Cork 2-15
Monaghan 1-16

Munster champions Cork were left standing following an entertaining shoot-out with Monaghan in today's second All-Ireland U-21 FC semi-final contest at O'Connor Park.

In what was another fine advertisement for the soon-to-be defunct U-21 grade, remarkably all of the winners' tally came from play and they seized the initiative when hitting 1-3 without reply during the second quarter.

Try as they might, Monaghan were unable to bridge the gap and it's Sean Hayes' Cork side who will face Mayo in the final in a fortnight's time.

A high-scoring first-half finished with the scoreboard reading: Cork 2-7, Monaghan 1-9.

Cork's Peter Kelleher collides with James Mealiff of Monaghan. ©INPHO/Donall Farmer.

A goal apiece in the space of two minutes set the tone for the match.

Cork's Peter Kelleher finished off a chance created by Sean Powter in the 12th minute but their joy was short-lived as Monaghan went straight down the field and found the back of the Rebel net courtesy of the impressive Barry McGinn who registered 1-5 in the first-half.

Ryan Harkin raised his side's second green flag in the 23rd minute and they led by the narrowest of margins at the change of ends.

Michael Hurley, who finished with three points to his name, extended their advantage with the first point of the second-half and a goal separated the sides - Cork 2-13, Monaghan 1-13 - as the pulsating contest entered the final 10 minutes.

Dessie Ward spurned a glorious opportunity to get his side back on level terms and Ciaran McBride's men were unable to find a way past a resolute Cork defence.

Cork - A Casey; M McSweeney, J Mullins, D Quinn; K Flahive, S Cronin, K Histon; S White, S O'Leary; S O'Donoghue (0-4), S Powter (0-3), R Harkin (1-1); B Coakley (0-2), P Kelleher (1-0), M Hurley (0-3). Subs: E Lavers for S O'Leary, R O'Toole (0-1) for D Quinn, S Sherlock (0-1) for B Coakley (BC), D O'Duinnin for R Harkin, C Dorgan for S Powter.

Monaghan - C Forde (0-1f); B Kerr, M Murnaghan, K Loughran; D Ward (0-1), J Mealiff, N Rooney; N Loughman, A Lynch; R McAnespie (0-1), B McGinn (1-6, 0-4f), D Meegan (0-1); A Treanor, C McCarthy (0-3, 1f), F McMahon (0-3). Subs: F Maguire for A Treanor, A Curran for A Lynch, B McBennett for F McMahon.

Referee - J Hickey.

Tweet

Most Read Stories