Tony Leen: For Ronan McCarthy and Cork, the long road begins to straighten

The miracle at the City End of Páirc Ui Chaoimh was created by a head-down arse-up culture of hard work and no nonsense from the Cork management team

POCKET ROCKET: Cork's MVP Seanie Powter is blocked down by Kerry's Paul Murphy on Sunday at Páirc ui Chaoimh.

WHATEVER success Ronan McCarthy’s Cork enjoy this winter, or next season if he’s still in charge, will have at its core a non-negotiable set of values, a culture of honesty and a no-bullshit clause. The ultimate compliment from his players yesterday at Páirc Ui Chaoimh was a remarkable, winning performance in his image.

McCarthy isn’t naïve enough to send his Cork group out swinging against the likes of Kerry but the terms of engagement in this Munster Championship semi-final were never going to be anything of that sort. McCarthy’s currency is practicality. The Cork manager also has a bit of Morgan in him at times – respectful but never obsequious when it comes to the crowd from over the county bounds.