U20 footballers battle way to draw with Cork in Kerins Cup

Sun, 2nd June 2019

JOHN KERINS CUP (U20 Football Development League)

DUBLIN 1-18 CORK 1-18

Dublin had to show great battling ability to earn a draw with Cork in Saturday's John Kerins Cup (U20 football) in the Laois GAA Centre of Excellence, Portlaoise.

The Rebels opened up a three-point lead going into the last ten minutes at which stage Dublin had been reduced to 13 men but the boys in blue showed good spirit to the finish with points from James Doran and Brian O'Leary (two) securing a share of the spoils.

In the first half Cork settled the better but as the half progressed Dublin got on top and a goal from James Doran helped them to a 1-9 to 0-8 interval lead.

The accuracy of Ciaran Archer, who finished with 0-7 (0-2f) overall, was also obvious as his continues his impressive run of form.

Dublin also had to thank goalkeeper David O'Hanlon for one excellent first half save as they carried a four-point advantage into the break.

Cork emerged reinvigorated at the start of the second half and gained the upperhand to kick the first four points of the second period.

Dublin looked to have scored a goal from Ross McGarry but referee Maurice Deegan had whistled back for a foul on Ciaran Archer and awarded a penalty that Archer missed.

The dismissals of Dublin duo Kieran Kennedy and Sean Farrelly in the second half looked to have given Cork the opportunity to go on and win the game and they moved three clear late on.

However, Dublin refused to give in and points from James Doran, who finished with 1-2, and a brace from Brian O'Leary, who finished with 0-4, earned a draw for the Dubs.

In Saturday's other John Kerins Cup game Galway, who are managed by legendary footballer Padraic Joyce, defeated Kildare 1-18 to 0-10 in Pearse Park, Longford.

The Dubs face Kerry this coming Saturday in Round 3 of the competition, venue and time to be confirmed.

The other groupings are - Philly McGuinness Cup, Group 1: Fermanagh, Sligo, Longford, Leitrim; Group 2: Donegal, Tyrone, Mayo, Roscommon; Leo Murphy Cup, Group 1: Antrim, Derry, Cavan, Louth; Group 2: Down, Armagh, Monaghan, Meath; Liam Connor Cup: Offaly, Limerick, Westmeath, Wicklow, Clare; Andrew Corden Cup: Carlow, Wexford, Tipperary, Waterford, Laois.

Dublin's remaining schedule in the John Kerins Cup is - Rd 3: v Kerry, Saturday June 8, venue/time to be confirmed; Rd 4: Bye; Rd 5: v Galway, Saturday June 15, venue/time to be confirmed.

Dublin will face Longford in the Leinster U20FC quarter-final in Glennon Bros Pearse Park on Tuesday, July 2.