Colin Corkery on Cork football, being a forward in the modern game and David Clifford's impact

There have been many top-class footballers to grace the red and white jersey of Cork over the last century and Nemo Rangers' Colin Corkery will always be remembered as a class act.

Now enjoying retirement but still involved in coaching with his beloved club, he took time to reflect on the Nemo and Cork teams he still follows with close interest.

“It was a funny year for Nemo as we had four forwards not available for the final against the Barrs but for the management it was a good season to bring players through and the new guys all acquitted themselves well,” said Corkery.

After looking at the Barrs last season, Corkery believes they had a very good squad.

“They are a very good team and you could see last season with Steven Sherlock opting away from the intercounty scene that really stood to them big time."

In the Munster final, the Barrs lost narrowly to Dingle and Corkery believes they lost a good opportunity.

“Look, in reality, they should have closed out the game but sometimes that’s how sport comes back to bite you.” 

The progress of Dingle was complemented by Corkery.

“Look they had the luck all the way from the Kerry county final to the All-Ireland decider but good teams always get those breaks. They certainly carried some of it in a magnificent way to finish the club championship in this country, as it was a pure spectacle.” 

The recent surge by the Cork footballers has brought a goodwill factor back to Leeside and Corkery is enjoying their progress.

“The main thing for Cork is getting consistency back in their game as they are very competitive on their best days and although I do not think we are ready to win an All-Ireland.

“To be fair, there is younger players coming through but losing Hugh O’Connor to hurling wasn’t good for the team. 

He was one guy I thought would help Cork big time with his physicality.” 

Cork certainly put it up to Kerry last season but Corkery believes it was the wake-up call that Kerry needed.

“Sadly, in my book, we don’t have the marque forwards to mix it with the elite teams in this country but look Sherlock, Chris Óg Jones and Mark Cronin are very talented players at the same time.” 

CLASS

The rise of Kerry last season was impressive and in David Clifford, they have a player of sheer class.

“I think Clifford is up there with the very best modern-day players and possibly you would rate him as the number one.” 

Rating and comparing players from different eras is not something Corkery likes to do.

“Is David Clifford the best Kerry player ever? I would say probably not but with the new rules, he has put himself at a different level. I am not too sure he had the same influence with the old rules.

If you go back in time, is David Clifford better than Maurice Fitzgerald? I would probably say no but there were so many greats in Kerry you could talk about them for hours.” 

Football has changed for the better and this year’s championship is a hard one to call.

“Very few people could call who this year's All-Ireland winners as you have five or six teams who have the artillery to do the business and it will be very competitive from start to finish.” 

Billy Morgan is a once-in-a-lifetime manager as Corkery paid tribute to the great man who guided the fortunes of Nemo and Cork for many years.

“I was lucky to have him all of my career with club and county and I never seen a man with so much passion. That’s not just coming from me, anybody that’s ever played under him say the exact same thing about the great man.

“Billy had it all as he was a masterful tactician and coach but for me his man management skills knew no bounds as he could give you the hairdryer treatment one day and the following day he would come and look for you to have a chat as he closed chapters fairly quickly.” 

The loyalty that Billy has shown Cork and Nemo Rangers should be commended.

“I am sure Billy could have made a quick buck as in the modern game, you have guys jumping ship on an annual basis. Billy’s love for his club and county will never be matched.” 

There is little doubt the contribution of Colin Corkery to Cork football was incredible. His kicking skills were a sight to behold and he helped Nemo win four senior counties and two All-Ireland club titles.