CORK hurling boss John Meyler admitted that there was pressure on everybody going into the relegation showdown with Waterford.

Ending up in the second tier of the national league would not have been a catastrophe but Meyler acknowledged the importance of the victory on a number of counts.

“As a manager, you are under pressure if you don’t win and I was under pressure today to get a result. In fairness, the lads around me, Declan (O’Sullivan), Kieran (Murphy), Seanie (Barry), Donal O’Mahony in the backroom staff, they have all worked extremely hard so to get that win and it was important to maintain the status and to set you up for the Munster championship.

“There is a feelgood factor in there now and you move on again.’’ 

Cork’s five-point victory ended a losing sequence of two games against Derek McGrath’s team and the Cork boss was very happy with the performance of the team and how they applied themselves to the task.

“I am just pleased with the performance. We played six games in the league, won two and lost four and that was the critical game to win.

“It puts us into the Munster championship now with a bit of impetus and of course it gives us 1A status next season.

“That was the goal. We tried to be competitive over the league, tried to bring in young players, Tim O’Mahony, Sean O’Donoghue, Darren Browne, Robbie O’Flynn, we brought back Eoin Cadogan and he has been excellent for us over the league. 

“They have added and contributed to the strength of the panel and that is something that I am happy about.’’ 

The return of the Douglas club man has certainly worked the oracle, something that has really pleased his manager.

“Eoin as a character, as a motivator and a leader with the young fellows has been excellent, they look up to him.’’ 

Meanwhile, Cork Board chairperson, Tracey Kenney told the Echo that it was a hugely important win.

“It was absolutely critical to win that and retain our 1A status. The players really dug in there and ground out that win.

“From a practical point of view, we want to be in the top division. We are a Division 1A team and I think that we proved that out there.

“It is certainly easier to prepare for the championship now having won that game today.’’