MANAGER JIMMY BARRY-MURPHY says Cork’s wounded pride stung them into action against Waterford.
The Rebels ran out 14-point winners in yesterday’s Munster SHC replay to set up a semi-final showdown against All-Ireland champions Clare.
It was worlds apart from the performance that saw them trail by nine points in the drawn game a fortnight ago before they dug deep to get out of jail.
JBM says that his players didn’t need to be told to step up their efforts the second time around.
“We were very poor in the drawn game. I couldn’t get my head around why.
Today we recovered from that display and showed a better attitude. We picked up our pace. We’ve started poorly in games but we improved today.
“[The players] are not fools,” he added. “They saw how we played the last day and that’s not good enough in Munster championship hurling.”
Much of the debate in Semple Stadium yesterday centred on Waterford keeper Stephen O’Keeffe and his bravery in charging off his line to block one of Anthony Nash’s trademark 21-metre frees.
But was it within the rules?
“I have no problem with that,” Barry-Murphy said afterwards. “The keeper is entitled to do what he can within the rules. Let the referee do his job.”
With the game put to bed, Cork had a chance to bring Paudie O’Sullivan off the bench for his first Championship action since he broke his fibula and tibia in April of last year.
I’m delighted to see him back. He’s had a horrendous time, and a number of operations. I’m just thrilled for him.
“Our physio Declan O’Sullivan has done a huge amount of work with him and it was a great boost for everybody to see him back on the pitch.”
The biggest challenge now for Barry-Murphy and Cork is managing their quick turnaround before they take on Clare in Semple Stadium this Sunday, 15 June.
It’s a huge challenge. We know the calibre of the team we’re meeting — you don’t need me to tell you how good Clare are.
“We’ve a week’s rest, which isn’t too bad, but at least we’re there now.
“The cards have been dealt, we’ll recover now, and the win should stand to us. We’re hopeful we’ll give a good account of ourselves.”
