Johnny Kelly: 'We'll go away and try and make sure that that never happens again'

GAA All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Quarter-Final, FBD Semple Stadium, Thurles, Tipperary 21/6/2026

Johnny Kelly says that Offaly must make sure that the 26-point beating they suffered against Cork doesn’t happen again.

The Faithful manager agreed that the outcome was a worst-case scenario, but hopes his young players can channel the experience as a “springboard” to accelerate their development.

“You can talk about it and set up and you can be motivated, but we did realise that we were coming up against a top-level team, something that these players wouldn't have experienced up until now,” he said.

“It's done now, it's under the belt, and we'll go away and try and make sure that that never happens again.” 

Kelly’s side tried to free up Killian Sampson to sweep, but Cork were effortlessly able to navigate around him with their mix of long and short passing.

“We covered a couple of areas and did quite well, but then they had their targetmen on the inside line and they got some high ball in there and did damage to us,” said Kelly.

“You push up and then their running game comes into it and they break into space, so they have it every way.

“For us, it was a matter of which is the lesser of two evils as we went on during the game.

“We did everything we could within our power to address that, but look, these are the days that are sobering. You move on, you get over it quickly, and put a plan in place for next year.” 

Kelly feels that “physicality and powerful running” is the gap that Offaly must bridge.

“It's that power and pace that we have to get to. We've got to get them stronger, fitter.

“Pace is a huge part of this game. If you're lacking pace in a certain part of the field, you'll get exposed. Sometimes we have to do our best to disguise that and cover it up.” 

Kelly acknowledged the highs and lows of a year that brought league relegation before achieving a landmark qualification from the Leinster Championship.

“People would say that it was a good year for Offaly. It's been a really testing year from a number of different areas.

“We had illness within the camp, we had injuries within the camp, a very young team that's expected to play league games week in, week out, which clashes with the third-level education. 

There was times you were wondering, would you have 26 for a game at the start of the year?

“Overall, it's a good enough year, but one that certainly does test every sinew in management and players alike, so we keep doing our best and hopefully the supporters see that and continue to follow this team.” 

Kelly frequently ended his answers by referring to next year. When asked if that meant he intended to continue as manager into a fifth season, the Portumna native chuckled before replying.

“I have no idea where I'm going next week. I have no idea. I have to get away from it for a while myself now. I'll just get a break and see.

“I genuinely haven't even thought what's the way to go forward yet, so we'll wait and see.”