John Cleary on Limerick loss: 'Result was immaterial, it was a good competitive workout'

Cork manager John Cleary was pleased with his experimental side despite the McGrath Cup loss against Limerick at Páirc Uí Rinn on Sunday afternoon.

The Leesiders were beaten by 3-11 to 0-15 played in awful weather conditions with persistent rainfall for the duration of the game.

Given Cork's scoring difference, it would have taken something special to knock them off the summit of Group B as they will face old rivals Kerry in the final next Saturday. 

The Rebels fielded a youthful team with many making their debuts after the Leesiders went strong with their team selection in the win over Tipperary last Tuesday. 

“We threw a lot of players in there that hadn’t seen this level of football before,” Cleary said after the five-point defeat to Limerick. 

“Look, for a lot of it, we were quite good, quite competitive and maybe Limerick had a small bit more experience when it came down the home straight. We were anxious to get every fella on and we threw on the whole bench there.

“It was a good competitive workout. These guys have been putting their hands up at college level and club level. You just have to bring them in and see them.

“It’s not easy to do this when the league starts. We had told them when they came in doing a bit of training with us that they would get game time in the McGrath Cup.

“A lot of them, we didn’t have them during the week because they were with their college teams. Today, the weather wasn’t to anyone's liking but a good workout. 

“We just have to try and get our panel settled. As I said, we don’t get much time to experiment. The league is starting in two weeks’ time. We just had the Tipp match and a couple of challenge matches and that’s it.

“Some of those guys that played today are probably not ready this year. They can go back to their clubs or go back to their colleges. This time next year, be ready. They know what’s involved in it now and they’re the next generation and a lot of them will play a lot of times for Cork in the future.” 

Cleary admits he was disappointed with the concession of three goals, but he’s not dwelling on it at the same time.

“I suppose we would be,” the Castlehaven clubman says on shipping three green flags.

“Look, that was a back line that was thrown together for the first time today. Limerick had probably four of their starting forward line, James Naughton and Danny Neville, they’re around a long time, very experienced.

“The last goal was the last kick of the game, you know what I mean? But any day you concede three goals, I suppose you’re not happy. But look, you know, the back line we had there at the end, in fairness, it was the first time they were thrown in together.

“So you’d have to forgive them for that. But look, the result was immaterial. As I said, we’re trying to look at guys, trying to give them a chance, give them the best opportunity to put their hands up. And some did today and, you know, we’re happy as that was what today was about.”