Cleary hails battling qualities

Cork boss John Cleary hailed his side’s spirit after they emerged with a dramatic extra-time success against Kerry in last night’s Munster U21 final in Tralee.

“We’re delighted, we got off to a great start to the game but then handed the initiative back to Kerry. We were fortunate to get a goalbefore half-time and we relied on that cushion for long stages. We couldn’t hang on in the end of normal time. We spoke in the dressing-room before extra-time of the need to drive on and we did that.

“We were probably nearly happier to have the draw but we took our opportunity then in extra-time to win. We dug deep after giving away some silly points and we vowed that if we got a lead again, we’d hold onto it. Thanks to be God, we did that. We had to throw everyone on in extra-time. It was all hands on deck after we suffered a few injuries but the subs did brilliantly when they came on.”

Cleary was unhappy with several decisions made by Tipperary referee Keith O’Brien against his side during the game.

“I thought a lot of the referee’s decisions were strange. I felt the free count was scandalously in their favour but that was just my opinion. Maybe they were frees against us. I thought the penalty Kerry got was soft as well and there was a pick-up off the ground as well before that. Our lads in defence were adamant that they didn’t touch the Kerry player. But look that’s the way it happens. Some days it’ll go for you and some days it won’t. You have to accept it and respond to it.”