'Not good enough for Killarney' — John Cleary warns despite Cork’s big win over Tipperary

Cork manager John Cleary cut a satisfied but far from complacent figure after watching his side overcome a sluggish first half to eventually overpower Tipperary 4-18 to 1-12 in Saturday’s Munster SFC semi-final at FBD Semple Stadium.

The victory sends Cork back to a Munster final for the first time in five years, but Cleary made it clear that the performance must rise significantly if the Rebels are to trouble Kerry in Killarney in a fortnight.

Cork were flat for long stretches of the opening period, struggling to impose themselves, and Cleary did not attempt to gloss over it.

“We were a bit flat in the first half,” he admitted post-match.

“At times we were second best. We found it hard to get our hands on the ball and when we did, we didn’t use it to the best of our ability. Our shot selection wasn’t up to our high standard and we kept giving the ball back to Tipp.

“We felt maybe the fellas were talking about Killarney without getting this out of the way. That can be dangerous. Maybe that’s why we were a bit lax in the first half.

“We should have been better at holding onto the ball, and we weren’t. There are lessons there for going forward, definitely.

“The lads shook it up in the second half and we got over the line.” 

The interval arrived with Cork only marginally ahead by a single point, 1-5 to 1-4, and Cleary acknowledged that a few stern words were delivered.

“We spoke about it at half-time, that the fellas would have to up their game,” he said.

“If we didn’t bring it up to where they were, we were going to be in a dogfight coming down the home straight.

“We did squeeze up and I’d like to think we have a better reservoir of fitness built up. Maybe that told in the end. The fresh legs made a difference as well.

“The subs made a big difference. Brian [Hurley] kicked a two-pointer, Conor [Corbett] got in for a goal, and Colm [O’Callaghan] made a big difference when he came on. We feel we’ve built a strong panel. There were lads who didn’t get any game time today who are going very well in training. But that’s what the squad is all about.” 

O’Callaghan was named to start but was among the subs, coming on for Seán Walsh in the second half. Cleary revealed that the midfielder had been carrying a knock for several weeks.

“Colm has played every minute of every game since the start of the season and he was carrying an injury. We were trying to give him a break so he didn’t break down again. 

"He’s too valuable to lose. But halfway through the second half he was ready to go and did very well.” 

Dara Sheedy, who made his debut back in January, picked up an injury recently playing for the Cork U20s and was sidelined here. His availability for the Munster final against Kerry in two weeks remains uncertain.

There was also concern for Brian Hurley, who appeared to suffer a groin issue.

“It’s week to week on Dara,” Cleary states.

“I don’t know whether he’ll be ready for two weeks’ time or not. It’s not long-term, but it’s touch and go.

“On Brian Hurley, I’ll just go in now and see. I haven’t spoken to anyone since.” 

Despite the uneven nature of the performance, Cleary emphasised that Cork’s progression to the Munster final represents meaningful forward movement.

“It is a mark of progress. That’s where we want to be. The lads want to play in Munster finals.

“We’re going down into the home of the All-Ireland champions and comprehensive champions last year. It will give a measure of where we are. Where else would we want to be? It’s brilliant for Cork football.”