Cork were looking for a fourth consecutive President's Cup victory. It was the first competitive game for new Dundalk manager Vinny Perth since taking over from Stephen Kenny.[5]
In the 36th minute Dane Massey put Dundalk ahead with a powerful header from six yards out after a corner form the right. In first-half injury time Patrick Hoban made it 2–0 with a header to the right corner from six yards out after a cross from Michael Duffy on the left.[6]Kevin O'Connor pulled one back for Cork in the 65th minute with a free-kick into the top left corner of the net.[7]
