Cronin targets three in-a-row
Suggesting that a defeat might have prompted a number of retirements, she expressed confidence that it can be accomplished.
“I think the push will be on for three-in-a-row, they know what it takes to win it,’’ she commented.
“We lost against Wexford in 2007 and they players said they were a little lack-lustre on the day.
“Wexford wanted it more. That was the thing and they deserved it.
“And Cork have to deserve three in a row.
“They just don’t turn up any more; the teams are too close.’’
Cronin, who was the winning captain in 1995 when Cork defeated Kilkenny in the last meeting of the counties, admitted to finding it strange at the final whistle.
“It hasn’t sunk in. I don’t know if it’s because there were no supporters on the field or everyone being so far away ... I can’t really believe it!’’
Agreeing that Kilkenny created more goal chances, she said: “at half time I thought we could have been in a small bit of trouble.
“It was just about getting the 15 that were out there ‘right’ for the second half, see how they progressed and if we still needed to make changes, there was loads of time.
“We were three points up and we have played well against the wind. We weren’t two worried.’’
She praised ‘keeper Aoife Murray for being outstanding ‘again’ and said that the full-back trio had ‘set the standard.
“They continued it for the second half. They were amazing,’’ she added. Overall, it was ‘fabulous.’
Praising wing-back Sarah Hayes for her dedication after returning from a shortened honeymoon last Monday, she agreed it had been pleasing to bring on team captain Amanda O’Regan near the end. “We had a meeting and the girls stood up and said how amazing she has been all year through everything that has happened.’’
Saying that she was ‘thankful’ for the opportunity of coming on for the last few minutes – “I even got to the ball.”
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