JIMMY BARRY-MURPHY heaped praise on his Cork players after they finally claimed silverware in yesterday’s Munster senior hurling final.
After the ‘bitter pills’ of defeat in 2013, the Cork boss savoured getting over the finish line in first place.
“Needing silverware and getting it are two different things. Lots of counties want to win things, we do too, but it’s fair to say the finals we lost last year were bitter pills.
“Those were hard to take for the group and right through the national league there was a bit of a hangover. Since then the lads have done great. Since the Waterford draw the lads have upped the ante.
“Last year was hard on the players because at the end of the day you’ve won nothing. That is the way we looked at it. I’m delighted for the players and their families. It was tough for them losing those finals so it’s great for them to have silverware. We’re looking forward now to the All-Ireland semi-final.”
Green Flags
Barry-Murphy pinpointed Cork’s two second-half goals as the moments when the game swung in their direction and he expressed his delight for Paudie O’Sullivan in notching that vital second goal.
“The goals were the difference, let’s be honest about it. Today the chances came at the right times and the finishes were worthy of the occasion.
“Limerick had one or two half-chances and we were always hoping we’d get a goal for a cushion. Seamie had had one or two misses and was down a bit in confidence, but he got a great goal. Paudie’s goal was a masterclass in fairness. He’s been through a torrid 18 months.”
Slow Start
The Cork boss admitted that his team had taken their time to get up to speed in the game.
“We started slowly, but there was more of a wind there than people in the stand probably realised. It took us a while to get into our stride. We had some terrible wides but overall the lads stuck great to their task.
“The instructions at half-time were to get the ball in quicker to the inside line. We were a bit deliberate in our play and it suits our style of play to get the ball in quicker to them.
“You were always hopeful the players who you need to get you the crucial scores were there. They really came alive. The team in general worked very hard and it has been a team effort — it’s a cliché but we think we have good subs. William Egan and Stephen Moylan came in and did well.”
