JBM praises panel effort

Cork manager Jimmy Barry Murphy was high in his praise of his players after they dug deep to carve out an All-Ireland SHC quarter-final win over Waterford yesterday.

Waterford looked on target to reach the last-four with the game in the final quarter, but some changes in personnel coupled with a strong display late on earned the Rebels victory in Thurles.

"We showed great legs today and the substitutes that came on were very, very good," admitted Barry-Murphy in the aftermath.

"We have plenty of subs who can do well when they come in and they all did very well today I thought.

"I thought Stephen McDonnell was magnificent today. Maybe we gave him a bit of a hard time after the league final.

"Sean Óg (Ó hAilpín) was outstanding in the final quarter and really stood up when we needed it."

Waterford led by three points late on, but Cork battled back to take the verdict and prolong their summer campaign.

The Rebels boss also had great praise for the Waterford players who contributed to an excellent game.

"It can be hard to get into the game, but I thought in fairness to Waterford they really put it up to us.

"We couldn't get the ball beyond their half-back line and all of their backs were magnificent.

"In the last 10 minutes we got on top again and I thought we got some fantastic scores to put us ahead."

Barry-Murphy said his players really stood up to be counted at an important stage.

"The pace of the game can be hard when subs come in, but they all played a big part. The subs were the key I really think.

"Most teams at this level are at a great level of fitness, we led well early on but then we faded and came back. It's something we have to look at."