Kildimo Pallaskenry defeated in Munster IFC as controversial goal helps Corofin advance

A controversial first half goal was the main talking point as Kildimo Pallaskenry fell in the Munster IFC quarter-final.

In the end the margin was seven as hosts Corofin outlasted Kildimo Pallaskenry on a scoreline of 1-13 to 1-6 in the Munster Intermediate Club Football Championship yesterday.

But the awarding of a contentious goal for Corofin on the stroke of half time will be what the game is most remembered for as the Clare champions benefited.

Bearing down on goal on the stroke of half time, Diarmuid Cahill, who was a consistent thorn in KP’s side, handpassed the ball over the head of Jamie Hickey. The ball seemed destined for the back of the net but was caught by Brian Howard who carried the ball out of danger. But, one of the linesman insisted the ball had crossed the net with the KP man carrying the ball over, despite Howard appearing not to take a backward step.

That reduced KP’s lead from four to one with the ref then immediately calling for the half.

It was a first half that the Limerick side dominated after a slow start. Peter Nash kicked the first score from a free after 12 minutes.

Cahill replied with a brace of points but Nash restored KP’s lead after 17 minutes, flicking up the ball with his back to goal on the 13′ before rifling the ball into the Corofin net.

That gave his side a two point cushion at the waterbreak.

Clare senior Jamie Malone brought them within one but Cathal Downes and Nash helped KP into their first three point lead of the day.

There were fine saves at either end of the pitch before Liam O’Sullivan made it a four point contest approaching the half.

But the momentum then swung in the hosts favour as James Pomeroy received a black card before Corofin found the controversial goal that had it 1-4 to 1-3 in KP’s favour at the short whistle.

Like he did in the first, Nash had the first score of the half but KP would only score once more.

On 41 minutes, Malone levelled for Corofin. But a minute later they were down to 14 with half time substitution Eoin Clancy receiving his marching orders for a second yellow.

Yet this seemed to spur on the side in red as Cahill kicked them ahead on 49 minutes. He made it a two point game and by the time Peter Nash replied with a free with five to play, Corofin’s lead was out to 1-9 to 1-6.

Cahill then kicked four more on the trot down the home stretch as Corofin move on while Kildimo Pallaskenry will slowly shift their attention to senior football in Limerick for the first time in 2022.