Jack O'Connor was glad to see his side "digging in and being better defensively"

Jack O’Connor spoke afterwards of the “huge pressure” on his players coming into this game. It didn’t matter how they got over the line, he added.

HUGE PRESSURE: Jack O'Connor said his players were under huge pressure going into the game against Cork. Pic:Eóin Noonan/Sportsfile

Kerry 1-14 Cork 0-15 

Kerry got the win and two points they needed. But as for the response they wanted, that box remains unticked.