'We're looking forward to it' - John Cleary on Mayo challenge and injuries

Cork manager John Cleary says his side are relishing the prospect of facing Mayo in Saturday’s All-Ireland SFC quarter-final at Croke Park (4pm).

The Castlehaven man has described the challenge as exactly the type of test his group has been building towards over the past few seasons.

Cleary was in Castlebar on Saturday to watch Mayo’s win over Meath and came away impressed by their resilience and the strength of their finish.

“Mayo are coming off a very big win against Meath, so they’re going to be very confident coming into it,” he said to The Echo on Monday afternoon. 

“It’s a difficult draw but one we are looking forward to. It’s the business end… it was never going to be an easy draw. Whether it had been Monaghan or Dublin, the challenge would have been similar.” 

The Rebels won’t be lacking in confidence after their stunning win over Donegal in Ballybofey last Saturday week.

Cleary admitted the players enjoyed the aftermath but quickly reset.

“We felt very good for a couple of days after that,” he says. 

“We met on the Wednesday night, trained, and put the Donegal game to bed… we were tunnel visioned into whatever the next test would throw up. We can look back on the Donegal game when the season is all over.” 

He believes the wider picture in Cork football is feeding into the current mood.

“There’s a buzz around Cork football at the moment. A lot of positives there. The minors had a brilliant win against Derry, but they will know and we know that it’s the next game that matters.

“Hopefully they can get over the line in the All-Ireland final, and we can take a step further at the weekend, but we know it won’t be easy.

“Things can turn fairly quickly. You have to keep your eyes on what’s in front of you.” 

On the injury front ahead of the Mayo game, Cork’s situation is relatively encouraging.

Dara Sheedy and Luke Fahy have returned to training and “should be okay” for Saturday following knocks against Donegal.

David Buckley and Seán Brady remain doubtful, with Cleary rating both “50/50”, and they will be assessed as the week progresses.

Matty Taylor remains the only long-term absentee.

Reaching the All-Ireland quarter-final marks Cork’s first appearance in the last eight since 2023, and Cleary feels the group is better equipped now than in previous seasons. He believes the squad’s durability, conditioning and tactical cohesion have all improved.

“It’s been a two- or three-year project,” he said. 

“I do think we’re in the best place we have been for the last couple of years.

“We want to perform on Saturday, we want to win, and we want to get into the last four. It’s a difficult task, but we’re looking forward to it.”