'I love the bones of these fellas' - Keith Ricken hails Cork minors’ return to All-Ireland final

The Cork minors are back on the biggest stage.

For the first time since 2019, the Rebels will contest the Electric Ireland All-Ireland MFC final after an outstanding 2-19 to 2-8 victory over Derry at Parnell Park on Saturday evening.

It was a performance built on composure, character and a superb second-half surge — one that left manager Keith Ricken both proud and deeply impressed with the maturity of his group. 

Once they settled, they controlled the middle third, dominated the breaks and played with a clarity that Derry simply couldn’t match.

Ricken, speaking afterwards, said the victory came from within the dressing room as much as from the sideline.

“We were delighted with the second-half performance,” he said.

“But I was delighted with their attitude in the first half too. They did a lot of good things, but there were certain things we said we wouldn’t do — and for 15 or 20 minutes we almost did the opposite. We left them right down the middle like Moses going across the sea.

“We gave them the kick-outs and we shouldn’t have been giving them the kick-outs. We always have a chat before we go off the field. There’s no need for me to give a big team talk. They know themselves. They had a chat among themselves. We had a small chat, but there was no shouting or roaring. Nothing like that.” 

Ricken’s affection for this group is very obvious indeed. He had so much praise for them.

“I love the bones of these fellas,” he says.

“Not because they’re winning matches, but because they go to solve their problems and they want to take ownership of it. 

"People talk about the snowflake generation — these fellas aren’t that. In 15 or 20 years’ time I’d love to see what they’re doing. They’ll be good leaders in whatever they go into.” 

Cork’s depth was tested again with another defensive injury, as Aaron O’Sullivan limped off — their fourth in recent weeks — but the adaptability of the squad shone through, and substitutes made a real impact, including Alex O'Herlihy, who netted a goal, and Kevin O’Donovan, who hit 0-2.

Tom Whooley’s explosive second-half goal was a turning point, arriving at a moment when Cork were beginning to squeeze the life out of the contest.

“That was absolutely crucial,” Ricken states.

“That explosive nature of Tom — it’s vital to have a player like that. It was another strong collective display by us.

“They’ve put in some great performances this year against Clare, Waterford, Kerry, Meath — flashes all the time. 

"But when the reverberation hits the fan and you’re in an All-Ireland semi-final, that’s the one people remember. In the final you have to try to do it all again. It starts afresh.” 

The win also continues a remarkable week for Cork football, following the seniors’ superb All-Ireland Round 2A victory over Donegal seven days earlier. Ricken sees the momentum as part of a wider story of commitment across all county squads.

“The amount of work that goes into Cork football is second to none. I’m very proud to be involved in it, and to work alongside guys who give their heart and soul to it — seniors, U20s, minors, U16s, all of them. The commitment is unquestionable.

“If we don’t win the All-Ireland, if the seniors don’t win the All-Ireland, we’re getting an awful lot out of this year anyway because of the work that’s going in. Days like this make it enjoyable.” 

Cork now turn their attention to Tyrone, who await in the decider in two weeks. The last time Cork won the All-Ireland minor football title was back in 2019.