Three reasons Mourneabbey lost the All-Ireland
- Difficult third-quarter: Though Carnacon held the edge over their Cork counterparts at the interval, a three-point deficit (0-7 to 0-4) saw Mourneabbey still in contention when the action resumed. However, in the space of 12 minutes, Carnacon took firm control. They stretched their advantage to eight points with some sparkling attacking play, leaving Mourneabbey with too much ground to make up, despite their efforts in the closing stages.
2. Cora Staunton: While she was off-target with a series of opportunities in the opening period, the influence of the Carnacon captain became more pronounced as the action developed.
The 11-time All-Star was ably-supported by experienced performers Martha Carter and Fiona McHale, but she was responsible for five of her side’s final six scores, including a fisted effort with nine minutes left. Her haul of 0-7 was crucial.
3. Early reliance of Doireann O’Sullivan: As they mounted a gutsy final-quarter fightback, a number of Mourneabbey players chipped in with vital scores.
Brid O’Sullivan capped a fine display with a superb 48th-minute goal, but of their first-half tally of 0-4, three of those points were amassed by full-forward Doireann O’Sullivan.
She was also unfortunate to see a goal-bound effort rebounding off the woodwork, but it wasn’t until the latter stages of the contest that the scoring burden was lifted from her shoulders.