Round 1 – Cork vs Limerick May 24 (Páirc Uí Rinn )
Cork opened their campaign in devastating fashion with a 46-point demolition of Limerick in Páirc Uí Rinn. From the outset, the Rebels dominated possession and applied relentless pressure on the Limerick defence.
Cork netted three goals in the opening 20 minutes, setting the tone. Limerick were held to just 0-2 in the first half.
It was a complete performance from Cork. Amy O’Connor and Katrina Mackey were among the standout forwards, contributing healthily to the goal tally. Cork’s defence was airtight, with Limerick unable to find any space or get into any rhythm.
Cork set down a marker with their 6-25 to 0-05 victory over Limerick.
Round 2 – Tipperary vs Cork May 31 (The Ragg )
Cork continued their blistering form with another emphatic win in Round 2, this time winning 3-21 to 1-09 away to Tipperary. A dominant second half saw them pull away after a relatively even first quarter.
Tipperary started brightly and kept pace early on, but once Cork found their rhythm, they never looked back. Two first-half goals gave them breathing room, and they pushed on after the break with a flurry of points and a third goal to put the result beyond doubt.
Orla Cronin put in a midfield masterclass, controlling possession and linking play brilliantly. Cork’s scoring was well distributed, reflecting their strength in depth.
Round 3 – Cork vs Clare June 21 (SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh )
Cork maintained their unbeaten championship campaign with a solid 0-21 to 1-09 win over Clare at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
Clare brought intensity and work rate, keeping the game competitive for long spells. They scored a well-taken goal midway through the second half, but Cork’s composure and superior accuracy in front of the posts told in the end.
Ashling Thompson was immense in midfield, breaking up Clare attacks and driving Cork forward. Despite not finding the net, Cork’s consistent point-scoring gave the Rebels comfortable cushion throughout.
Round 4 – Wexford vs Cork June 28 (Chadwicks Wexford Park )
Cork put on another clinical display as turned on the style in Wexford with an emphatic 5-21 to 0-11 victory at Chadwicks Wexford Park.
The Rebels’ attacking cohort was in top form, with five different players raising green flags in the one-sided affair.
The game was effectively settled by half time, with Cork well in front thanks to their early scoring blitz. Wexford battled hard, but they were simply overrun by Cork’s pace, movement, and precision.
Katrina Mackey was the standout performer, registering a brace of goals and tormenting the Wexford defence throughout. Cork’s bench also made an impact, maintaining the tempo in the final quarter.
All-Ireland Semi-Final – Cork vs Waterford July 26 (Nowlan Park )
Cork booked their place in the Glen Dimplex All-Ireland final with a 1-21 to 1-11 victory over a spirited Waterford side. In what was their toughest test of the championship so far, Cork’s winning of the contest came via a strong second-half showing.
Waterford struck an early goal that initially rattled the Rebels. But Cork responded well, with a goal of their own from Saoirse McCarthy restoring control. From there, they gradually took over, racking up a series of well-taken points.
The final quarter saw Cork’s experience come to the fore, as they controlled possession and picked off scores from all angles. Their defensive unit, marshalled superbly as they shut down Waterford’s late efforts.
