Three talking points as Cork face a stern reality check in Limerick
The Cork hurlers before Sunday's hammering by Limerick. Picture: Eddie O'Hare
The outcome itself was never going to be the biggest takeaway, no matter how the game played out. But for Cork to lose in that manner – that stings. The scoreboard read 2-18 to 0-9 at half-time. In truth, Limerick’s lead could easily have been even greater. The Treaty men weren’t under any pressure to push for more goals – they were steamrolling Cork with ease.
The wind factors in, so does Patrick Horgan’s saved goal chance. But that’s no excuse for a defeat on that scale.
Cork’s turnovers throughout the entire first half were disastrous – and was painful to watch. All but two of Patrick Collins’ puckouts that went beyond the half-way line were claimed by Limerick with ease. That was nine puckouts lost.
When Cork did win the breaking ball, or play it short and try and work it long – again Limerick would turn them over with ease. Cork’s half forward line were completely torched.
You can point to Seamus Harnedy not being fit to start, and Declan Dalton’s early exit. Yes, Cork were always going to be up against it in that sector.
From the start it was evident Limerick had their preparation done. They knew exactly what Cork were going to try and how to counter it. They shut down every avenue.
Limerick were just as commanding at the other end, too. Runners streamed out from the centre unmarked far too many times. The outcome? Point after point. Almost every breaking ball that dropped around their half-back line seemed to land in green hands. That pattern continued well into the second half, long after the game was over as a contest.
Last year’s defeat to Clare in Páirc Uí Chaoimh was a turning point for this Cork team. Even in losing, they found something – a settled starting 15, a sharper attacking edge.
This, however, was something else entirely. This was Cork being hammered. Outclassed. Outthought. Outfought.
There are no excuses to cling to. Limerick were ruthless and motivated. Seán Finn and Mike Casey were immense in the corners. Diarmaid Byrnes, Kyle Hayes, Barry Nash – all were outstanding. It was a display of champions.
This is a humbling moment – for Cork fans, and maybe even the players. If they’re serious about chasing silverware, the improvement has to be rapid and substantial.
Cork have to simply pick themselves up and move forward. It was a performance far from their best. Take it and move on.
Cork and Waterford now takes centre-stage next weekend. Winner goes through, loser dumped out. The result of Clare and Limerick is now less important, the Banner eliminated from Munster, all-Ireland champions no more.
The huge swing in scoring difference after the battering Limerick dished out yesterday means that they have effectively sealed their place in the Munster final, the exception being if they’re hammered by Clare, they’ll finish third.
That could work in Cork’s favour. I won’t go as far as to suggest it’s a blessing, but perhaps a fresh slate.
The draw with Clare came down to a red card. Tipperary played most of their match with 14 men. This was the first time Cork had a full 70 minutes where everything could be judged at face value.
A lot went wrong – no question. But there’s a lot to improve on too. And under Pat Ryan, if there’s been one consistent trait, it’s been the team’s ability to bounce back and learn. There’s no reason Cork can’t do it again.
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