Patrick Kelly: Whisper it, but Meath scrape was more than a win for Cork

Prior to the new rules, I felt Cork had been playing a far too passive brand of football. This version of Cork is quite different with an admirable honesty and work rate coupled with an attractive style of play

GET IN: Cork's Ian Maguire celebrates the Rebels' important Division 2 win over promotion rivals Meath at Páirc Ui Rinn. Pic: Seb Daly/Sportsfile

THE WEEKEND'S Allianz FL Division Two results essentially means it is now a three-team promotion race between Cork, Meath and Derry vying for the top two spots and promotion to Division 1. 

Cork’s narrow but well-deserved two-point victory over Meath at Páirc Uí Rinn means that they know victory in their remaining home game against Kildare may well be enough to secure a return to the top division for the first time in a decade. 

Although the pitch played quite heavy, the setting of Pairc Ui Rinn for an attendance of just over 6,000 is ideal in comparison to being lost in the vast surrounds of Pairc Ui Chaoimh. Sunday's encounter reminded me of the round robin victory over Donegal back in 2024; there’s a great buzz in the old stadium for Cork football games and it helped drag Cork over the line.

Prior to the new rules, I had felt that Cork had been playing a far too passive brand of football; often conceding kickouts, slow lateral play with an over reliance on one or two forwards and the power of runners from deep. This version of Cork is quite different with an admirable honesty and work rate coupled with an attractive style of play.

Cork’s opposition press is as good as anybody’s. Their two lines of four was a feature last year and it was used to great effect again against Meath, in the first half in particular. Admittedly, the Royals were limited by the strong breeze in their faces but Cork still laid the foundation for their seven-point lead at half time with their aggressive press. The sending off of Ian Maguire put paid to any press but the work until that point was again impressive.

At the opposite end, the Cork kickout was also put under significant pressure with few opportunities for short options. It will be a position of interest for the months ahead as Micheal Aodh Martin showed his shot stopping ability and composure in his first start of the season. A late injury in Offaly robbed Patrick Doyle of another opportunity to showcase his talents with the Knocknagree man’s short kickout repertoire offering genuine competition to the more experienced custodian from Nemo. Despite the conditions and numerical disadvantage Cork’s organisation on long kickouts and commitment to breaking ball was essential in breaking the Meath onslaught enough to hold out.

I spoke of Cork’s bravery in their kickout press but I also think a new sense of self-confidence is being displayed in their team selections. Cork again selected four out and out forwards with Dara Sheedy, Mark Cronin, Chris Og Jones and Steven Sherlock not known for anything other than scoring and creating. Throw in Sean McDonnell on the wing, who is a potent forward at club level, and you have enough talent to ensure Cork will rack up high tallies on a consistent basis. We all know what Steven Sherlock brings. He is unerring from deadballs, a two-point threat from outside the arc and a lethal goal poacher.

While he didn’t set the world alight, from a football perspective it is so good to see forwards of his style being accommodated once again.

Jones and Cronin are now well established at this level and their trajectory remains on an upward curve. Cronin is more creative, while also being a major two-point threat. Jones is more elusive; he puts the head down and takes men on. He creates dangerous situations with his low center of gravity and willingness to take chances. Both were superb yesterday; combining for 1-9 from play showing real leadership throughout.

HOLD ME BACK: Cork's Mark Cronin is hauled back by Meath's Seamus Lavin at a packed Páirc Ui Rinn. Pic: Seb Daly/Sportsfile

Finally, to Sheedy. He has been earmarked for a while as a future senior star. Word came back before Christmas that he was seriously impressing in the senior football environment. He was bright in his cameo against Cavan but on Sunday he stole the show. His balance and speed in possession was refreshing. At his age to kick four points from play against last year’s All Ireland semi-finalists is a serious statement of his potential. Cork football has been waiting for a few years for Cathail O’Mahony, Conor Corbett and Hugh O’Connor to realise their underage potential but the step up to senior is never straightforward with injuries, etc. The signs are postive for the Bantry man.

In midfield, Ian Maguire was heroic until his harsh red card. He has been eased back into proceedings following the Barrs Munster campaign but he remains vital to Cork football. Colm O’Callaghan and himself form a formidable midfield pairing and it is hard to see Cork being dominated aerially by any team this year. With Sean Walsh an able deputy, Paul Walsh capable of moving Cork looked well stocked for the year ahead. Defensively Cork did ok. Daniel O’Mahony did as well as anybody could against the mercurial Jordan Morris. Tommy Walsh’s fitness is vital for Cork, as is Luke Fahy’s. Both showed their defensive qualities and bravery in defining moments near the end.

Every available evidence suggests that this Cork team is ready to return to Division One football. Kildare at home either side of trips up north to face Derry nexy Sunday and then Tyrone in Omagh could define their season. 

The buzz is back for Cork football.

CORK SPORT

A collection of the latest sports news, reports and analysis from Cork.