John Cleary praised his team for the manner in which they competed.
People are still arguing over the validity of the penalty award.Ĭlifford was ice cool from the spot and although Cork upped their game considerably during the closing stages, they never recovered from Clifford’s converted penalty.ĭisappointment for Cork goalkeeper Míchéal Aodh Martin but better days like ahead for the Rebels. No one in the stadium seemed sure at the time. Whether you agree or disagree with David Gough’s assertion that Seán Powter’s foul on Paul Geaney denied a clear goal-scoring opportunity is a moot point at this stage. In the blink of an eye, it was 0-10 to 0-9. Two Brian Hurley scores along with Killian O’Hanlon and Seán Powter efforts.
The third quarter delivered one of Cork’s best spells of the afternoon. Cork huffing and puffing, Kerry in control and in the lead. Midfielders Diarmuid O’Connor and Jack Barry battled for every ball as if their lives depended on it.īy half time, the script remained unchanged. Paudie Clifford and Paul Geaney threatened on either wing. David Clifford showed glimpses of his undeniable talent. That’s because, normally, Kerry are the script-writers. What better way to underline your progress than turning over one of your greatest rivals?Īlas, Kerry hadn’t read the script. Hope that John Cleary and the Cork senior footballers would take that next important step towards returning their county to the top echelons of the senior football championship. If there is such a thing as a free punch in inter-county football, this was it.Īlthough the ground was far from full and the atmosphere nothing like when the Cork hurlers line out in the Munster championship, there was still an undeniable sense of hope amongst Cork’s hardcore football supporters. In contrast, a misfiring Kerry had lost their impressive home championship record to a rejuvenated Mayo. Why not? Cork had taken a huge amount of pressure off their shoulders by edging Louth in their group opener. Yet in the hours leading up to last weekend’s All-Ireland group clash, the air was thick with the prospect of another Mark Keane ambush.
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