Ben O'Connor praises Cork hurlers after 'big performance' in tough conditions against Kilkenny
Cork manager Ben O'Connor has praised his players after a win over Kilkenny. Pic: Ray McManus/Sportsfile
On the Richter scale of Ben O’Connor’s post-match interviews, this was a lowly one.
Of course, he could have been left counting Cork’s missed goals chances but he was happy. Pretty happy.
“Tough conditions out there. Got a big performance out of every fella who started, and the subs came on and made a difference as well. We’re delighted, it’s another day out and another win under our belt.”
Cork could sleepwalk their way through their remaining round games and make another Division 1A final but O’Connor won’t be having any of it.
“Competition's hot. We've 37 on our panel. So that means there's 11 fellas – now we’ve a few injuries – but that means 11 fellas weren’t even togged out today.
“We can only put on five from the 26 today. So, that's what it's all about. And fellas are after buying into it. If they're getting game time or not getting game time, they have something to offer and keep driving fellas on.”
O’Connor continued: “If you were above at training next Tuesday night, you'd see the competition. Any fella that puts the handbrake on is going to be left behind. That's just the way it is. We're not minding ourselves. We're driving on full belt.”
Afterwards in Kilkenny, Cork’s players stayed long on the field to pose for photographs and sign autographs for their throngs of supporters who made the trip.
“Our support is unreal,” glowed O’Connor. “When we went up to Galway, there was over half the crowd Cork. And here again today there's half the crowd Cork. We’d 31,000 three weeks ago in Cork. We’d 21,000 for the Waterford game. We know how well we're supported.
“And we don't want to let anyone down. If we came out there without putting on a performance, and people travelling down, spending the money to get down this far, it would have been a shame, but in fairness to the boys they dug it out.
“When Barry (Walsh) got the goal, a great cheer went up, and then we went 12 minutes without a score, and we got the next score. That gives the fellas a fierce boost when you hear the crowd behind you.”
Derek Lyng was happy his players didn’t throw in the towel. “Really pleased with the character that we showed, fought right to the end. And look, that is it. We have to dust ourselves off now, and we can't feel sorry for ourselves and get ready for next weekend (v Galway).”
Regarding the new 30-metre free advancement being introduced from the end of the month, O’Connor gave his endorsement. "No issues with it at all. Referees have a hard enough job, not to mind fellas roaring and shouting at them. They'll make mistakes, we'll make mistakes, so why not?"
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