Gary Brennan: Cork find enough to survive but consistency remains big concern

Cork preserved their Division Two and Sam Maguire eligibility but it wasn't without a scare amid the stubborn resistance of Offaly in Tullamore

27 March 2022; Mattie Taylor of Cork is congratulated by Cork selector John Cleary after their side's victory in the Allianz Football League Division 2 match between Offaly and Cork at Bord na Mona O'Connor Park in Tullamore, Offaly. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

ULTIMATELY, Cork preserved their Division Two and Sam Maguire eligibillity. That's the most important thing. But it wasn't without its complicatipons against the stubborn resistance of Offaly in an almighty scare in Tullamore. 

Having led the tie for the first 60 minutes, it took cool heads and quality finishing to overturn what became a two-point deficit in the closing stages. In doing so, they answered some questions about spirit and ability to overcome adversity, but questions will remain as to how they allowed themselves to lapse into such a position. Offaly will feel as though they let it slip in the end, but they will also rue a first-half display that only really ignited just before the break.