Gaelic Games

Corofin see off Fulham Irish to book All-Ireland semi final spot

Back-to-back Connacht champions fell behind early on but responded well

Fulham’s Michael Murphy with Corofin’s Cathal Silke during their clash at Ruislip. Photo: Gerry McManus/Inpho

Sun Jan 21 2018 - 16:57

Corofin 3-8 Fulham Irish 1-4

Corofin will face Moorefield in the All-Ireland semi-finals on February 17th after coming from behind to defeat Fulham Irish at a soaking Ruislip.

The back-to-back Connacht champions fell behind early on but responded with three first half goals to put daylight between the teams.

Fulham, who were playing their first competitive game in three months, hit 1-1 in the first four minutes with Marty Hughes lobbing Bernard Power following an error from the Corofin goalkeeper.

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But the visitors mustered an emphatic response as Jason Leonard and Colin Brady scored two goals in three minutes, the former’s coming from the penalty spot.

Ian Burke netted a third in the final minute of the first half to give Corofin a 3-3 to 1-3 lead and they kept Fulham at arm’s length during a dour second half.

“Job done, we’re delighted to get out of here,” said Corofin manager Kevin O’Brien. “The conditions again today, the pitch was in excellent shape but it was slippery on top.

“I think there were a lot of cobwebs out there from not having played since the Connacht final six weeks ago.

“Hopefully the game will bring us on a bit but we’ve a lot of work to do.”

COROFIN: B Power; L Silke, K Fitzgerald, K Murphy; K Molloy, C Silke (0-1), D Wall; M Farragher (0-1), R Steede (0-1); G Sice (0-1f), M Lundy, J Leonard (1-2, 1-0pen, 0-1f); I Burke (1-0), M Farragher (0-1), C Brady (1-1).

Subs: C Cunningham for Murphy (16), B O’Donovan for Molloy (44, black card), D Silke for Brady (50), D Canney for Leonard (55).

FULHAM IRISH: J Tavey; R Morgan, C Hyde, C Murphy; J Gilfedder, H Dockry, A Savage; M Murphy (0-1), D O'Connor; L Turley, O Mulligan (0-2), A McArdle; S Quinn, M Hughes (1-0), B Martin.

Subs: D Comer for Molloy (20), I Nolan for Savage (44), L Staunton (0-1f) for Turley (44), P Friel for Martin (49), P McGirr for Quinn (59), A Kelleher for O’Connor (60).

Referee: N Mooney (Cavan).

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