Jack back as Dubs hold on against Rebels while Kildare and Louth earn first wins
February 19, 2023
Jack McCaffrey made his long awaited return for Dublin off the bench against Cork at Pairc Ui Chaoimh ©INPHO/Evan Treacy
Jack McCaffrey made his first appearance for Dublin in almost three years as the Leinster champions held off a brave effort from Cork to secure their third win in Division 2 of the Allianz Football League on a 0-18 to 2-10 scoreline.
In what a cracking encounter at Pairc Ui Chaoimh, five-time All-Ireland winner McCaffrey came off the bench for the last 12 minutes of normal time to make a scoring contribution much to the delight of the visiting contingent.
Eoghan McSweeney’s goal had Cork leading by three late in the first-half prior to Cian Murphy, Con O’Callaghan, Dean Rock and Cormac Costello sailing points that saw Dessie Farrell’s men taking in a 0-10 to 1-6 lead at the half.
That lead would be increased to five after the turnaround before the excellent Brian Hurley (0-8) stopped the rot for the Rebels on 48 minutes.
Six minutes later and the ball would be in Dublin’s net again via Matthew Taylor’s cool finish, levelling the contest 2-8 to 0-14, but points from Brian Fenton, James McCarthy and McCaffrey helped to ensure there wouldn’t be an upset as Hurley was denied a late goal by David O’Hanlon’s finger tips at the other end.
Jack McCaffrey puts over an important point for the Dubs. pic.twitter.com/drMwbn5xJj
— The GAA (@officialgaa) February 19, 2023
In Ennis, Kildare came from six points down to defeat Clare (0-16 to 0-15) and earn their first victory of the Division 2 campaign.
Having trailed 0-11 to 0-7 at the half, the Lilywhites looked bound for their third straight loss when they lost Ben McCormack to a straight red card for the closing quarter but instead caught fire towards the finish.
In the end, points from David Hyland, Daniel Flynn and Neil Flynn (2) would work the oracle and bag the visitors a sorely needed win.
Louth also recorded their first two points of the campaign by edging bottom-placed Limerick on a 1-15 to 1-13 scoreline in Ardee.
In what was a repeat of last year’s Division 3 decider, Sam Mulroy’s accuracy from frees in the second-half was what ended up being the difference.
Dan Corcoran’s goal was key during for Mickey Harte’s men during the first-half as the sides went in all square (0-9 to 1-6) and, despite shipping a goal after the turnaround frees from Mulroy had provided a cushion and late scores by Tommy Durnin and Conal McCaul secured the precious points.
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