Vintage Corcoran is still the driving force

TWICE hurler-of-the-year, once as a corner-back, once as the defensive pivot, he returned last year in a new guise at full-forward to cement his reputation as one of the finest hurlers to come out of Cork in many a long day.

And still the doubters were there, questioning whether Brian Corcoran had another championship season in him. After yesterday, in Thurles, that should be that: no more questions. Subdued in a first-half in which very little quality ball came his way, the quiet man of Glounthaune was simply majestic after the change of ends, led from the front as Cork overcame a five point deficit to win by two.

“He proved again what an amazing player he is,” said Joe Deane, who helped himself to 1-3 in the first-half. “Before the break, there was very little ball went into him, he was out of the game. We went in at half-time, and said we’d have to give him more of the ball - it was then he proved what a fantastic player he is. His goal was a huge turning-point, as was his point afterwards over by the stand, an amazing score. Even when things aren’t going well for him, he’ll still fight for the ball, encourage those around him. He’s a great leader to have, a big man, he’s been around. He’s a legend in Cork, everyone in the team looks up to him.”