'Proud' Ben O'Connor says Cork 'weren't at the races' against Galway 

The Rebels came up short in the final four clash with the Leinster champions. 

PRIDE: Cork manager Ben O'Connor leaves the pitch. Pic: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Ben O'Connor says he's proud of the effort put in by his Cork team in his first season in charge, but admits Galway outworked the Rebels on Saturday. 

The Leinster champions ran out comfortable winners in a dramatic All-Ireland SHC semi-final at Croke Park.

"I'm very disappointed," O'Connor told RTÉ's Damien Lawlor. "Disappointed for the supporters that came up. Disappointed for the lads more than anything else because they've a fierce effort put in since last November.

"And I suppose they're the fellas that are going to suffer for the next few days. We've a lot of soul searching. Look, we're a better team, we were outworked. They hurled better than us and we were just not at the races today.

He continued: "There's space out there for a finish. I suppose after the sending off it reinforces that. And as you said, space is out there. It's very hard to fill gaps. Look, my lads, very proud of them. Today isn't a true reflection of what they're about. 

"But they're a fierce effort given and I just hope that the Cork GAA people there will just thank him for it. But it wasn't our day."

The Newtownshandrum clubman said Cork were in a strong position but panic may have set in as the game drifted from them.

"Yes, I suppose six or seven minutes before half-time we thought we were in a good place. We were five points up at that stage and went in only a point up.

"So we conceded a few scores before the halftime break. They got the first few scores after the halftime as well, so that put us on the back foot. I suppose, look, maybe a small bit of panic, maybe we went for goals a bit early.

"Instead of tapping the ball over the bar next to you, all of a sudden there's five minutes left and you're definitely going for goals at that stage and the men down. So, no, very disappointed, but look, proud of my lads."