'It’s worth any bit of hardship': Conor Lehane on extra-time and earning his Cork revival

Cork forward Conor Lehane reflects on missed chances, mental resilience, and the dramatic twist that reignited his season

Conor Lehane's 65th minute point in the All-Ireland semi-final against Dublin was his first Croke Park score since the same stage of the championship seven years previous. Pic: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

The last time I sat opposite Conor Lehane was at Midleton’s 2021 county final press evening. The last question I put to him inquired about a return to red.

After 10 seasons on the inter-county stage, 2021 was his first time out of the Cork loop. His focus was exclusively trained on club matters. He was tearing up the same club arena. A top-scoring total of 0-42 - 0-25 from the placed-ball - in Midleton’s five game run to the local decider.