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Cork top table at half way point
Cork top this year’s All Ireland senior championship table, (on points difference) following last weekend’s round three victory over Galway in Pearse Stadium.
The former All Ireland champions put in a strong team performance to record a convincing 2-14 to 0-9 win with wing forward Jennifer O’ Leary bagging a personal tally of 2-8.
O’Leary, who returned to the Cork side last season, following a break spent travelling, has made a strong impact and is now one of Cork’s biggest attacking threats.
Manager Joe O’Brien will be particularly pleased with the performance of his forward unit, who have racked up an impressive 6-38 in three rounds. The Munster outfit have also been boosted by the return of dual player Briege Corkery along with 2009 captain Amanda O’Regan to the defence.
Cork, Kilkenny, Tipperary, Galway and Wexford, all lie on equal points, heading into round four. Crunch ties lie ahead with Galway taking on Offaly at Pearse Stadium, in a double header fixture with Galway and Clare hurlers on Saturday evening.
Noel Finn, despite strong defensive switches at the start of the campaign, will be concerned at the concession of 2-14 to Cork, by his previously water-tight backs.
Meanwhile, Manager Joachim Kellly, will be hoping that his side can build on last week’s victory.
Offaly, regarded as the dark horses of this year’s championship, will be aiming for a semi-final berth on August 13th and will fancy their chances against Galway.
Having hit 2-15 against Dublin, the Offaly attack led by the superb Elaine Dermody won’t lack for confidence.
Tipperary have a crucial tie with Kilkenny at the Ragg on Saturday and after their surprise defeat to Clare, they need to get their campaign back on track.
Clare entertain All Ireland champions Wexford at Cusack Park while Dublin travel to Cork. The Blues have endured a tough campaign to date and have found scores difficult to come by.
Meanwhile, Wexford manager JJ Doyle is expected to name an unchanged side for their trip to Ennis.
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