'Half-time I thought this was a real car crash' but Jimmy Lee pleased with Limerick reaction

Limerick also wasted two goal chances immediately after the break.

The Shannonsiders are actively striving for consistency, and to play with intent for the full 70 minutes, ahead of heading into the Tailteann Cup.

“They never give up, and this is something that's been about this team. Half-time I thought this was a real car crash, the first one we've had in about two years or something, but they lifted it out,” Lee said.

“The focus was around doing it together rather than individuals. Working as a unit, that was really the key. Steven Sherlock got the last point of the first half and he went 70 metres. It was really about working together as a unit.

“Our second half was good, even stats wise, it was good. You’ll always look to that. We can’t be looking at the negatives all the time, yes you have to deal with them. We showed a lot of character and intent in the second half, we were more aggressive in the tackle. It’s about getting consistency in doing that.

“It is about decision-making of when the shot is on and when it is not. Minding the ball better. At times we were rushing, particularly in the first half when we turned some cheap ball over.

“You'd always expect a reaction, to be fair. And these lads do show character, they did the same against Fermanagh, the second half I think we were 11 points down and they pulled it out of the fire again.

“But I suppose for me it's to try and get to the 70 minutes, that consistency and that intent and that aggression in the tackle. If we can get that transferring right across, that's the reality of it.”

With just six starters from last year’s Tailteann Cup final team lining out against Cork, his injury-hit squad will have to rely on new players stepping up.

“It's not good, there's no point in saying any different. About ten are unavailable. That’s just the hand of cards, unfortunately.

“It's a frustration, all right. I can sit here and say it's frustrating. The coaches, it's frustrating for [them]. But it's also frustrating for the players. They want to put their best foot forward. If I say it's frustrating, am I then saying it to the lads that came in – you know what I mean?

“So, I've got to be balanced in the view of it. The lads are learning their trade. I suppose, we'll get on with it and we'll keep ploughing our way through it. Yes, you'd like to change things. Yes, you'd like to have that competition, but we don't, it’s the harsh realities of sport.

“Look, as we all know – Limerick football – it's not the main sport, so to attract people in, we need to be competitive, to show people that there's a bit to play for here, and there's a bit to drive forward with. You're always creating that competition for places, it's our job to try and keep them on the bus going forward, and hopefully get the rest back, and let's see where that takes us.”