Cork v Kildare talking points: Conor Corbett and Brian O'Driscoll on song

Confidence 

WHAT a difference a couple of weeks can make. 

The Cork players walked off the SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh pitch two weeks ago with their heads down after a damaging defeat to Cavan, which left them without any points after three games.

But now the picture is a lot better, with four points on the league table after the away win over Fermanagh and now this huge victory over Kildare. It wasn’t pretty, but the Rebels got the job done above in the north last weekend, with the players smiling and joking as they walked off the St Joseph’s turf in Ederney. They knew it was all about getting the win.

The confidence and buzz that we saw in 2023, was back in spades on Sunday against Kildare, with that win over Fermanagh after making a huge difference in so many ways. 

The first-half performance wasn’t great, and it took a Tommy Walsh goal right on the stroke of the short whistle to really wake Cork from their slumber. It was a turning point.

Conor Corbett 

The Clyda Rovers man was one of the reasons why Cork picked up a second league win on the bounce, as he kicked 1-2, all from play. His goal after 52 minutes was excellent. The catch from the tall forward minutes before he billowed the back of the net was just as impressive. 

Besides his scores, his general play was very impressive and certainly has come into his zone, after being plagued by injuries in recent seasons.

The Leinster side were unable to contain him. It must also be noted that the ball into Corbett was top-notch in the second half, something they have obviously been working on in recent weeks. A stark improvement from the first few matches of the league.

2-15 from play

Cork missed a few frees against Kildare, and also very scorable chances, but kicking 2-15, all from play, is some going. 

The goals from Walsh and Corbett were well taken too. The Leesiders had more conviction in their forward play, most notably in the second half. Special mention for Brian O’Driscoll, with the Carrigaline club man arguably Player of the Match. He was everywhere and landed three fantastic points.

Looking up

The Rebels knew that if they suffered defeat to Kildare, they would have been in serious trouble. It was potentially a huge weekend in the second tier of the league, and as a result of this win, the Rebels can start looking up the table now. Games against Meath (away) and Armagh (home) will round off the league campaign. 

To guarantee a place in this year's All-Ireland series, Cork need to finish as high as possible. 

Fourth place will be enough, but sixth might also suffice, depending on provincial finalists.