Great start for Cork boss Allen
Three down, two to go - Cork manager John Allen has had a flying start to his managerial career on Leeside, but is not getting carried away despite yesterday's thrilling All-Ireland SHC quarter-final victory over Waterford.
The Rebels, whom Allen led to the Munster title last month, clawed clear of provincial rivals Waterford - winning 1-18 to 1-13 - and were inspired, on a late surge, by defender-turned-forward Brian Corcoran's 63rd-minute goal.
With Clare, unbeaten in four games, up next, Cork are on the verge of a third straight All-Ireland final in September. Not thinking too far ahead, Allen realised the importance of Corcoran's drop-puck strike.
"Ultimately it came down to Brian's goal. His experience at that particular time was crucial, for he kept his composure and picked his spot," said the former Cork selector.
"That turned the game in our favour because it was level up to that score and it could have gone either way."
Waterford boss Justin McCarthy, the 1966 Hurler of the year as a Cork player, was looking to the future despite the Deise's fourth straight championship defeat at Croke Park.
"It will take a lot to lift those lads in the Waterford dressing room but they have time to reflect, go back to their clubs, and look forward.
"We started very well and took the game to Cork but we needed more scores when with the wind in the first half," admitted McCarthy.
"We've come a long way and the future for hurling is bright in the county. You have to give credit to the players for what was a battling performance."
