Cork Player Ratings: Sherlock and Tommy Walsh led the way across monster effort to reel in Meath
STAR MAN: Steven Sherlock of Cork kicks a two-point score despite the tackle of Ronan Ryan of Meath. Picture: Ben McShane/Sportsfile
Meath put Cork’s kick-out under savage pressure early. In the first half, Cork won nine restarts, one of which was instantly turned over for a goal chance, and lost seven.
To turn that around in the second half, with Cork securing eight successive kick-outs to a variety of targets in various sectors, was remarkable. Match-winning in fact.
Raided up for an early point and also released Sean McDonnell for a shot that was turned out for a converted 45. Won an utterly crucial kick-out when Cork were down to 14.
Far too often, Cork’s last line of defence was opened up in the first 35 minutes but O’Mahony was still a strong physical presence. Monster second half, hounding Meath forwards mercilessly and then coming up for an inspirational point when the game was in the melting pot.
Had a very tough task on James Conlon, who caused fierce problems but the supply in was top class. Particularly in the first half.
Brian O'Driscoll: Cork's top man in Killarney, excellent again once he got motoring.
His experience was critical in the last quarter.
Drove Cork from deep with long-bursting runs throughout and, after a first half where there was too much space in front of the full-back line, terrific defensively. Never stopped believing.
Fine second quarter when he was fouled for a converted free and had a goal-bound shot cleared off the line. Ran himself into the ground before coming off. 7.
Cork didn’t have a strong enough platform from midfield on primary possession in the opening exchanges but completely turned that around. Maguire offered crucial leadership when the need was greatest.
Cork’s best performer in the first half, nabbing two points and also making a last-gasp block to deny Sean Coffey a goal. Lifting in the second half too until the extremely harsh red card.
Landed a first-half point and worked like a dog as he always does. Did all the simple things without any fuss.
Came close to a first-half goal but couldn’t get into the scoring zone otherwise. Like Walsh, put in a big shift.
David Buckley: Handed his first start in place of Ruairí Deane.
Couldn’t get going in the first half but hit two vital scores after the break, one a two-pointer, and grabbed two kick-outs.
Curled over two lovely points but unfortunately his effort for goal, which had the crowd on their feet, rebounded off the post. Top-class second half, including a two-point free he earned by snapping up a Meath kick-out.
Operating a big deeper than in previous games. Got a point but also had five assists and laid on a goal for Maguire that was ruled out for a square ball.
Excellent from placed balls in the first half but after shooting the lights out from play in the league final, Meath had him tightly tagged. He didn’t let that deter him and managed to land three second-half two-pointers, each better than the last.
Strong connection with the fans too, which played a genuine part in the result.
Veteran wing-forward was just brilliant in the last 20 minutes. Popped up absolutely everywhere.
Solid out after coming in for Fahy to offer fresh legs.
Secured a Cork kick-out and came up to earn a converted free late on.
Handled a lot of ball in the last 10 minutes and then fisted over the point to seal it on the hooter.
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