Brian Hayes interview: ‘You want to be with the group. It is harder when you are on your own’

That All-Ireland final extra-time loss was cruel. He is still processing it; the small margins, how tough it was to take, the resilience they’ve built up that will allow them to bounce back.

FINAL HEARTBREAK: Cork’s Brian Hayes speaks to referee Johnny Murphy at the final whistle of normal time. Pic: James Crombie/Inpho

The Páirc had been overtaken by a delirious rave and the players didn’t want the night to end. 

Having stunned Limerick and saved their championship, Cork and Brian Hayes sat in the stadium until midnight with the merry sound of celebration captivating them.