Barry-Murphy airs a few worries

In the aftermath of yesterday’s win, Jimmy Barry-Murphy was still concerned by the areas Cork need to work on.

Waterford had come within a score of a place in the All-Ireland semi-final, and the Rebel manager acknowledged that the Déise dominance in the air was a worry.

“We didn’t seem to win any breaking ball from puck outs,” said Barry-Murphy.

“It was a concern at half-time. In the last ten minutes we showed great legs and the substitutes did very well. I’ve been saying it all along. We’re trying to build a panel and they all did very well when they came on.”

One player in the wilderness since the league final defeat had redeemed himself, said Barry-Murphy.

“Stephen McDonnell really answered us. Maybe we gave him a bit of a hard time after the league final but he was magnificent today. Seán Óg was outstanding in last quarter when we needed him and lifted the team, I thought.”

Waterford enjoyed a three-point lead as the closing stages approached, and Barry-Murphy admitted that Cork had found it hard to get to grips with their opponents.

“When Cathal (Naughton) came on, it can be hard to get into the game. But Waterford really put it up to us. They took the game by the scruff of the neck. We couldn’t get the ball off their half-forward line or their half-back line. But the last ten minutes we got on top again and got some fantastic scores when we needed them. The subs were the key.”

Barry-Murphy also felt Cork’s fitness was crucial in the closing ten minutes.

“We have been working very hard at it all year. I think most teams at this level have that level of fitness. But we had the breeze as well. We led by six points against it which was a huge effort but we faded completely for 20 minutes.

“Their half-back line and midfield got on top of us completely. But the subs that came on, Lorcan and Darren Sweetnam, were a great help to us as well.”

The Cork icon paid tribute to the contribution of defender Tom Kenny in limiting John Mullane.

“He (Mullane) was doing a lot of damage at times. In fairness, he is their talisman and he lifted them. We had to stop him having a big impact on the game.

“I thought he had a very good game but I thought Tom did a good job on him.”

Barry-Murphy said he was happy with the development of the team overall but added that a display like yesterday’s wouldn’t suffice against Galway in the All-Ireland semi-final.

“I’m delighted, I’m always making the point that we are making progress but it can be difficult. They’re hard games to win. We’re coming from a long way back against these teams who have been at the top for a number of years. Some of our players are maturing. Obviously, that display wouldn’t be good enough against Galway. There is no doubt about that but when you’re there, you have a chance.

“We’re in an All-Ireland semi-final and that’s where we wanted to be.

” There is great spirit in the camp. They have put in a huge effort. Croke Park is where we wanted to be and we’re there now.”