CORK BOSS JIMMY Barry-Murphy has praised the contribution of trainer Dave Matthews in helping to fashion yesterday’s Munster semi-final win over Clare and hit back at criticism of his side’s fitness levels earlier this year.
Cork produced a storming second-half display to take the honours and Barry-Murphy believes there was too much focus placed on their strength and conditioning levels.
“I think it is a load of rubbish to be honest with you. Dave Matthews the same as he did last year has done a great job with the players and Ger Cunningham has done a great job with the coaching of the team.
We were trying to peak for today and I think they played very well. There is a lot made about fitness but we really had geared ourselves this year towards today. Last year we were super fit and there’s a huge emphasis among people in the media and people locally about the fitness and the strength and conditioning.
“I’m thrilled for the players in particular. Morale in Cork hasn’t been good I suppose the relegation seemed to affect people a lot. The lads have worked very hard since the league relegation play off.”
Attacker Luke O’Farrell concurred with Barry-Murphy on Cork’s fitness improvements.
“The relegation final was obviously the important defeat against Clare this year and that was the one we concentrated on, especially the criticism that we weren’t fit. We definitely proved today that our fitness isn’t an issue so overall we are very happy with the performance.
“People kept asking us during the week what was going to happen with three of our biggest players injured but as I said then that can either galvanise a team or have the team fall apart.
“It was a focus for us because we knew the job was even bigger than normal and it was definitely one of the reasons we did so well today.”
Clare’s David McInerney and Luke O’Farrell of Cork
Pic: INPHO/Cathal Noonan
Cork’s decision to play against the wind after winning the toss proved crucial to their victory.
“We traditionally in Cork like to play into the breeze,” admits Barry-Murphy. “We just think it takes time to bed into the game and take 10 or 15 minute and we think it works for us. I thought in the first half our work rate was phenomenal to keep Clare to a manageable position.
“We were lucky they missed two or three great goal chances and on the day the breaks came our way. I thought while everyone was great some of our younger players deserve great credit because it is not easy to come in and play a first game like Seamie (Harnedy) did and I thought Dan Kearney was magnificent at midfield.
“Then again you could mention the older players like Tom Kenny, Brian Murphy and Shane O’Neill, they all showed great leadership.”
