Cork Retain All Ireland Blitz Title
May 21, 2013This year Cork took two teams to Mullingar in an effort to give some of next year's panellists' experience of playing on a big stage and fielded teams in both sections of the 'A' competition.
Our first team was made up of a mixture of this year girls with some from the development squad and they played Galway, Kerry, Kildare and Monaghan in the group stages acquitting themselves very well but the long trip up seemed to take its toll. Kerry qualified from this section.
Our second selection who played in the opposite group was mostly the girls who drew with Kerry in last week's Munster final. Cork was very slow to get going in the first match and also looked tired after the long trip but eventually overcame Dublin. They then played Mayo and Cavan winning all their matches to top the pool and qualify for the final.
The weather was kind to us for most of the day but just before the final the predicted rain came and this made it difficult for both sides as the final was played on the all weather astro turf pitch. This game was played at a frantic pace with never more than a kick of a ball between the sides.With a Kerry player sin binned in the second half and the conversion of a penalty by Cork the contest swung in Cork's favour and they eventually ran out winners by 1-5 to 0-4.
Grace Culloty Cork captain thanked a large group of Cork supporters and family members for making the long journey and also paid tribute to all her fellow team mates who all played their part through out the group stages and final. She thanked the team management for their time and patience and everyone who has helped so far this year including sponsors O Connor's coaches.
The event was very well organised and ran off and also the standard of refereeing was top drawer. Thanks to all concerned for a great weekend.
Final Score Cork 01-05 Kerry 00-04
Referee: Conor Dourneen (Cavan) Tweet
