Cork pulled off an impressive victory in the All-Ireland round robin series this afternoon, defeating Mayo on a scoreline of 1-14 to 1-11 at the Gaelic Grounds.
Many people viewed Mayo as the favourites heading into the fixture, with Kevin McStay's side having won each of their first two fixtures in the group.
They justified that tag for much of the game, leading by six points with just under 15 minutes left to play. However, Cork would soon produce a brilliant comeback.
It started with this goal from Steven Sherlock, who scored from the penalty spot to get his side back within touching distance.
Goal for Cork! - Steven Sherlock converts from the penalty spot to close the gap to three.
Watch the game live on https://t.co/C7FxP1q5Ku pic.twitter.com/q3r3u3HwtG— The GAA (@officialgaa) June 18, 2023
Remarkably, Mayo would fail to score after this point. Cork would certainly finish the stronger of the teams, running out as winners by a three-point margin.
In saying that, some feel they were fortunate not to have a man sent off at a crucial stage in the game.
Cork man lucky to avoid red card against Mayo
With around five minutes of normal time left to play in the match, Mayo's Jack Carney got out in front of his man to get to a pass from his teammate, only for Cork's Rory Maguire to produce a very poor punch into the back of the forward's head.
The offence was only punished with a yellow card at the time.
Mayo v Cork. The ref only gives a yellow card! #GAA pic.twitter.com/4Xlpwqw2IJ
— Fionan_garbh (@FGarbh) June 18, 2023
It would have been difficult to argue against a red card for that challenge.
Quite a few people were shocked to see that the Cork man was allowed to stay on the pitch after this hit.
Yellow card! https://t.co/zekUXXmx3v
— Nathan Murphy (@nathanmurf) June 18, 2023
Looks like it should have been a red but also just a very funny foul https://t.co/EJHy9a5E9s
— TacheyDelBosque (@TacheyDelBosque) June 18, 2023
A red card all day long. https://t.co/RoXqwftEa5
— Peter McNamara (@PeterMcNamara_) June 18, 2023
Once you close your fist in a tackle it should be a red https://t.co/hGX89FvtaQ
— Patrick Gillespie (@PJG1995) June 18, 2023
😂😂😂 some decision https://t.co/bOVQoFJGV7
— Kieran O Malley (@KieranOMalley81) June 18, 2023
Cork certainly could have had few complaints if Maguire had been sent off.
This result actually saw Cork finish above Mayo in the group, meaning they will now be given a home draw for the All-Ireland preliminary quarter-finals next weekend.
As for Mayo, they will need to up their performance levels quite a bit if they are to avoid an early finish to their summer.
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