Shane Kingston: Second half of league final will drive Cork hurlers to improve again
eir ambassador and hurler Shane Kingston of Cork, pictured at the launch of the third annual eir for all Poc Tapa Challenge. Picture: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
Cork’s poor second-half display in Sunday’s Allianz HL Division 1A final win over Tipperary will ensure that there is no complacency as the focus turns to championship, according to Shane Kingston.
A 3-24 to 0-23 win gave Cork the Croke Cup for the first time since 1998, but 3-16 of their tally came in the first half, with manager Pat Ryan calling the second-period the display the worst half during his tenure.
With the Munster SHC opener away to Clare just ten days away, the celebrations were brief and the focus quickly shifted.
“Obviously, it was good at the time, but you have to kind of forget about it and move on,” said Kingston, who was speaking at the launch of the ‘eir for all’ Poc Tapa Challenge.
“The second half was very disappointing, eight points in 35 minutes is obviously a worry but it's something to work on as well.
“It's something we have to address this week and analyse and make sure it doesn't really happen again.”
Having lost last year’s All-Ireland final to the Banner, was the league especially targeted as a response?
“Not really, to be honest,” Kingston said.
“It's always something that's been used to build momentum, build a bit of depth in the team and the panel, which is what we've done this year and thankfully there was a bit of silverware down at the end then.”
A groin injury meant that it was a frustrating campaign for Kingston, who was limited to 135 minutes of action and two points.
“I played the first two games and then picked up a niggle, so I missed two or three games, but all good now again. The body’s feeling good, feeling fit, so happy out.
“I suppose that's the big thing about the way the format is, kind of staying injury-free.
“This time last year, I pulled my hamstring, so it's definitely better than last year!
“We’ve a fairly intense couple of weeks coming up, so keeping the body right and training hard, getting the recovery nutrition right then as well is massive.
“It's part of the environment, really.”
The setback meant that Kingston was limited to a brief substitute appearance against Tipp. With the team playing so well, Kingston it will be tough be get a starting spot for Ennis.
While he wouldn’t choose the ‘impact sub’ tag if given a free choice, he does at least have a track record of making a difference off the bench and will be ready if called upon.
“Anyone going out wants to be in the first 15,” he said, “and I don't think anyone trains to be an impact player, really.
“But if you're not fortunate enough to be picked in the first 15, you have to be ready to go and hopefully be able to come on and make that impact.
“You kind of just have to get into the mind-frame fairly quickly and not feel sorry for yourself, knowing that you can still have a big part to play.”
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