Jimmy Barry-Murphy: Cork had incredible character, it showed what hurling means to the public 

CORK LEGEND Jimmy Barry-Murphy paid tribute to the hurling management ands quad following their thrilling Munster SHC win over Limerick at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

The Rebel icon, who represented his county both as a player and manager, understands better than anyone the pressure of competing at inter-county hurling level.

"I thought it was a fantastic occasion," Barry-Murphy told The Echo.

“You could see the outpouring of delight from the Cork public at the end. I think that was appreciation for Pat Ryan and his backroom team who were under a lot of pressure.

“I know myself what it is like when you are struggling. It is hard to make that breakthrough. I thought Cork showed incredible character and the scenes at the end were a tribute to the boys, what they mean to the public and what Cork hurling means to the public, in general.

PROUD

“It was a fantastic occasion and I’m so proud of what the team achieved against Limerick." 

The former Cork All-Ireland winning manager also understands the positive psychological effect Cork’s terrific win over the reigning All-Ireland senior hurling champions will have.

“Munster is a minefield,” the St Finbarr’s senior football mentor admitted.

“We saw that when Limerick won by a point last year in a game where a defeat would have knocked them out. On Saturday night, when I saw Cork going four points down, to be honest, I didn’t see us coming back because we had put so much effort into the game at that stage.

CHARACTER

“It was testament to their character the whole setup that Cork were able to come back and win the game. 

In fairness to Hoggy, when you needed someone to step up and convert the penalty, no better man. He showed what he is worth in that instance alone." 

For all the delight at Cork’s win over Limerick, Jimmy Barry-Murphy is acutely aware that the Rebels have to back that performance up against Tipperary in Semple Stadium next weekend.

“They do of course, and they know that,” the multi-All-Ireland winner said.

“Going into Thurles won’t be easy. Having the home venue, as we saw on Saturday night against Limerick with the support, was huge for Cork before going to Thurles next Sunday.

“It is something Cork can build on. They know themselves and don’t need me to tell them. Cork have to build on this and must qualify from the group. That is essential for the development of this team.

“Pat Ryan knows that as well. If we get out of Munster, we will develop. Cork will be a much better team if they get to the All-Ireland series.”