REBEL hurling boss John Meyler is never one to get carried away and he wasn’t after Cork ended Limerick's unbeaten run in league and championship at the Gaelic Grounds on Sunday afternoon.

Nonetheless, he was pleased at how things had gone for his team against the All-Ireland champions, with Cork holding off a comeback from the home side.

“I was pleased with the attitude and the character. It was really good, that is what we are looking for over the last two weeks, going in against two Munster teams, Clare and Limerick and looking for an improvement on the first two games.

“We got a really good start. Patrick (Horgan) took the goal well and that helped us to settle and get into our stride.

“We were six points up at half-time and we were looking for a quick start to the second half, a fresh start but we didn’t get that.

“They got four points, brought it back to two but we showed great character and attitude there in the second half to stay ahead.’’ 

And that is what was most pleasing for the Cork boss, the work-rate of the team.

“Any team that I am involved with or manage, the work-rate has to be up and the goal that Lehane got epitomised that.

“Harnedy and Lehane closed down the Limerick full-back line and we got the goal. It was a critical score and it certainly gave us a bit of breathing space.’’ 

Meyler was pleased too with a few of the new boys who were making their league debuts.

“Yes, Dan Dooley and Downey did well, Pa Collins made a great save too at a vital stage.

“Dooley got two points, Robert did well on Gearoid Hegarty, a player who played in an All-Ireland final, not easy but he showed great character, Dooley tired a bit near the end but he did well.

“We will have the Fitzgibbon Cup lads back now and that sets it up. We play Tipp next, a big game and a big crowd in Páirc Uí Rinn (next Sunday at 2pm).’’ 

He was delighted too with the spread of scorers.

“There was a good spread of scores from different players today. Last week we were going in and being fouled but those opportunities are there if we are not fouled.

“As I said, we’ll have them all back now but we must look at the Darragh Fitzgibbon situation. He has had no break for a long time, I cannot remember when.

“He certainly needs one because he has been on the go with Charleville, Cork U21s, seniors and UCC, he definitely needs a two- or three-week break.

“Ya, I am happy with the outcome, it seemed to be a good game and people enjoyed it.

“It’s two more league points and we move on."