'I think the big belief comes from beating a Division 1 team,' Cleary insists

When Tommy Conroy goaled on 56 minutes to move Mayo six clear, Cleary knew his team would not go meekly.

MASSIVE SCALP: Cork manager John Cleary celebrates with physio Brian O'Connell after the game. Pic: ©INPHO/Evan Treacy

John Cleary had several reasons to be cheerful. The final quarter comeback, the bench contribution, the victory, the size of the victory, and the home preliminary quarter-final it secured.

But right up there in that long list was beating Division 1 opposition. Sunday’s victory was only Cork’s third time to do so in the past 12 years. The previous two were Munster semi-finals against Kerry in 2012 and ‘20.