FOR THE PAST two summers, Jimmy Barry-Murphy has been a central figure on Munster hurling final day.
In 2013, Cork slipped up against Limerick but turned the tables twelve months later.
The chance to book a place in the provincial decider beckoned again yesterday but defeat to Waterford sends their campaign swerving in a different direction.
“We have a tough road ahead of us now,” admits Cork boss Barry-Murphy.
“Clare, Dublin and ourselves are there. It is going to be very difficult. We got to face the fact that over the two days Waterford have been the better team. There is nothing you can do about that but regroup and try and lift the lads up.”
It was another display that raises questions about Cork’s inconsistency, the quirk that has come to define this team.
“We are facing that [accusation] all the time. I thought the lads gave it a great effort today. Some days you have to accept that you are beaten by a better team. We got two shots at Waterford and we couldn’t beat them.
“We were up for the game today. In the first-half, I felt we didn’t take our opportunities when we were on top. That was crucial when they got the goals.”
Absent
Cork’s boss explained why key attacker Seamus Harnedy missed out.
“We thought Thursday night he would be okay. He had a slight reoccurrence of it. We weren’t prepared to chance him today, it wouldn’t have been fair to him.
“Patrick Cronin came in and had an excellent game, he hit five points. He showed a great attitude, as always.”
And Barry-Murphy was pleased to see the return of Brian Murphy to their ranks.
“I thought he was outstanding for us. He is great player, gives it everything and we were lucky that he came back and played today.”
