Ian Maguire and Ruairí Deane revel on Cork returns

The heavy playing surface, biting cold weather, poor fare and sparse attendance that accompanied Cork’s McGrath Cup opener against Limerick did not bother Ruairí Deane and Ian Maguire — the midfield pair simply thankful to be back wearing the red and white.

Both have been through the wringer in recent times and while Deane faced the longer road back after rupturing his ACL during the 2014 Munster final, 21-year old Maguire was hit by setback after setback in attempting to overcome a back injury that first reared its head towards the end of 2014.

Prior to Sunday’s one point win in Mallow, Bantry Blues midfielder Deane had not featured for Cork since that Munster final trouncing to Kerry; last February’s league fixture away to Monaghan representing Maguire’s most recent senior appearance.