Rebels experimenting with sweeper

SUNDAY’S McGrath Cup semi-final win over Cork IT saw Cork again employ the ‘sweeper’ system that was utilised in the quarter-final victory over Clare, with Fintan Goold operating in a deep role.

For selector Terry O’Neill, it’s a worthy experiment and now is the right time to attempt it.

“You look at playing a few different systems and see how they figure,” O’Neill explained after the game. “Nothing is set in stone, if you don’t try a few things in matches like this, or in challenge games, you’ll never know.”

One of the players who benefited from the extra space provided in attack during the 2-17 to 0-7 win was Cork’s Paul Kerrigan, who scored 1-6. Having played in a similar role — though not retreating as deeply — he is well-placed to see the advantages of the system.

He said: “I played a bit deeper myself last year, coming out from corner forward, and it leaves room for other players. With swarm defences you’ll take all the space you can get.

“It worked well in patches, this is the time of year to try it. I think Fintan is clever enough to play in the role, he played very well and it was worth trying it to give another option.”

Should Cork continue to use the tactic, it will surely face stiffer tests than that posed by the students on Sunday. Cork had scored 1-8 before CIT got off the mark and the outcome was never in doubt.

Kerrigan continued: “We started well, last year that wasn’t something we’d do too often, we were left chasing games. It’s good, a lot of young fellas came in and got game time, they looked sharp and hungry and we’ve another game next week, which is fantastic.

“I was surprised with the margin at half-time but there was no complacency. You know fellas are sharp after the winter, they’ve been in the gym and been boxing, they just can’t wait to get out on the field.”

Four of Kerrigan’s six points came from placed balls, three frees and a 45. While he might not expect to be taking them come championship, he’s happy to show that he can convert. “I don’t know if I’ll be putting Donncha (O’Connor) under pressure but at least I’m an option for the lads anyway!”