Shields: Cork will use revival of 80s for All-Ireland inspiration

CORK defender Michael Shields has described the county’s past record against Kerry in Croke Park as not relevant to the outcome of this year’s All-Ireland Senior Football Championship and believes the current Cork team can take inspiration from the Rebel side in the 1980s which lost two All-Ireland finals before finally tasting glory in 1989 and 1990.

“On the day, we didn’t play well last year, but that’s history. It’s not relevant any more and you have to move on and drive on with this year. Being honest, in the early years when we were up there against Kerry, we were in transition and team building. Bar last year we’re in good form and we’re going nicely.

“I think you look at previous Cork teams, in the 80s, they lost a couple before they won one. I’ve spoke to some of the previous team about that and they’ve all mentioned it to me. You listen to fellas like that and take it on board. Keep going was their main message and I think that’s the best way to approach it.”