'We were the better team throughout,' says Tompkins
Both counties are no strangers to each other having met in the provincial championships on numerous occasions, but this will be an historic first between them in an All-Ireland semi- final.
Cork secretary Frank Murphy urged both sets of supporters to get ready for another trip to the capital in three weeks time as the game, to be played at Croke Park, another historic first.
Asked how he felt about meeting Kerry for a third time this season, Cork coach Larry Tompkins said he had absolutely no reason to think about such a fixture until the game against Mayo was over.
“We could not afford to look beyond the game with Mayo. There have been too many cases in the past of counties slipping up when least expected.
“Our lads were totally focused on today’s game and now that we have won it, we’ll enjoy the rest of the night and begin to plan for the Kerry match later in the week.
“Today was a tough contest all through but I felt we were in control from the start. We had a couple of anxious moments but overall we got what we came for, which was a win and a place in the semi-final.
“Defensively we were outstanding this afternoon. I am loath to single out any player but they all did their job superbly. Midfield also played a key role which was always going to be an important area and we won that hands down.
“When Mayo did attack, we regularly managed to dispossess them which must have been very frustrating. It was a hard day for football but our lads stuck to their task and deserved their victory.”
Refusing to accept that Cork could have let it slip, Tompkins admitted his side missed a couple of goal chances which would have put them out of sight of Mayo.
“We were always six points a better team and their late goal only put a more respectable look on the final scoreline. Overall I felt we were the better team throughout.”
Team captain Colin Corkery who kicked one magnificent point from under the Cusack Stand said he was very pleased with the team’s overall performance.
“There was nothing fancy about it. It was all about getting to the next stage of the championship and I’m pleased to have made it.
“Once again our defence were superb, they chased and harried the Mayo forwards at every opportunity and Mayo’s huge tally of wides was more down to tremendous defensive play by our backs rather than their poor finishing.
“It’s a sign of a good team that they can bring on players who can make a significant contribution. We are extremely fortunate in this regard.
“Looking to the game against Kerry, it goes without saying that we will have to improve in a number of areas as Kerry looked extremely impressive in their win over the All-Ireland champions Galway on Saturday.”
The often maligned Brendan Ger O’Sullivan, who kicked four marvellous points, said it was a difficult game to play in because of the intense heat.
“We wasted a lot of chances to kill Mayo off which won’t do against Kerry and it’s an area we will have to brush up on before the semi-final. While 16 points is a good score, a goal or two would not have been out of place. Their keeper brought off a great save in the first half, I was certain it was going in. It’s great to be playing Kerry again and while they will be favourites, we’ll be ready for them.”
Outstanding corner-back Anthony Lynch heaped praise on his goalkeeper Kevin O’Dwyer for a string of brilliant saves.
“Kevin is having a great season and we are all delighted for him. We should have beaten Mayo by a lot more but you have to give them a certain amount of credit for the manner in which they battled on. But in fairness the final scoreline is a bit flattering to them.”
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