Last June, Cork overturned two Connacht opponents in the space of six days. Those victories over Mayo and Roscommon felt like championship moments of significance, the stuff to cling to when reviewing 2023 after their quarter-final exit to Derry, as they plotted for 2024. Yesterday was a victory on a raised level.
Donegal’s progress this season has heightened their standing, they looked in particularly brilliant form last Saturday night against Tyrone. Cork’s feat in beating them ensured this was a statement win in the John Cleary era. They made hard work of it in the second half having manoeuvred a route into a winning position.
For a good 20-minute period, Cork’s scoring fortunes plummeted as Donegal took over and chipped away at the deficit. In the opening half Cork had struggled to post the points that would keep the scoreboard ticking over. And yet they still found a way.
After Donegal drew level, Cork’s display of character was impressive in making a concerted push for the line. Full-back Daniel O’Mahony and midfielder Colm O’Callaghan were both prominent, substitutes Steven Sherlock and Ruairi Deane made valuable inputs, while throughout Cork’s stripping of possession from Donegal players was a shining aspect of their play. The trick now is to build on it.
They know the benefits of finishing top of the table, a positive outcome against Tyrone will cap off their good group work here and in the opener with Clare. “Cork football is crying out for that,” .
