Brian Barry-Murphy: 'Cork will bounce back with a great manager like Ben O'Connor in charge'

Barry-Murphy was back on Leeside as his Cardiff City side faced Cork City in a friendly at Turner's Cross

LOOKING ON BRIGHT SIDE: Brian Barry-Murphy has backed the Cork hurlers to bounce back under Ben O'Connor. Pic: Jim Coughlan.

Brian Barry-Murphy insists, with a light laugh, that organising Cardiff City’s week-long training camp in Cork in the week leading up to the All-Ireland senior hurling final was just a coincidence.

It certainly wasn’t in anticipation that his home county would be involved in the showpiece event at Croke Park on Sunday, just 24 hours after Cardiff’s camp is set to end.

“No. No, no, no, never crossed my mind,” said Brian, the son of legendary Cork dual star Jimmy Barry-Murphy, after Cardiff defeated Cork City 6-1 in their pre-season friendly, details of which were officially announced back in June.

Cork’s bid for a first Liam MacCarthy Cup triumph in 21-years was ended by Galway just over a week ago with the Tribesmen now preparing to face Limerick in Sunday’s decider instead.

The Rebels were comfortably beaten in the end following a disappointing second-half showing, similar to the performance they produced in last-year’s final loss to Tipperary.

But Barry-Murphy insists can happen in sport, before backing Ben O’Connor to help the Cork hurlers to bounce back next year.

“It's none of my business really, but my only thoughts on it is that it does happen,” he continued.

“It's happened to me on many occasions myself and being part of teams where when something like that happens last year, it almost is perceived that it can’t ever happen again. But the nature of sport means it can.

“We have a brilliant team and I'm sure we'll bounce back with a great manager like Ben in charge.”

Back to the real, and only, reason Barry-Murphy was here, and the 47-year-old admitted it was a proud moment being able to bring his Cardiff side to his hometown to take on his former club Cork City at Turner’s Cross.

Goals from Republic of Ireland international Callum Robinson, which was cancelled out by Cork City’s Denzell Obenge, followed by late close-range finishes from Yousef Salech, Isaak Davies and Rob Tankiewicz – the latter duo scoring two each – secured Cardiff the win as they continue preparations for their return to the Championship.

“It’s a very proud moment for myself and my family,” added the former City midfielder, whose father was in attendance.

“I’m very grateful for the club to provide us with the support to bring us back here, it’s a very special place for me. But from a professional level the facilities in Fota have been incredible and to have a game on this pitch is a very important part of our week.

“I suppose sentiment aside; the main reason I came here was because of the level of facility that we have there.

“It's just been incredible for the players to have that working environment every single day. I'm blessed with the weather as well, which is not always the case.

“He (Jimmy) has been a great support to me throughout my career, and I've learnt an awful lot from him, probably more than I ever publicly acknowledged.

“So, to have him here, he's a huge Cardiff City fan, as are a lot more people in Cork than probably before we got involved. It's great to be here.”

Before returning to Fota, Barry-Murphy also praised Cork City’s latest rising star Cillian Murphy, who he believes has a bright future ahead of him, while also suggesting that Callum Robinson can still do a job for Ireland.

“I've seen Cillian play of course this season because I follow all the games here.

“It's probably changed from my time where there was an automatic presumption that everybody who did well would go to England.

“That's obviously changed based on other factors. It's none of my business what he does, but I would say playing in the League of Ireland at that age is a great education and provided me with the necessary tools to have a great career.

“He's a lot better player than I ever was, so I'm sure he's going to have a great career moving forward.

As for Robinson: “It always depends I think on what kind of form he's in and what's needed from the national team.

“Obviously, I have watched the national team a lot myself and someone of his calibre who can always score goals. A bit like David McGoldrick, those players, they never stop losing that instinct to score goals.

“I'm sure Callum harbours hopes of doing that again.”