GAA round-up: Cork crush under-strength Kerry in McGrath Cup
Monday 30 December 2019 08:08, UK
The GAA preseason tournaments rumbled on around Ireland on Sunday, with Cork, Monaghan and Armagh among the winners.
McGrath Cup
The Munster football winter tournament got under way with the heavyweight meeting of Cork and Kerry in Austin Stack Park. Although Ronan McCarthy elected to give a run-out to some big names including the returning Ciaran Sheehan, the Kingdom fielded what was largely an U20 side - under the stewardship of former Laois boss John Sugrue.
The varying strength of the two line-ups was laid bare in the result, with the Rebels running out 22-point winners. Damien Gore led Cork's charge, scoring 3-5.
Meanwhile, Billy Lee's Limerick side edged Clare by two points.
McKenna Cup
There were wins for Monaghan, Armagh and Down on the opening day of Ulster's pre-season competition.
Seamus McEnaney's side were too strong for Rory Gallagher's Oak-leafers, with the Farney County running out six-point winners thanks in part to an Aaron Mulligan goal.
Kieran McGeeney's Orchard outfit overcame Cavan, with Conor Turbitt providing a brace of goals.
Elsewhere, Down out-gunned Fermanagh by seven points, with a late Liam Kerr goal sealing the victory.
Munster Senior League
Cork became the first team to qualify for the tournament's final, overcoming Waterford by four points in Dungarvan, to back up their opening win over Kerry.
Six points from Conor Lehane and 1-1 from his Midleton club-mate Tommy O'Connell proved the difference, as the Liam Cahill era got underway for the Déise.
Kieran Kingston's charges will face the winner of Limerick vs Clare in the decider.
