O'Driscoll's late points secure title for Cork

Cork had to survive a late scare before being crowned champions at Cusack Park, Ennis, on Saturday. Mayo, trailing by seven points with 10 minutes remaining, produced two goals and a point in a three-minute spell, but couldn't halt the march of the Cork, as Alan O'Driscoll kicked two late points to give his side victory. Cork were the better side for most of this entertaining game and should not have allowed Mayo back into the game.

Enjoying the advantage of a strong wind in the first half, Cork were in command from early on. Mayo's insistence on playing a short passing game saw them throw away possession too often. The Connacht champions got their first score, an Austin O'Malley point, after 11 minutes, but at this stage Cork were four points to the good.

Heading towards the half-time break, the Leesiders were 0-8 to 0-4 in front when they produced a goal of quality. Midfielder Michael Monaghan gained possession and picked out the unmarked Brian O'Sullivan. His long, pin-point pass was gathered and the corner forward coolly slotted passed Norman O'Brien, the Mayo goalkeeper. Two more points early in the second half put Cork further ahead.

Mayo pulled back a goal when Pat Kelly found the target to keep his side in contention. But the southerners stayed in control, picked off a few more scores and lead by seven (1-13 to 1-6), going into the final 10 minutes.

Then Mayo struck. A point by James Mitchell was quickly added to by a goal from a penalty. Mitchell made no mistake with the spot kick after Cork full back Mick Daly picked the ball off the ground. Within seconds Mayo had drawn level through another goal, this time from Brian Moloney.

O'Driscoll was to be Cork's hero of the hour. He saved the blushes of his team-mates when he kicked his side into the lead on 58 minutes. He added another in injury time.

CORK: P Mackey (capt); D Duggan, M Daly, J Honohan; N O'Leary (0-1), G Spillane, T Kenny; M Kelleher, M Monaghan (0-1); P Connolly (0-3, 1 free), B Coleman (0-3), A O'Driscoll (0-2); B O'Sullivan (1-2), G Kelleher, P Dunlea (0-3, 2 frees). Subs: J Buckley for Connolly, S Levis for Daly.

MAYO: N O'Brien; A Costello, B Heneghan, B Burke; S Grimes, J Fallon (capt), J Rafter; D O'Loughlin, P Kelly (1-0); J Mitchell (1-2, 1 pen, 2 frees), A O'Malley (0-2), K Malone; D Quinn (0-1), B Maloney (1-0), M Horan (0-1). Subs: N Dunne (0-1) for Horan, D McDonagh for Malone.

Referee: E Whelan (Laois)