Former Cork footballer Don Davis on what it takes to win in Killarney 

FORMER Cork footballer Don Davis says Cork have to believe they can take down Kerry in tomorrow’s Munster SFC semi-final at Fitzgerald Stadium in Killarney (4pm).

The Kingdom are red hot favourites to advance to yet another Munster decider as the Rebels seek to avoid a fourth consecutive championship loss to the old enemy. Cork’s last championship trip to Killarney was the Munster final in 2021 and lost by 22 points.

“Cork will have no fear of heading over the county bounds,” Davis said.

“I think they are in with a great shout of beating Kerry if I am being honest. This is a different Cork team and management that travelled down three years ago and there is great resilience and heart in this group. They have shown that many times especially in the league this year. I think it’s an exciting time for Cork football. Ultimately, I think there’s too much negativity out there towards Cork football in general and I hope the team proves them wrong against Kerry.

“To win down there, you have to believe and that's what the players really need to do. They have the football, they have lots of things, they just have to believe that they can beat Kerry. The past is the past, focus on the now.” 

During Davis’ playing career, the Rebels had a strong record in Killarney, beating Kerry in 1993 and 1995 and arguably should have won down there in 1998. This current crop of Cork players are hoping to create their own history by winning in the Kingdom’s backyard since that win in 1995.

“You have to give huge credit to our manager Billy Morgan at that time,” says the Skibbereen native.

“We would have travelled down to Killarney, mad when you think about it now, but would always have an expectation that we would win the game. We had no doubts in our minds. A lot of that goes back to the belief that Billy Morgan instilled in us. A lot of the team had many Munster titles in their back pocket.

“I can remember as a young boy going down to Killarney and Cork would give Kerry a fantastic game on the day and Kerry would go on and win the All-Ireland and the plaudits would be that Cork are the second best team in Ireland. But, Billy came in and just changed that mindset.

“Everyone is talking about why Cork haven’t won in Killarney since 1995, but to spin a positive on it, I think the team are heading in the right direction under John Cleary. He had to change the backbone of the team and it was always going to take time. Is John happy with what he has? I think he will be fairly happy heading to Killarney with the squad that is at his disposal.

“I think John has done a great job over the last couple of years. It might take another 12 months, but I think we are definitely moving forward. I know John well, he won’t fear going down to Fitzgerald Stadium and I hope he instils that into the players.” 

Davis will be heading down to Killarney to roar on the team tomorrow and the four-time Munster medal winner has no doubt that the Cork supporters will head down in big numbers. The weather is looking good, which is a positive start.

“Kerry v Cork in Killarney is just special. It’s a day you want to be there. I reckon anyway there will be a huge Cork following and the players will benefit from it. When we won in 1995, the Cork fans roared us home. We need to do it again.” Davis concluded.