Why Cork footballers improved: More scoring threats and new leaders emerged

Cork bravely saw off Meath at Páirc Uí Rinn on Sunday to maintain their superb 100% start to their Division 2 campaign.

They're within touching distance of promotion back to Division 1 for the first time since 2016.

Cork had shown real character to get out of jail with a late Steven Sherlock two-pointer to win by the minimum against Cavan in their opener. They then blew both Louth and Offaly out of it with excellent first-half displays, but this meeting with fellow table-toppers Meath was without doubt their biggest test.

Add in the fact that goalkeeper Patrick Doyle, key playmaker Brian O’Driscoll, and marquee forward Brian Hurley were also not available... the examination was much stiffer.

They passed with flying colours!

A lot of people were looking forward to the midfield battle between Cork’s Colm O’Callaghan and Meath’s main man Jack Flynn. While Flynn had his moments, it was O’Callaghan who won the exchange on points as he dominated the dropping ball and had too much power for the Royals. The Éire Óg man had to depart late on and Cork fans will be hoping that there are no serious injury issue.

BALANCED

Mark Cronin has become an incredibly important player. He scored five points here, including two brilliant two-pointers. Mallow’s Sean McDonnell (with three crisp points) and Dara Sheedy from Bantry (with four from play), also kicked crucial scores in the middle of the second half when a Meath comeback looked on. 

There are more scoring threats throughout the Cork attack now are far harder to shut down.

Sean Meehan made a superb block to deny Shane Conlon a goal effort in the second half when it was really needed. The Kiskeam man’s career has stalled after a blistering start that saw him being one of the best backs in the country around 2020. His return form would bolster what looks like a strong Cork defence.

Ian Maguire was sent off in the 57th minute with Cork six points up but Jason Scully scored a belter of a two-pointer from long range to bring Meath to within three. Jack O’Connor fisted an effort over soon after and Cork were on the ropes, especially with Flynn clipping over another. Four points in about a minute for Meath and suddenly they had all the momentum.

Sean Walsh then made a timely lung-bursting run with five minutes to go to set up Chris Óg Jones for a badly-needed Cork score. While Meath were right in it until the final whistle, Cork held on and were fully deserving of their win.

NEW LEADERS

We have stated in recent weeks that one of the features behind Cork’s win in this year’s campaign has been how encouraging it is to see so many of the younger contingent step up and provide real leadership. 

A few years ago, the likes of Ian Maguire, Brian Hurley and Ruairí Deane were being too heavily leaned upon in this respect, but now almost every player in red seems happy to lead.

Derry’s 2-25 to 0-8 annihilation of Offaly on Saturday was certainly noted. While Cork beat the Faithful comfortably, there was a second-half fadeout as they were outscored by their hosts in Tullamore despite having the wind at their backs.

It might have been a case that Cork drove the last nail in the Offaly coffin and they have given up on retaining their Division 2 status for the year, but a 23 point victory is some statement by Derry.

Cork travel to the north to face the Ulster men next Sunday, so they now know how difficult a task that is going to be.

Louth and Cavan will not have had the Rebels on their minds when hosting Tyrone and Kildare on Sunday. Nonetheless, they did John Cleary’s side a huge favour by beating them. 

Tyrone and Kildare are now both stuck on just three points after four matches, so are as good as out of the promotion hunt. The fewer involved in that particular race the better, with the promotion spots now between Cork, Derry and Meath.