Pride spurred Cats to victory

THOUGHTS of becoming the first team to retain the All-Ireland title in 10 years were far from the minds of the Kilkenny hurlers at half-time in the semi-final against Tipperary.

It was more a question of pride and survival, according to selector Noel Skehan.

"The one thing that was coming through all the time in the dressing room was that they were not after training all this time to go out on a performance like they gave in the first half. They wanted to up their performance and they did that," he said.

Skehan had no doubt that the six weeks lay-off did affect the team possibly more than the management had anticipated just as it had limited Cork in their first meeting with Wexford.

"You think in your mind that it wouldn't be a problem, because you're playing championship matches at home. But we had been missing the battle that you encounter in games at this level. "The big thing, I'd say, was the pressure of coming out to play Tipperary again. They wanted to be safe, not to make mistakes. I'd say they were a little bit cautious in the first half rather than anything else.

"Basically, in the first half, they weren't settled. The main thing was that we didn't let Tipperary get away on us. We held them at bay early on. We weren't hurling well, but they weren't getting away from us. There was two points in it at half-time. We had a lot of chances and they had a lot of chances, which they drove wide. At half-time, we didn't panic. We didn't make any changes. The lads were more relaxed and they were very keen and very anxious to get back out."

Skehan, who had some great battles with Cork during his illustrious playing career (the first medal he won as a player, was in the classic 1972 final), is looking forward to the All-Ireland SHC date with Cork.

"It's a great final. I must say that Cork have improved immensely since I saw them the first day in the championship. They have a nice blend and they have good hurlers. It will be a different game for the reason that every All-Ireland is different. I'm delighted it's Cork we are playing."

Meanwhile, Cork's prospects of victory in next month's All-Ireland hurling decider should be helped by their two games in the semi-final, according to County Secretary Frank Murphy, a member of last season's management team. Also, he believes that playing the

replay in Croke Park and not Semple Stadium as many supporters would have preferred should be a benefit.

"It's important to realise that this was only the second time that the current crop of players had played in the new Croke Park. The other teams had several opportunities of being there in recent times. It was very important that the replay was played there. It will certainly stand to the team from the point of view of the experience the players will have gained in preparation for the final."

Mr Murphy said Cork had never given any consideration to having the second game against Wexford played in Thurles.

"We looked for Croke Park. While Thurles is a great venue and no one takes from it, you win All-Irelands in Croke Park. I think that any Cork team in a final is always in with a great chance. The approach of the players and management has been very good and there's no doubt about it, the team is performing very well. We would be very hopeful of winning against Kilkenny."

Reflecting on the advances achieved by the team over the last six months, he agreed that it had been "a tremendous turnaround", attributable to the approach of the new management and the commitment of the players.

"There have been significant changes in the panel, but the potential was always there. The younger players who have come into the team have made a startling difference in terms of the strength of the side. They have had a major impact in key positions. The team has progressed tremendously from the first championship match.

"I suppose, it would have been a travesty of justice if a team of their potential had gone out the first day against Wexford, but I don't think that was ever really on the cards. While the teams ended level, we were always looking as if we could win that match. They seemed to be quite comfortable within themselves, even though Wexford led at the interval. After Cork got on top, Wexford showed great character in getting back into the game.

"Nonetheless, it was always felt we had the capabilities of coming back, as we had in the other games, notably against Waterford. People felt the extra game would bring the team on a great deal. It was felt they would win, that they were somewhat rusty after being off six weeks from the Munster final. That, undoubtedly, was a factor. They showed on Saturday what they are capable of. It's wonderful to be back in an All-Ireland final," said Mr Murphy.

He acknowledged manager Donal O'Grady's success in turning around the team's fortunes.

"Donal is an outstanding leader, but he's a man who always earned respect as a player and earned respect also as a great reader of the game. I think he was a great choice and the people around him have worked tremendously well.

"There's no doubt about the fact that there is great unity in the camp."