Manager Ryan in awe of marvellous Rebels

Cork 2-15 Monaghan 0-12

Ryan hoped his players would rise to the challenge in Saturday’s All-Ireland semi-final against Monaghan, the side that beat them by three points in the Division 1 final.

Ryan reflected: “The league final was a factor. When you’re beaten, the doubts set in that you’re on the way down and Monaghan are an up and coming team. That was a huge challenge – to meet that head on, and we did. That was satisfying.”