A FOURTH STRAIGHT defeat for the Cork hurlers last night yet the spirited and defiant nature of their performance offered hope for their 2016 campaign.
A thrilling clash in Páirc Uí Rinn saw Kilkenny claim a 2-23 to 2-22 success after substitute John Power banged over the winning point.
The defeat condemns Cork to a relegation playoff but a week after getting wiped out by Dublin, this was a level of improvement that Cork desperately needed.
“Everyone of us had to have a look in the mirror after last week up in Croke Park,” admitted attacker Seamus Harnedy.
“It’s very bittersweet there now. A lot of positives from us tonight, we’d a point to prove as well. You can’t fault anyone from 1-20, who played in that game.
“They gave their heart and soul to that game. I just hope we can build on that now.
“We always knew we had an uphill battle after the first three rounds. It’s a testament to a very good Kilkenny team to keep fighting to the end.
“Obviously it’s disappointing not to get even a point there at the end, but we’re going to keep plugging away at it.”
Harnedy hailed the Cork supporters for sticking with the side despite their recent poor form.
“The one thing you have to commend is the Cork support there tonight. They were unbelievable for seventy minutes.
“After the first three rounds, they could have jumped ship but unbelievable in Páirc Uí Rinn again tonight, they really helped us grind there for the full 70 but unfortunately we got sucker-punched there at the end.”
His own display secured the man-of-the-match award but Harnedy deflected such praise.
“As long as I’m contributing to the team, I’m a happy man. (Conor) Lehane put another on the plate for me there earlier on, easily should have another one.
“We’re a lot more unified there tonight and hopefully a sign of good things to come. A lot of these players are unreal lads and I love going to battle with them.
“We knew it was in us. We’ve good guys behind us and we’ve got good players, good character in the squad.”
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