John Cleary: 'We're 70 minutes from an All-Ireland quarter-final – that's all that matters'

Cork manager John Cleary says his players have embraced the challenge of travelling to Ballybofey for Saturday’s All-Ireland SFC Round 2A clash with Donegal, insisting there is “no such thing as a free hit” when a place in the last eight is on the line. 

The Rebels head north for a 3pm throw-in against the form team in the country, but Cleary was clear that once the draw was made, there was no room for disappointment or hesitation.

Cork will fly on a 50‑seater plane to Ballybofey via Derry on Saturday morning, returning to Leeside on Saturday night, as revealed on The Echo Sport Podcast on Monday morning.

Asked for his initial reaction when Donegal were pulled out first and Cork followed, Cleary didn’t sugar-coat it. 

“Look, I suppose to be truthful about it, it was the draw probably that nobody wanted,” he admitted. 

"Once we won our game and Donegal won their game, there was a possibility we would draw them. Five minutes after the draw, it was a case of getting ready. There was no point in saying any other thing.

“Our focus has been totally on that since the draw was made, and we’re looking forward now to heading there on Saturday.” 

If the draw was daunting, the venue adds another layer. Ballybofey is notoriously unforgiving. 

Cork have been frequent travellers to Ulster in recent seasons. That experience, he feels, at least removes the shock factor.

“We have been in Cavan, Down, Fermanagh, Tyrone, Donegal… we’ve been up north many times,” Cleary said. 

“A lot of the teams that could have been drawn against Donegal, the journey wouldn’t have been as big, but that’s it. The game is on, and we’re just getting ready as best we can for it.

“One thing we know is you get nothing soft up there. They’re hard to beat, very formidable, very good players around the field. Particularly on their home patch, they’re even extra hard to beat. 

"But look, that’s the challenge, that’s the way the draw went, and we’re looking forward to it now.” 

Donegal’s form is impossible to ignore. They dismantled Kerry in Killarney last time out, adding to their Division 1 League title and their growing reputation as All-Ireland contenders. Cleary didn’t shy away from that reality.

“Donegal are beaten All-Ireland finalists last year, league winners, and okay, maybe beaten in the first round of the championship this year in Ulster, but then to go down to the All-Ireland champions in an away game and come away with a comprehensive win… they’re probably rightful favourites for the All-Ireland. 

“We played them down here in Cork two years ago and we beat them. Tyrone beat them at home the first game last year, and Down have beaten them this year. So it’s not that they’re unbeatable or anything.” 

The narrative in some quarters that Cork have nothing to lose doesn’t sit well with Cleary. He stressed that the stakes are enormous and the opportunity too valuable to dismiss.

“This is no free hit for Cork,” he said firmly. 

“There’s a huge carrot for winning this game. You go straight into an All-Ireland quarter-final. We’re 70 minutes away from getting to a quarter-final. Our focus is on Saturday. Whatever happens after that, we’ll deal with it. But all we are now looking forward to is going to Ballybofey and trying to get a victory.” 

To do that, Cork must avoid the early surges that Donegal are known for. Cleary was clear about the danger of letting Donegal build momentum.

“The key thing with Donegal is to try and go toe-to-toe with them and keep ourselves in the game. If they go two, three points ahead, they can drive on and make it seven or eight, and before you know it, you’re chasing an uphill battle. 

“We’re looking forward to the game. We think at our best we’re a match for anyone in the country. This game is probably up against the best team in the country at the moment, but the prize is huge for us."