Corofin are back in the All-Ireland final after a hard-fought 2-13 to 1-11 victory over a determined Gaoth Dobhair outfit.
First-half goals from Gary Sice and Martin Farragher proved the difference as the Galway side powered their way back to a Croke Park final. The defending All-Ireland champions were made to work for it by well-drilled and athletic opposition.
Sice's set-piece prowess proved crucial, with the wing-forward collecting 1-7 in total. However, the other stand-out performance came from Galway inter-county star Ian Burke. His distribution and movement was a joy-to-behold in Seán Mac Diarmada Park.
Burke demonstrated all of his ability for Farragher's goal, fielding a high goal and offloading while falling backwards for his fellow inside forward to finish.
Martin Farragher goal for Corofin just before the break! pic.twitter.com/e7QnCZTDdt
— The GAA (@officialgaa) February 16, 2019
In an era with the trial of a new advanced mark and packed defensives, players like Burke capable of winning ball, taking his own score or facilitating team-mates are a prized asset in club and county football.
*Write same tweet I write every time I’ve the pleasure of watching Ian Burke play football* PRESS SEND
— Ciarán Murphy (@saveciaranmurph) February 16, 2019
Ian Burke gets into any team in the country he is that good. #thetoughest #gaa
— Gearóid Hughes (@garoid16) February 16, 2019
Ian Burke is some man to win ball as a forward..high or low! #TheToughest
— Darren Malone (@malone_darren) February 16, 2019
To their credit, Gaoth Dobhair never wilted and come the final ten minutes a Kevin Cassidy point cut the gap to just two points.
Cassidy was a monster on the inside line, finishing the game with 1-02 including a rasping left-footed effort into the top corner and past Bernard de Paor.
Watch Half-Time Highlights as Corofin lead Gaoth Dobhair in the AIB Club Championship Semi-Final here on GAANOW pic.twitter.com/1i7ZmUAIz4
— The GAA (@officialgaa) February 16, 2019
In the end, they fell just short. It means Corofin are set to face the winner of the Dr. Crokes and Mullinalaghta semi-final next month.
SEE ALSO: Watch: Irish Pair Staunton And Bonner Tear It Up In The AFL With Great Goals
