making it 0-3 to 0-1 as Antrim stuck doggedly to their task. Next, McAtamney added a long-range free to extend their advantage.

Cork struggled to get going and fell further behind when Janey McIntosh burst through. It was 0-6 to 0-1 once Eobha McAllister fired over.

The Rebels hit back via Emma Murphy to leave four between the teams heading towards half time. Cliona O’Callaghan wasted a terrific goal opportunity but Cork reduced the deficit once Murphy landed a free. Ger Manley’s team finished the half strongly as Orlaith Cremin fired over.

The sides swapped points, Nicole McAtamney and Isobel Sheehan, before another McAtamney free cemented the Northerners 0-8 to 0-5 interval lead.

Orlaith Cahalane was sprung from the bench and set up a move from which Cork was awarded a 45 – Emma Murphy converted and there was only a point in it when Isobel Sheehan scored.

Murphy floated over a beauty from the wing to complete Cork’s comeback and make it 0-8 apiece after 35 minutes.

Orlaith Cremin edged the Rebels ahead but just when it seemed the hosts were assuming control, Antrim responded. Nicole McAtamney was afforded too much space to wallop into the bottom corner and make it 1-8 to 0-9.

Orlaith Cahalane replied with a Cork goal within 60 seconds. But a mistake by Cork goalkeeper Eimear Hurley was seized upon by Aimee Ferris who forced the sliotar over the line.

It was 2-8 to 1-9 with ten minutes remaining but Antrim remained calm as Nicole McAtamney (45) and Eobha McAllister extended their lead. Late Orlaith Cahalane and Millie Condon points weren’t enough to prevent another Cork defeat.

‘There’s no point talking anymore, we just have to get out and do it,’ Libby Coppinger concluded.

‘It’s February but it’s not what you want to be doing in February either. So, a tough, tough day today but hats off to Antrim and we go again.’

Next up is an away trip to Kilkenny on March table-toppers 7th.

Scorers

Cork: Emma Murphy 0-4 (1 45, 1f); Orlaith Cahalane 1-1; Orlaith Cremin, Isobel Sheehan 0-2 each; Hayley Ryan (45), Millie Condon 0-1 each.

Antrim: Nicole McAtamney 1-5 (3f); Eobha McAllister 0-3 (1f); Aimee Ferris 1-0; Janey McIntosh 0-2.

Cork: Eimear Hurley (St Finbarr’s); Meabh Murphy (Ballinora), Libby Coppinger (St Colums), Aisling Egan (St Finbarr’s); Aoife O’Neill (St Finbarr’s), Ashling Thompson (Midford), Rachel Harty (Ballyhea); Millie Condon (Ballinascarthy), Ava Fitzgerald (Sarsfields); Emma Murphy (Glen Rovers), Isobel Sheehan (Éire Óg), Orlaith Cremin (Éire Óg); Hayley Ryan (Blackrock), Niamh McNabola (Cloughduv), Cliona O’Callaghan (Blackrock).

Subs: Orlaith Cahalane (St Finbarr’s) for C O’Callaghan (ht), Ava McAuliffe (Castlemartyr) for I Sheehan (47), Claire Kingston (Newcestown) for A O’Neill (47), Keeva McCarthy (St Finbarr’s) for N McNabola (50), Avril Cashman (Youghal) for H Ryan (57).

Antrim: Catriona Graham (captain); Colleen Patterson, Shannagh Hegarty, Dearbhal Dobbin; Clare McKillop, Katie Molloy, Niamh Cosgrove; Amy Boyle, Eobha McAllister; Maeve Kelly, Lucia McNaughton, Nicole McAtamney; Aimee Ferris, Cliona Griffin, Jane McIntosh.

Sub: Caoimhe Conlon for N Cosgrove (ht).

Referee: Brian Kearney (Kildare).