Pat Ryan: We'd have bitten your hand off for All-Ireland semi spot after Clare loss

BITTEN YOUR HAND OFF: Cork manager Pat Ryan delighted to reach the All-Ireland semi-final. Pic Credit: Laszlo Geczo, Inpho.

Had you told Pat Ryan after back-to-back Munster round-robin defeats left Cork’s season on life support as early as April 28 that they’d wind up in an All-Ireland semi-final, he’d have “bitten your hand off”.

Since falling to Waterford and Clare on the opening two weekends of the hurling championship, Cork have embarked on a four-game winning run last achieved 18 years ago.