Masters open Championship account with impressive away win over Cork

Sun, 5th September 2021

Dublin Masters footballers (Over-40s) opened the Championship account with an 8-17 to 1-1 victory over Cork away in Glenville on Saturday afternoon.

Donal Ryan, Ciarán McGuinness and Fearghal Purcell were early goalscorers for the Dubs as they opened up a commanding early lead.

Warren Finnegan, Tommy Brennan and Niall Crossan also impressed in Dublin's forward line while at the back Brian Kirby, Shane O'Sullivan, Felim Condron and Brian McGrath were always alert to any danger.

The Dubs, who are captained by Ballyboden St Enda's Ian Clarke, will enjoy home advantage for their next game - against Kildare on Saturday, September 18.

The Lilywhites defeated Clare, 0-12 to 0-9, in their opening clash in Allenwood on Saturday.

Sixteen counties are participating in this year's competition with Dublin in Group 4 alongside Kildare, Clare and the Rebels.

The other groups are comprised of - Group 1: Donegal, Tyrone, Down, Antrim; Group 2: Leitrim/Longford, Cavan, Westmeath, Louth; Group 3: Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Roscommon.

Tyrone, Donegal and Mayo are considered among the front-runners for overall honours this year and all enjoyed respective victories over Antrim, Down and Galway on Saturday.

The top county in each group progresses to the All-Ireland semi-final with a secondary competition for the second-placers.

The Dublin management team is Mick O’Keeffe (Raheny), Val Andrews (Ballymun Kickhams), Martin Hughes (Ballymun Kickhams), Paul Murray (Wild Geese), Ciarán Murphy (Raheny), Karl Meehan (St Vincent's) and Niall Ryan (St Peregrine's).