Patrick Kelly: Passive Cork pay a heavy price

The importance of next Sunday’s game against Louth in Ardee was always fairly evident once the fixtures came out, as to be in with a chance of promotion Cork must have identified Louth and Fermanagh trips as must-wins

PRESS: Cork defender Mattie Taylor under pressure from Donegal duo Caolan McGonagle (left), and Domhnall Mac Giolla Bhride at MacCumhaill Park in Ballybofey. 

Travelling by bus from Cork City to Donegal on a Saturday in January isn’t appetising at the best of times but the long journey home Sunday night must be particularly gruelling for John Cleary and his Cork squad after a disappointing showing in Ballybofey. 

This result and performance will not define Cork’s league campaign as, on paper at least, it was their most difficult assignment.