Three talking points from Cork footballers loss to Kerry in classic clash
Disappointed Cork players after the defeat by Kerry. Picture: Eddie O'Hare
Still, goals win matches even under the new rules with the two-pointers. Cork scored six two-pointers compared to Kerry’s one, but the Kingdom grabbed three goals to Cork’s one.
The Leesiders should have netted more than one goal though, with Kerry’s sub goalkeeper Shane Murphy playing a blinder when he came on for the injured Shane Ryan in the first half. His save from Chris Óg Jones was top drawer.
Joe O’Connor’s third goal, five minutes from the very end, was a sucker-punch from Cork’s perspective. Kerry trailed by a point at that stage before his powerful shot went into the roof of the net.
It was the final score of an epic encounter.
: It’s a strange thing to say when seven points adrift after 57 minutes, but after coming back from the dead and going ahead, Cork will have regrets with their composure and quality of kicking in front of goal. Turnovers and overloading one side for kick-outs also could have been better.
When Ruairí Deane landed a boomer to nudge the Rebels ahead after 63 minutes, the noise was deafening from the Cork crowd.
Two minutes later though, Kerry opened Cork up which resulted in Seán O’Shea netting a great goal under serious pressure. The Leesiders will be disappointed that they didn’t set up properly after the excitement of going ahead.
Cork also had an extra man in the closing stages of normal time after Paudie Clifford was sent off after 59 minutes even though Seán Brady then got a red card for Cork four minutes into extra time.
It was a huge opportunity to record a first championship win over Kerry in nearly five years.
The Rebels had nine wides in extra time including a pair of two-point efforts going wide and also a great goal opportunity missed.
When will Cork get this kind of opportunity again?
Regardless of the result and while Cork will be bitterly disappointed, they can hold their heads up high after an incredible comeback that brought the crowd to its feet.
It could have been very easy to feel sorry for themselves when seven points adrift twice to the favourites for the All-Ireland, but Cork showed character in abundance and a never-say-die attitude.
It’s so crucial now that this display is the minimum requirement for the footballers moving forward.
When the dust settles, the management and players will take huge positives, but ultimately, it’s another narrow loss to Kerry.
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