Here is the match report:
Cork had struggled for goals in recent weeks in the absence of O’Flynn, but the former Irish under-21 star was passed fit to start. But the Leesiders were dealt a blow after just eight minutes when O’Flynn’s partner Neale Fenn was forced off with a hamstring strain. However, his replacement, Denis Behan, was a revelation in his 80-plus minutes on the field, causing a host of problems for the Derry defence, setting up the second goal for Kearney and later coming within a whisker of adding a goal of his own. O’Flynn headed over after just two minutes but he made no mistake when presented with a second opportunity on 18 minutes.
The precision cross came from Roy O’Donovan on the right and the unmarked O’Flynn glanced a header past David Forde. Cork never let up for the rest of the half, with O’Flynn’s pace and Behan’s bustle offering menace and Joe Gamble a real influence in central midfield. But it was O’Donovan who was the real powerhouse, tormenting left back Sean Hargan throughout; indeed, he had two opportunities of his own to add to the lead, but sliced wide on both occasions after cutting inside. Behan almost embarrassed Forde by charging down a clearance early in the second half, and that set the tone for much of the final 40 minutes.
Derry boss Stephen Kenny gambled by throwing on winger Pat McCourt for defender Hargan on the hour – but within 60 seconds of that move, Cork were 2-0 up. The move was perfection itself: O’Donovan – who was perhaps fortunate to stay on the field after skirting a second booking for a foul on Hargan – played Behan through down the right channel and the big Abbeyfeale man picked out Kearney for the finish. Three minutes later, O’Donovan ran clear onto Kearney’s through-ball but Forde got down well to save; the loose ball ran into the path of Behan but Eddie McCallion was on hand to clear the danger.
Derry’s last remaining hope of a revival disappeared when Michael Devine, the Cork goalkeeper, produced a cracking close-range save from Pat McCourt’s header. Cork continued to threaten on the break, with O’Donovan sprinting 60 yards in possession before forcing Forde into a smart save at the near post. The Candystripes had been unable to find their stride on their biggest night of the season, and the confidence visibly sagged thereafter. Killian Brennan saw a free kick hit the bar and McCourt’s low drive flew wide; it just wasn’t going to fall for Derry on the night but there was no denying that Cork were deserving winners.
I am very happy for Cork City because I lived their when I was younger. I think over the course of the season Cork have deserved to claim the title and Derry only started to come into the title race two or three months ago. I am a very avid fan of the Eircom League but I support Bohemians, who finished fifth in the league after their 3-0 defeat to local rivals Shelbourne tonight. Congragulations to Cork and all of their fans.
