One of the coaches of the Rebels, Pat Ryan, has stated that the final evaluation of Cork’s season will be determined by their ability to bring home the Liam MacCarthy trophy later this month. They’ve made a significant stride in this direction by coming out victorious in a key match at Croke Park last Sunday afternoon, ending Limerick’s dreams of a five-peat. Ryan, however, cautions that there’s still a long road ahead for the Cork team, even in light of their semi-final triumph.
He had expressed when he assumed his role that the measure of success lay simply in winning an All-Ireland. He went on to say that anything less wouldn’t constitute success. He acknowledged the commendable achievements of those who’ve come before him, by reaching the All-Ireland finals and narrowly missing out to win.
Reiterating that the yardstick in Cork is securing an All-Ireland win, he added the need to re-align with that goal. The ebullient eruption of the Cork supporters at Hill 16 following the Limerick victory is perhaps a preview of the great anticipation and buzz that will enshroud the county in the coming weeks.
Ahead of the All-Ireland final, Cork has planned a media event for Monday evening. Ryan believes this is designed to get all commitments out of the way so that the team can primarily focus on the impending Clare face-off. Ryan admits to the impracticality of trying to deflate the wave of anticipation around the county in the upcoming two weeks.
He humorously noted that Cork’s confidence could swell even with an insignificant Tiddlywink match victory. He highlighted that the players are amateurs who are a part of ordinary life within schools, workplaces, and families. Ryan emphasises that awareness of the goal still to be achieved is utmost and shared by all.
Ryan added that the fervor of their supporters will be fuelled further due to the novelty of the championship, where new Ireland champions have been absent since 2019. He warned of the feverish excitement expected to permeate Cork and Clare alike in the coming weeks.
Ryan wholeheartedly commended his team for their display of bravery, mastery, faith and combativeness, as well as Limerick’s significant contributions to the sport in recent times.
Ryan expressed his admiration for the extraordinary achievements of Limerick since 2018, acknowledging their huge impact not only on the GAA, but also on their local supporters.
“It’s been decades since 1973, the year they last claimed an All-Ireland victory before the current team stepped up. Their accomplishments are truly remarkable”, said Ryan.
He further remarked on how they have raised the bar in the game, constantly pushing us to improve and heighten both our on-field and off-field standards. “We were fortunate to edge past them today”.
Nonetheless, while acknowledging Limerick’s prominence in recent times, Ryan made it clear that Sunday was owned by Cork.
“I was certain we would bring our A-game today,” he further declared.
He mentioned the clear signs of readiness in their training, despite criticism over recent performances against Offaly and Dublin. Ryan further added how they overcame the initial setback of losing their first two championship games and used it as fuel for their comeback, investing significant emotional and physical energy to triumph over Limerick and Tipperary in the subsequent matches.
He emphasised the extensive preparation required to bounce back into the championship. “We’ve just kept pushing forward from there.”
Indeed, they pushed all the way to the All-Ireland final.