Cork Player Ratings: Brian Hayes in terrific form but Rebels misfired completely elsewhere
Cork's Alan Walsh with Tiernan Killeen and Aaron Niland of Galway. Picture: INPHO/Ryan Byrne
Galway’s structured defence meant puck-out targets in the opposition half were limited.
Cork were destroyed on long restarts when he did drill it but that couldn’t be pinned on Collins. Made one excellent save and the two goals were close in.
Superb first half hounding Conor Whelan relentlessly and managing two assists in the process. Was one of Cork’s best performers in a nightmare second half too, though he did cough up the sliotar for the late goal.
Damien Cahalane: U20 sensation Rabbitte caused him endless problems, clipping two points and getting fouled for three frees, the last of which earned Cahalane a yellow.
Replaced by Cormac O’Brien at half-time. Bigger pitch showed what a loss Ciarán Joyce is.
Man-marked Aaron Niland, who was replaced scoreless from play. Couldn’t be faulted.
Had his hands full in the first half on the dangerous Tom Monaghan. Had to go full-back for the second half with Cahalane on a yellow and fared alright on Rabbitte before getting injured. 5.
In a free role with Galway using five forwards and Cathal Mannion as the sweeper.
Cork needed to dictate the tempo in that deployment but couldn’t burst through the maroon wall.
Quiet first quarter by his high standards but heavily involved with Cork’s push midway through the opening half. Battled to the bitter end even when the cause was lost. The most impactful of the half-back line.
Holding role at midfield, the same as he’s done all year. Didn’t have the same impact as in Munster with Galway firmly on top and snapping about any puck-outs that went to the deck.
Coming off an injury, he wasn’t as dynamic as other games. Cork needed a platform from there when they were being beaten in the air. Didn't look fully fit really.
Had been one of the few Cork forwards to do well in the Munster final but, despite plenty of running, he never came close to cutting loose.
Full of movement from sideline to sideline. Arrowed over Cork’s first point from an acute angle and grabbed another could score in the second period. Chased goals late on and forced Darach Fahy into a save. By far the best of the half-forwards.
Wearing 10 but operating very deep against Galway’s swarm defence. Grabbed two first-half points and had two assists. Was well marshalled in the second half and while he was unlucky with a mistimed hook for his second yellow, it was game over Cork when he was dismissed.
Wasn’t a first-half target for many deliveries ball with Brian Hayes lighting it up but drilled in a sensational goal. Couldn’t be blamed as he's a rookie but starting him didn’t pay off.
Snapped up a first-half point to go with his frees on minimal ball but couldn’t make anything stick at all in the second period before coming off.
Completely unmarkable in the first half, even with a sweeper in front of him, firing 0-6 from play and being fouled for a free. Daithí Burke struggled with his movement so Cillian Trayers switched over. Added another second-half point and was hauled down for a free but with the rest of the attack completely neutered, he could only do so much.
Came in at wing-back in the second half but missed a chance and couldn’t get to the pitch of the game.
Brought in at midfield but ended up going into the forwards. Grabbed a bit of ball when few others could but had a couple of wides.
Flew into action with a point on his introduction but Fitzgibbon’s red card meant he had to come way too far out to do damage from there.
Didn’t manage to get any clean ball in his 20-minute run.
Late on for the injured Eoin Downey, won a few 50-50 high balls from Rabbitte to his credit.
App?
