JIMMY BARRY-MURPHY reckons people may not think he is ‘a tactical genius’ but pinpointed Cork’s success in match-up’s as instrumental to their win over Clare in yesterday’s Munster senior hurling semi-final.
Barry-Murphy took huge satisfaction in yesterday’s victory as he paid tribute to his players for bouncing back from last year’s All-Ireland final replay defeat to Banner.
“I get a lot of slagging about not being a tactical genius I never claim to be. But I think if your players are focused on the game, you try to target players on the opposition team who might match up with your players. Our players certainly did that today.
“That’s all it is. I thought our players were magnificent in the second half, particularly when Clare came back at us, our performance after that we had some fantastic scores.
“I’m so proud of the players – I’m delighted for the people of Cork for supporting us. The players went through a hard time after losing the All-Ireland last year but we took it on the chin, being beaten by a great Clare team. Today we showed we’re a very good team as well.”
Barry-Murphy revealed that Cork had let it up to Patrick Horgan and Anthony Nash who would take up the much-publicised role of striking close-range frees and penalties for Cork. On this occasion it was Horgan who assumed the responsibility and he netted twice for the Rebels.
“We left it up to Patrick himself, and Anthony. We decided that before the game, that if we got a penalty, that Patrick would see himself how it was going and how they felt.
“If he felt like going for it, go for it, no recriminations if he went for it and missed it – that’s our attitude. It worked our way today.”
The contribution from Cork’s midfield pairing of Daniel Kearney and Aidan Walsh was singled out by Barry-Murphy.
“Daniel was incredible today, he’s a great young man. Aidan has been a great asset to us, both our midfielders were outstanding. I’m thrilled for them but I felt every player put in a great effort today.
“We think the panel is very strong this year it’s a positive getting fellas on the field but we have great competition for places and I thought the overall display was excellent.
“We haven’t won anything yet. We’re in a Munster final in Páirc Uí Chaoimh. We went up to Limerick last year and they gave us a fair old beating. I’m looking forward to that game now.”
