Three reasons why Cork squeezed past Meath at packed Páirc Uí Rinn
Cork players and supporters celebrate after the win over Meath. Picture: INPHO/James Lawlor
The Uibh Laoire star was made for the big occasions as we have seen in the past.
He played a hugely influential role and was arguably Player of the Match in this one. His scoring ability was top class here and that went a long way to securing a massive victory for Cork.
His goal from an acute angle in the first half brought the crowd to their feet.
He ended up with 1-4, all from play, and was a thorn in the Meath defence. The forward dovetailed well with newcomer to the panel Dara Sheedy.
It was probably Jones’ best display in a Cork jersey and that's saying something. He really ran himself into the ground as did every single player wearing the Cork jersey.
It was a collective performance from everyone. Manager John Cleary referenced that after the game that the players put their ‘bodies on the line’.
It was well documented coming into this game Meath's ability to kick two-pointers especially from the boot of midfielder Jack Flynn.
Cork did really well to contain the Royals in the second half when the away team had the wind.
Meath did kick two-pointers, but Cork landed three orange flags.
The Rebels were structured and pressed when required. They had to ride their luck at times too to be fair. In saying that, you need luck to win games and especially big games like this one.
Daniel O’Mahony led by example at the back with Tommy Walsh also excellent. There were many more too.
This encounter was always likely to go down to the wire and so it proved.
The game was finely poised going down the home straight.
Cork were on the ropes considering they had 14 players for the final 13 minutes after an Ian Maguire red card.
They led by a point late on as they managed the closing stages of the game very well.
It was fitting that Jones got the last score to push his side two points clear. The Rebels could have panicked.
Special mention must go to defenders Seán Meehan and Luke Fahy.
The pair made marvellous blocks to deny Meath goals, especially Fahy’s one right at the end.
Meath could have snatched it right at the death. It really did look like sub Adam O’Neill would break Cork’s hearts.
Fahy was heroic to dive in front of the shot. The hooter sounded seconds later which resulted in great celebrations from the winning camp.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin was in the middle of the crowd on the pitch after the game.
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