Mick Slocum: Cork must show a response after Kerry setback against Meath 

Mick Slocum has been around long enough to know that one bad afternoon doesn’t define a season. 

A two-time All-Ireland winner with Cork and a central figure in the great Rebel-Meath battles of the late 1980s and early 1990s, he understands this rivalry better than most. 

Looking back on the Munster final defeat to Kerry, he sees disappointment, yes, but nothing that should derail Cork’s All-Ireland ambitions as they prepare for Meath’s opening-round visit to Páirc Uí Rinn on Saturday at 5.30pm.

Slocum says the overriding feeling is frustration rather than any deeper concern after the Kerry match. Cork’s return to Division 1 for the first time since 2016 had created a genuine sense of momentum. 

“It was the first time in a long time that a lot of Cork people felt we had a right chance going to Killarney,” he says. 

“It just didn’t turn out like that on the day. When you have David Clifford in your team, it takes them to a different level. Even with several frontline players missing, Kerry’s attacking depth was obvious. They’re a frightening outfit.

"You can’t be overly disappointed going into the Meath game either. You just have to pick yourself up and drive on.” 

Some supporters have framed the Munster final loss as a repeat of old frustrations, but Slocum doesn't agree.

“Maybe people are disappointed, but you have to take into consideration Kerry’s strength,” he said. 

“They’re All-Ireland champions. They’re probably favourites to win it again. There’s still a long year ahead if Cork can put a few wins together.

"They just have to get going again. When you’re playing inter-county football, the games come thick and fast. The reality is you’re playing Meath, and if you win, you’re one game away from an All-Ireland quarter-final. That would be massive.

“I’d say Meath must have been absolutely devastated with their own Leinster campaign especially having lost to Louth last year. A Leinster title would have been huge for them.” 

Both teams, he feels, will arrive in Páirc Uí Rinn trying to dust themselves down and reset. The venue itself is an interesting factor. Cork beat Meath there earlier in the year, and the atmosphere that day was magical. 

“Management wanted the Cork and Meath game earlier this year in Páirc Uí Rinn,” Slocum states. 

“The atmosphere was great that day against Meath. They probably wanted the same this time. You have to get back on the horse again. There’s a lot of experience there. 

"They were beaten by an outstanding Kerry team, but you can’t hang your head. The most important thing is the game against Meath. It’s going to be very tough.” 

What, then, is a realistic expectation for this Cork team? 

“If you want an answer to that, you look at Meath last year. An All-Ireland semi-final. Anything can happen after that.

“There’s been a huge improvement from Cork. You can’t criticise John Cleary, really. If he’s not doing it, who’s going to do it? And who’s going to do it better than him? He's doing a good job. 

"If you look at the top five or six teams in Ireland, they have maybe five or six forwards who can score on a very regular basis.

"Forwards of that quality are very hard to come by. Realistically, Cork don’t have that quality in their forward line at the very, very top level. And when you don’t have that, you’re always going to struggle against the very good teams. John Cleary and his selectors are doing the best with the players available. 

"But look, it's all about Meath now. People are going to forget about the Munster final if Cork win this game."