Cork player ratings: Kingdom storm the Páirc as Rebels fall away in second half
Cork's Maurice Shanley is tackled by Kerry's Mike Breen during the All-Ireland SFC, group 2, round 2 at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh. Picture: Eddie O'Hare
Did well from kickouts barring the early mare, focussed much of his kicking on either flank and kept the ball away from danger. Produced a huge stop to deny Brian Ó Beaglaoich, who waltzed through on goal far too easily in the first half.
He was quiet enough throughout, which isn’t always the worst thing for a corner-back, but the full-back line really were tormented by David Clifford.
Started at full-back but, like the rest of the Rebel defence, struggled to stop Kerry running through all too easily. Grew into the game as it went on.
Was under a lot of pressure and, at times, isolated to defend on his own. One-on-one with Clifford is a situation no defender wants to be in.
Put in a good shift at both ends, especially in the first half. Was dispossessed by Joe O’Connor in the 34th minute but got back well to turn him over and deny a goal chance.
Was fouled for Cork’s opening free that Mark Cronin converted, did have one clever interception and tracked back well. Made himself available when the Rebels went forward.
Cork’s brightest spark in defence. Defended well throughout and worked hard, as is so often the case with the Mallow man. Forced a big save from Shane Ryan in the 15th minute, almost had another goal opportunity 17 minutes after but couldn’t get his shot away under pressure. Assisted Paul Walsh for his two-pointer and covered a lot of ground.
Improved on last week’s performance with a solid display, faded a little in the second half. Was instrumental in the build-up to Taylor’s saved chance and worked hard on Kerry restarts.
Put in a good shift once again and did well to win the penalty near the end. Finished with two from play.
Started well, got into good positions and would have assisted 1-2 if Taylor was able to convert his second chance. Faded in the second period and was taken off after 52 minutes.
Did well on Cork’s restarts and played in a more defensive role across midfield, but struggled to break through going forward.
Kicked a brilliant two-pointer in the first half but escalated the half-time chaos. Was unsurprisingly shown a black card on the restart.
The source of a lot of Cork’s free-flowing attacking play, even if he only managed the one point. Quieter on the attacking front.
A huge boost for Cork to have him back. Movement was superb and kicked some excellent scores. Impact wore off as the game went on – understandable given he’s just back from injury.
Good from frees but struggled to make things happen from play. Had one point and two wides.
Fought hard when he replaced Meehan in the 44th minute, but came on at a stage when Kerry had really started to assert themselves and found it hard to impact the game. Did assist O’Hanlon for his point.
A bright spark from the bench and finished off a neat move involving Walsh and Powter.
Came on with Cork seven behind and quickly falling away. Struggled to impact the game.
Late change for Taylor, playing only six minutes when the game was lost.
Late change for Walsh, with Kerry seven in front.
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