Massive win for Cork as they defeat Meath in league opener 

Cork: 2-19 

Meath: 0-21 

Cork have secured a hugely important victory on the opening day of the Allianz Division 2 football league after an impressive win over Meath at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Saturday evening. 

The Rebels have tasted success in the first round of the league for the first time since 2020 and that was when they were in Division 3.

With promotion a target for the campaign ahead, it was vital that John Cleary’s side got off to the best possible start and that is what they have done with two vital points.

It was a very enjoyable encounter under the new rules and it ultimately came down to quality and led on by Brian O’Driscoll at wing-forward, Cork had just that little bit more composure to get over the line. A strong burst midway through the second half did the trick where two goals proved crucial.

Cork had the aid of a strong wind advantage in the first half as they played down towards the Blackrock end, but conceded the first score as Mathew Costello converted an easy free before Cork responded with a great score from a fisted Chris Óg Jones effort after a great pass by O’Driscoll.

Jordan Morris did nudge Meath back in front. A pair of Mark Cronin frees pushed Cork 0-3 to 0-2 ahead after eight minutes.

But, in what was an end to end affair, the away side were marginally the better team early on as they hit three of the next four points, with O’Driscoll (free) getting Cork’s score. The first two-pointer came from an O’Driscoll free followed by a pair of Cronin frees as Cleary's charges led 0-8 to 0-5 with 16 minutes to the break.

Either side couldn't really gain a foothold, which was reflected in Meath getting three of the next four points as every attack nearly yielded a score in the first 25 minutes. The scores dried up in the final 10 minutes of the half as Meath totted up three wides and missed a goal chance, but Micheál Aodh Martin was on hand to make a smart stop to deny Morris.

The Royal County were on top at this juncture and points from Shane Walsh and Morris nudged them 0-10 to 0-9 in front after 33 minutes. Cork finished the half strongly though with Paul Walsh and O’Driscoll pointing. Colm O’Callaghan’s shot also smacked off the crossbar. The teams would be level at the break after Costello slotted over a free after Cork were penalised for having just two forwards up top at that stage of the game, 0-11 each at half-time.

Meath had wind advantage now for the new half and the end to end nature continued. Cork crucially though kicked two of the first three white flags with O’Driscoll and Cronin (free) getting the scores for the Rebels. A Costello free tied up matters, 0-13 apiece after 40 minutes. A minute later, a crucial score as Matty Taylor finished beautifully to the net after an outstanding pass by Seán Powter. A great goal by Cork.

The Leesiders didn’t kick on though with Meath landing three unanswered points, all from play, to draw level, including one from the goalkeeper Billy Hogan. Jones nudged Cork ahead before a two-pointer from a Mark Cronin free, 1-16 to 0-16 after 52 minutes.

A boomer from sub Cathail O’Mahony gave the Rebels a four-point buffer followed by a Jones effort and the same player put the game to bed with a nice finish to the net 13 minutes from time, 2-18 to 0-16.

The sides traded points before Meath kicked over a point and then a two-pointer from a Costello free to leave five in it after 68 minutes, 2-19 to 0-20.

Cork had done enough though. Another Costello free was a mere consolation. Job done.

Scorers for Cork: M Cronin 0-7 (5 f, 1 2pt f), C Óg Jones 1-4, B O’Driscoll 0-6 (1 2pt f, 1 f), M Taylor 1-0, C O’Mahony, P Walsh 0-1 each.

Meath: M Costello 0-10 (5 f, 1 2pt f), J Morris 0-4, S Walsh, E Harkin 0-2 each, J Flynn, E Frayne, B Hogan 0-1 each.

CORK: M Aodh Martin; M Shanley, D O’Mahony (captain), N Lordan; S Powter, R Maguire, M Taylor; S Walsh, C O’Callaghan; P Walsh, E McSweeney, B O’Driscoll; M Cronin, C Óg Jones, S McDonnell.

Subs: P Doyle for M Aodh Martin (inj), C O’Mahony for S McDonnell (both 52), D Cashman for S Powter (61), E Desmond for S Walsh (65), T Walsh for E McSweeney (71).

MEATH: B Hogan; S Lavin, A O’Neill, E Harkin; S Coffey, D Keogan, C Caulfield; J Flynn, B Menton; K Curtis, S Walsh, J Kinlough; J Morris, M Costello, E Frayne (captain).

Subs: B O’Halloran for A O’Neill (50), C Duke for K Curtis (54), J Conlon for S Walsh (55), R Jones for E Frayne, S Rafferty for C Caulfield (both 60).

Referee: Derek O’Mahoney (Tipperary).