23/08/2026
All-Ireland Masters challenge cup Semi-Final | Saturday, 22 August | Avanough GAA Club, Laois
London Masters 1-8
Cork Masters 1-14
London Masters’ season came to an end on Saturday as Cork Masters progressed to the All-Ireland Plate Final following a hard fought semi final in Avanough, Laois.
It was a cagey opening, with both sides taking time to settle into the contest. Kenny O’Connor and Lorcan Mulvey with scores for London as the sides traded scores with Cork, leaving the game finely balanced at 2-2.
The first key moment came when Vinny Murphy found the net with a well taken goal to give London some breathing space. A further point from PJ Meehan saw London lead 1-3 to 0-3 at the first water break.
Cork responded well in the second quarter, working a couple of well constructed scores, but London kept their noses in front with another Kenny O’Connor free and a point from Paul McDermott.
At half-time, London held a narrow 1-5 to 0-6 advantage.
The second half began with both teams battling to gain control. Cork edged closer with a couple of early points, but another O’Connor score ensured London remained in front.
London then looked to have regained control when Peter Downey won possession around midfield and fed Lorcan Mulvey, who produced a superb long range point. It would have been a two pointer under the new rules, but on this occasion it was worth just the one.
Rather than deflating Cork, however, the score appeared to spark them into life. The Munster side produced a purple patch, hitting 1-2 before the next water break to turn the game on its head. London now found themselves trailing 1-7 to 1-10.
Cork finished the game strongly and began to dominate possession, with London’s backs having to work tirelessly to keep them at bay.
Danny Ryan led an admirable defensive effort, but Cork were increasingly finding their spare men and creating opportunities for a number of well worked points.
London battled to the very end, with JP O’Donnell adding a late point, but Cork had done enough and eventually ran out 1-14 to 1-8 winners.
Congratulations to Cork Masters on reaching the cup Final, and best of luck to them in the final.
A huge thanks also to everyone who represented London Masters throughout the season, and to all those who travelled, supported and helped the team along the way.
London Masters v Cork: F Kane, P Donnelly, D Ryan, M Green, T Draper,
M Keane, M Hodnett, P McDermott, B Friel, R Dempsey, L Mulvey, PJ Meehan, V Murphy K O’Connor, F Cunningham. Finishers: K Clarke, P Downey, JP O’Donnell, C Langford,
J Wilson, D Igoe, P Donaghy, A O’Connor, T Gallagher