Quirke vows to keep feet on the ground

Cork goalkeeper Alan Quirke has vowed his side will remain grounded after yesterday’s win over Kerry.

Conor Counihan’s side were last night installed as hot favourites for the provincial decider against Clare on July 8 but Quirke insisted that they will give Micheal McDermott’s side ‘the respect they deserve’.

He told RTÉ Radio: “We’re into a Munster final now against Clare and they had a great win on Saturday night. We’re looking forward to that.

“Clare will fancy their chances on the quiet. They’ve a good record against Cork over the years and they’ve always given us a good game.

Quirke impressed throughout, and displayed tremendous bravery when denying Kieran Donaghy moments before half time.

But Quirke downplayed his heroics: “He came in off his right and I was down on his boot. There were a few other defenders in his way so it was hard enough to get a shot off. As Billy Morgan always says, ‘That’s what I’m there for’.

“There was a lot of good block-downs in the first half so that was pleasing but you’d have to ask the question as to how they are getting into those positions as well. We’ll look at that during the week.”

And Quirke also received words of congratulations from his opposite number in the hurling squad with the injured All-Ireland winning custodian Donal Óg Cusack tweeting: “Congrats to cork today...really impressive performance...as a keeper thought A.Quirke outstanding — handling, distribution and 2 vital saves.”