Paul Kerrigan: ‘One of the most prepared teams I ever was with’

Paul Kerrigan believes the Cork footballers “moved forward” in 2015.

Defeat by Kildare in last Saturday’s fourth round qualifier represented Cork’s earliest championship exit since 2004.

Kerrigan, however, does not agree with the assertion the team regressed during Brian Cuthbert’s second year at the helm.

“We moved forward this year,” he insisted. “I thought going into the Munster championship... now I have been playing with Cork for a good few years, but it was one of the most prepared teams I ever was with.

“Physically, tactically and mentally, we were in an excellent place and I know most of the lads would agree. We came off the back of a big defeat in the league final, we sat down and spoke about that game. We put together a schedule and had a great couple of weeks of training.

“From one to 30, we were going into Munster in right shape. We were spot on to have a good go off Kerry. I did think there was progress there. I know we might be a bit off winning an All-Ireland, but that’s the target I still have.”

Paul Kerrigan is part of the Red Bull Cúl 5 organising team, the five-a-side football tournament which returns this August with leagues taking place in Dublin (St Brigid’s GAA grounds), Cork (Nemo Rangers GAA grounds) and Galway (Salthill Knocknacarra GAA grounds).

All leagues will start on Wednesday, August 5 and run for seven weeks (every Wednesday).

Registrations for Red Bull Cúl 5 leagues are now open at www.RedBull.ie/Cul5.