Rebels answer doubters

THIS wasn’t just about guaranteeing holders Cork a place in the Guinness All-Ireland hurling championship quarter-final, irrespective of how they fare in the Munster final.

With all the flair, efficiency and self-assurance which manager John Allen has heralded in the face of expressions of doubt about the team and individual players, the All-Ireland champions showed in Thurles yesterday they are back with a bang.

Hapless Clare, who promised much over an impressive opening 20 minutes, were simply unable to compete on level terms on a day when superb play from Joe Deane was one of the main highlights.