Cork feeling the pain, says Nolan

ANY All-Ireland final defeat is a dejecting experience but for the Cork camp yesterday’s defeat was even more wounding.

The identity of Kerry as their conquerors in the All-Ireland series for the fifth year in a row was tough to absorb and also the manner in which the high levels of optimism the Cork camp held before the game were dashed. Cork selector Jim Nolan admitted the mood was downcast.

“It’s very disappointing how we performed. We got a good start and got that goal, so were playing well. Kerry came back straight away though and were leading at half-time. But we were still only two points down and I felt we were doing okay and in contention. We got it back to a point in the second half and were playing well.