Fitzgerald: Cork passion was incredible, but we won't play like that again
By Peter McNamara
Davy Fitzgerald foresees Cork as being a major force this year if the Leesiders can perform to the level of intensity they reached last night at Páirc Uí Rinn, on a consistent basis throughout the season.
The Rebels generated a 10-point victory over Clare in the second round of the Allianz NHL Division 1A by virtue of a high-intensity display with Patrick Horgan, scorer of 0-14 (0-9 frees, 0-1 65), particularly brilliant for the hosts.
Fitzgerald was present at the venue as Kilkenny overpowered Cork the previous Saturday night and wondered, tongue-in-cheek, if Jimmy Barry-Murphy had “imported different players” in the interim such was the increased electricity to the Leesiders’ play.
Additionally, Fitzgerald felt Luke O’Farrell’s 21st minute goal – occurring at a time in which Clare led 0-9 to 0-6 – was a critical moment in the tie.
“There was really only one team in it,” Fitzgerald said. “Cork were by far the better team.
“Now, I thought we held our own for 25 minutes that we were right there in the match.
“I felt the goal changed the game as a contest and it was the only time Conor Cleary had lapsed on Seamus Harnedy, he had done pretty well up to that.
“That goal obviously had a bearing on it but in the second half there was only one team in it. Cork’s passion and desire was incredible tonight.
“I was down here last Saturday night and they must have imported another 15 players because they were a different team tonight. Maybe the opposition were not as good tonight but certainly there was more fire and passion in Cork tonight than there was the last day.”
Despite the fact Clare have now succumbed to both Galway and Cork in the top-tier of the league, Fitzgerald said his side is improving, albeit slowly.
“There really was nothing in it for 25 minutes, half an hour, without a shadow of a doubt, but the game, of course, is over 70-plus minutes.
“We are improving, slowly but we will see what way we are like around May or June and if we are like that then still, we are in trouble.
“We have two away games played but it isn’t nice to feel the way we feel tonight, we have trained hard since the end of last November. We will go home and regroup.
“Cork were 100% the better team and their attitude tonight was very, very good. That is how Cork need to play if they are going to successful this year, with that intensity.
“I’ll tell you one thing though, mark my words if we meet Cork again we will not play or lose like that again,” he added.
