Corkery happy with Rebels’ progress

It is always interesting to hear the views of former, famous Gaelic footballers about the modern game, and for ace kicker Nemo Rangers Colin Corkery he continues to support the sport that gave him so much satisfaction during his illustrious career.

The recent promotion of Cork to division one in the National league impressed the Nemo Rangers man.

“You got to be playing in division one playing against elite teams if you are to make the required improvement as when you go to championship games you are then battle hardened,” said Corkery.

Cork will be playing against the big guns next season in the top tier and Corkery believes progress is being made.

“The thing I will say is that I think we have some very good forwards as we have four or five players capable of scoring and that’s needed in division one.” 

Having a good conveyor belt is crucial according to Corkery.

“I hope we are keeping our finger on the pulse as we need to be bringing players through on annual basis because failure to do this will come back to haunt us.” 

This season the Cork Minor and U21 teams have done relatively well in Munster but Corkery has doubts about the quality of sides particularly in the Minor grade.

“My son is involved with the Minor team and I have to say with no disrespects to Cork that the Kerry team they defeated is probably the worst team to represent that county in decades.” 

There was huge confidence within the Cork Senior team that they could depose Kerry in the Munster final but once again they came up short.

“It was disappointing as I felt we were outclassed in certain areas and I think our biggest problem was the inept display of our defence and midfield wasn’t good enough to defeat an understrength Kerry side.” 

Cork forwards only managed to score 1-2 in the second half but Corkery believes it’s down to lack of supply to key players.

“Our forwards didn’t get enough of ball and then when you look at Kerry with players like David Clifford, they can turn games in a flash.” 

Some results this season in the football championship have been strange and Corkery believes the new rules have made it that more interesting for all concerned.

“You can be losing by eight points and turn it around in five minutes with the two- point rule but to be honest it’s a far better spectacle.

“The elite teams are no longer safe if their opposing teams are kicking well outside the arc, I just wish it was there when I was playing as I think my stats would have been a lot higher.” 

There was some criticism in some quarters with the All- Ireland draw taking place before the provincial finals and Corkery felt it was justified.

“It was a strange decision for the competing teams in the Munster and Connacht finals, but I do understand where they are coming from with their logistic point of view for fans to find hotels.” 

The draw has seen Cork pitted against Meath and Corkery believes it’s a game too close to call.

“Meath will a be a tough hurdle but I do have a lot of faith in Cork’s forwards and hopefully that will edge it in our direction, but we need to get the right supply of ball and hopefully lessons are learned from the Kerry defeat.

“To win games in the modern game you have got to get your shooters on the ball and although I have witnessed the Cork forwards showing for it, we are playing at a slow pace and the tempo needs to increase.” 

In the other qualifier Kerry face Donegal and Corkery believes this will be a true test for the champions despite the northerner’s loss to Down in the Ulster championship.

“I honestly think Donegal have a serious chance of winning as I think the northern teams are battle-hardened from the Ulster championship and make no mistake this is one game that will test Kerry. 

“Donegal will be better in defence and will not give them the space that Cork gave them in Killarney and I have a strong feeling that Donegal will pose them problems.” 

Looking at the championship to date Corkery has been mighty impressed by Roscommon.

“Roscommon are a very good side and again they look a side that are capable of mixing it with the best and Tyrone wont fancy going there to take them on.”