Dean Brosnan: 'Cork are the best team in the country, they just need to show it on the big day'

HEARTBREAKING: Glen Rovers’ Dean Brosnan pictured at the Cork Senior A Hurling final launch in Páirc Uí Chaoimh. Pic: Chani Anderson.

Former Cork hurler Dean Brosnan maintains Cork are the best team in the country, but just haven’t shown such on the biggest day.

Brosnan, who won Munster SHC medals in 2017 and ‘18, said for Cork not to perform on Sunday must be “heartbreaking” for all involved.

“My heart goes out to the lads. I was on the Cork panel for a while and I know the effort that goes into it. They didn't perform on the day, I've been in county finals where that has happened, and it is heartbreaking.

"After everything they have put in, to have that then on the day, it is very tough on them,” said Brosnan, who was representing Glen Rovers at the launch of the Co-Op Superstores Cork PSHC.

While Cork were a tug of Robbie O’Flynn’s jersey away from a replay at the end of last year’s extra-time decider against Clare, not even the closeness of that game and consequent touching distance of glory will compare to the hurt currently running through the group.

“It is obviously very tough that there was only a puck of a ball in it last year, but just knowing that you performed close to your best does give you that bit of clarity that you are good enough. I feel for them and hopefully they refocus.

“In my eyes, they are the best team in the country, they just need to go and show it on the big day.”

In attempting to bounce back from Sunday’s 15-point hammering, Brosnan gave his own personal experience of a similar scenario.

“It happened to us [Glen Rovers] in 2014. We were beaten 16 points in the county final by Sars. It was heartbreaking. Jesus, I remember sitting at home afterwards, didn't want to go anywhere. And just a year later, we won the county. So it can be done, it is a case of refocusing and building back up.

“The team holiday later in the year and that team bonding will be worth everything to them. They can refocus, rebuild their character, and they'll hopefully come back as strong as ever. Age profile is very good. If I was any of them, I'd be itching to get back next year.”

Another former Cork hurler from the middle of the last decade, John Cronin, said there will be learning from the chastening second-half experience.

“There is no beating around the bush, the next few weeks are going to be tough. But they have given us a great summer. The Munster final, I'll never forget it,” Cronin remarked.

Dean Brosnan, Glen Rovers and Conor Power, Blarney, ahead of the CoOp Superstores 2024 Cork Senior A Hurling Championship Final. Pic: Jim Coughlan.

“The duty we have to them now is we have to pick them up. Sunday was very disappointing, but they'll learn from it and they'll be back on the horse next year no doubt.”

Cronin’s 21-year-old Lisgoold clubmate, Diarmuid Healy, was a standout first-half performer against Tipp, shooting three from play, assisting Niall O’Leary’s white flag, winning a converted free, and forcing the turnover for Shane Barrett’s goal.

Cronin said it was unfortunate that Healy was pulled in response to the sending-off of Eoin Downey.

“Typical old Duds, nothing fazes him. He has a lovely mentality about him. He had a really great first half. It was unfortunate with the sending off, he had to come off to fill a back position, because it was really opening up at the time and Jesus, his legs are unbelievable.”