Players stood up and were counted, says Morgan

LEGENDARY Cork football manager Billy Morgan greeted the final whistle of yesterday’s Munster Final with mixed emotions.

“We could have won but then on the other hand we could have quite as easily lost it,” said Morgan, as no-hopers Cork gave the reigning champions the fright of their life in a gripping and highly controversial battle.

“Although no one gave us a chance, I knew deep down that these Cork players have pride and character in abundance.

“They were asked to stand up and be counted in the league against Monaghan when the threat of relegation loomed and they delivered, just as they did on this occasion. They gave it 100% and I would not swap these guys for anything.

“They have the heart of lions and the fighting spirit of tigers. I am just so proud of them,” said Morgan, after the sun had settled on a terrier-like Cork performance which rocked Kerry on their heels.

“We played very well early on and were looking good coming up to half-time but Anthony Lynch’s sending off was a real body blow for us. I didn’t see what happened and therefore I am in no position to comment on it. It occurred up in the left corner and I had no view of it. But it gave Kerry a new lease of life.

“We are unlucky not to have got a goal when we were in full flight early on. But these things happen in football and you just got to live with it and get on with things.

“We faded a bit after half- time when our numerical disadvantage began to take its toll and when Kerry went a point in front things did not look well from our perspective. But our lads dug deep and fought back with great tenacity and willpower and that is what pleased me most about this particular performance.

“We were totally written off after the Limerick game, but I personally was pleased by our performance on that occasion after an admittedly slow start. I knew we were much better than people depicted us and I think we proved that.

“I don’t think anybody will castigate us again as much as they did before this game because these lads did themselves and their county proud as good as any Cork team have done in the past.”

Now it is all to play for again in Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Sunday next. Morgan’s only comment on the replay was: “Tradition shows that Kerry have a great record of success against Cork in Munster final replays. But like today, we won’t be found wanting.”