O’Sullivan celebrates ‘a great victory’

BRENDAN Jer O’Sullivan has played some big games for Cork over the years but yesterday was easily his best outing in a red jersey.

Troubled with a back injury that needs surgery after the championship, the Adrigole man scored 1-3 from play, finishing joint top scorer with John Hayes.

“I never doubted our ability to win the game,” he said. “No match is won in the first half, but conceding those two goals did make it harder for us.

“The four point gap at half time was huge and once we got on top at midfield we seemed to take complete control. The passing movement which led to the goal was brilliant.

“The Galway defence seemed to open up as I went through and there was nothing else on my mind at that stage but to kick it as hard as I could. Thankfully it found the net and we went on from there to fashion a great victory.”

Long-serving goalkeeper Kevin O’Dwyer was relieved at the final whistle. He admitted the two Galway goals were the result of mistakes he made, but said: “It doesn’t matter now we won and that is all that matters.

“Billy said to us at half time that we gave away 2-3 and were still in the game and the lads took heart from that. We played some fantastic football in the second half and got some great scores. Anthony’s point, Clifford got a gem of a point, and of course Brendan Jer crowned it with that fabulous goal. After the mistakes I made I’m relieved we won it and don’t care who we play.”

Anthony Lynch, who won the man of the match award, said he never doubted his side’s ability but that Cork had won nothing yet.

“This is just a step along the way to the All-Ireland and obviously I’m delighted to have won the game. We landed in at half-time four points down but I felt we hadn’t played at all for the opening half. Once we got going in the second half your yourself how well we can play and if we continue to improve I would be very hopeful in the semi-final.

“In an open game like it was, a four-point deficit was nothing and I always felt we would come good. This is a very good Cork team that has worked extremely hard to be where it is today.”

Lynch said he is encouraged to go forward whenever possible. “I like attacking from defence, and thankfully managed two points, but I don’t care who scores as long as we win.

“Turning point for me was Brendan Jer’s goal. It was a brilliant effort. We were on a roll at the time and it broke the Galway challenge and they struggled to come back from that.”

Kieran O’Connor was delighted to make his contribution. He had the daunting task of marking Michael Meehan in the second half, and the fact the Galway corner forward only managed a single point is testament to how well the Aghada man played.

“Being on the sideline looking on is never easy and I was delighted to get the chance to play. However it’s a 30-man effort and I’m just pleased to play my part in a fabulous win.”