Cork v Dublin: Player ratings as Rebels' season comes to an end

Cork fought well for the entire 70, in particular Ian Maguire and Colm O'Callaghan – but come away with nothing to show for their efforts
Cork v Dublin: Player ratings as Rebels' season comes to an end

Peadar Ó Cofaigh Byrne of Dublin and Colm O'Callaghan of Cork battle in the air during the GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship preliminary quarter-final match between Dublin and Cork at Croke Park in Dublin. Picture: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

MÍCHÉAL AODH MARTIN: Kickouts were generally accurate, though two went astray over the sideline. Cork struggled to claim possession in the air, but Martin did his bit. He also saved a certain Dublin point and converted a well-struck 45.

NEIL LORDAN: A late inclusion for Seán Meehan and acquitted himself well. Slipped for Dublin’s second point but recovered impressively with a key block to deny Lee Gannon a goal in the second half. Replaced late on by Luke Fahy. 7 

DANIEL O’MAHONY: Not overly involved, which is often a good sign for a full-back. Held his position well but didn’t feature prominently in standout moments. 6 

MAURICE SHANLEY: Worked tirelessly under pressure and stood firm for long periods. Like the rest of the defence, guilty at times of losing track of runners, but remained one of Cork’s more reliable figures.

BRIAN O’DRISCOLL: Scoreless on the night after one wide, but gave everything. A snapshot of his commitment came when he flung himself to the ground in an effort to stop a ball going out over the sideline – only for it to happen moments later. Symbolic of Cork’s effort: full of heart, just short. 7 

Cork’s Brian O'Driscoll dejected after the loss.
Cork’s Brian O'Driscoll dejected after the loss.

SEÁN BRADY: Generally solid and saw plenty of defensive action. One soft turnover aside, it was a composed performance from the Ballygarvan man.

MATTY TAYLOR: Got through his usual workload and picked up an assist, but couldn’t penetrate Dublin’s rigid defensive shape. Subbed off for Powter after 58 minutes. 5 

IAN MAGUIRE: Another tireless midfield display. Laid on a clever assist for Chris Óg Jones’ goal, kicked a point and fought hard throughout. Wasn’t as dominant on Cork’s kickouts as in previous games but still made a notable impact.

COLM O’CALLAGHAN: Arguably Cork’s best performer once again. Scored two points, added an assist, and competed well in the air. Won several frees and was one of the few to consistently take the game to Dublin. 8 

PAUL WALSH: Couldn’t quite pick up where he left off before his knock against Roscommon. Some bright moments with an assist and turnover won, but overall quiet. First to be subbed in the 48th minute.

SEÁN WALSH: Took some heavy hits on restarts but kept going. Landed a solid point in the second half and kept possession moving with purpose. One turnover.

Cork’s Sean McDonnell dejected after the defeat.
Cork’s Sean McDonnell dejected after the defeat.

SEÁN MCDONNELL: Put in the hard yards but didn’t hit the same heights as last week. Won an important free in the first half but failed to track Brian Howard for the goal. Had a free drop short and struggled defensively at times. 5 

MARK CRONIN: Sharp and heavily involved in Cork’s attacking play. Finished with four points (two frees), and assisted Jones’ saved goal chance along with two more scores. A bright display. 7 

BRIAN HURLEY: Started brightly and was central to the goal with a smart quick line ball. Hit two good points but had one wide and one short as his influence waned, before being subbed off in the 54th minute. 6

CHRIS ÓG JONES: Back to his lively best. Scored 1-4, including a vital point just before half-time. Also provided an assist and forced a 45 with another goal chance. A constant threat, only one miss.

SUBS… 

EOGHAN MCSWEENEY: Came on for Paul Walsh and brought some energy. Picked up an assist and linked play well in the half-forward line.

CONOR CAHALANE: On from the 49th to 58th minute as McDonnell needed treatment. Not enough time to make a lasting impression. N/A 

CATHAIL O’MAHONY: Replaced Hurley in the 55th minute and contributed with a fisted point. A tidy cameo.

SEÁN POWTER: Introduced for Taylor on 58 minutes. Won a converted free but otherwise limited impact.

LUKE FAHY: Late sub for Lordan in the 63rd minute. N/A

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