Ryan & Cork: Bounce Back Victory | Hurling Update
Cork Aim to Go One Better After Hard-Fought semi-Final Victory
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Cork are thru to the All-Ireland Hurling Final, but manager Damien Ryan acknowledges the grueling semi-final battle against Clare took a significant toll on his team. Despite securing a return to the final, Ryan is under no illusions about the challenge ahead, emphasizing the need for recovery, focus, and embracing the support of a passionate fanbase.
semi-Final Struggles and Clare’s Rise
Ryan reflected on the physical and emotional demands of the semi-final clash with Clare at Croke Park, a match played in front of a crowd of approximately 80,000, with a strong Cork presence. “It took an awful lot [out] of us in the semi-final to perform against Limerick and you were never probably going to hit that height that we needed to,” he stated. He believes Clare, while not reaching thier peak in the semi-final, elevated their performance substantially for the final.
“We were coming up against a brilliant team in Clare that probably didn’t hit the same heights in the semi-final and then hit a bigger height in the final than us.” This acknowledgment highlights the competitive nature of the championship and the fine margins separating success and defeat.
Embracing the Favourites Tag and Lessons from Last Year
Cork find themselves in a familiar position – All-Ireland finalists – and Ryan is determined to learn from last year’s experience. “We’re back where we were this time last year, the idea is to go one better but we certainly know the opposition will be really good as well.”
despite the pressure that comes with being considered favourites – a tag they’ve carried for much of the year, with the exception of the Munster final – Ryan welcomes it. “What I always say about favouritism, I’d always prefer to be favourites becuase that means your doing somthing right. If we’re winning matches, and we’re playing well and performing well, you’re going to be favourites.”
However, he’s acutely aware that favouritism guarantees nothing. “But,as we know ourselves,you have to turn up and perform. We were favourites probably for the All-Ireland final last year with the bookies and we didn’t win. It’s just about being focused on ourselves and making sure that we’re ready to go.”
character,Commitment,and the Cork Support
Ryan praised the character,strength,and commitment of his players,highlighting their ability to bounce back and reach another All-Ireland final. “We’re in the All-Ireland final. That is a special place to be for us. We came out of here fifty-one and a half weeks ago, and for us to get back into a final shows the character and strength and commitment to the jersey the lads have.”
He recognizes the vital role the Cork supporters play, acknowledging the electric atmosphere created at Croke Park, where the crowd was overwhelmingly red. “Our job now is to make sure that we get focused back in, fellas get recovered, fellas are ready to go. Try and take as manny distractions as you can around it, but, simultaneously occurring, fellas need to enjoy the two weeks.”
Balancing Preparation with Real Life
Ryan understands the unique challenges faced by amateur athletes, particularly during championship season. “We’re amateur athletes. There’s going to be a great buzz around Cork, you embrace it. Regrettably, we can’t go away to Dubai for two weeks and relax and chill out and prepare outside there. Fellas have to go back to work,they have to meet their colleagues,or school or whatever they’re doing.”
He concluded with a lighthearted note, acknowledging the logistical challenge of securing tickets for the final, stating, “We’ll enjoy the next two weeks and the county board can look after the problem with tickets!”
Watch the All-Ireland hurling Championship semi-final between Kilkenny v Tipperary on Sunday from 3.30pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ player. Follow a live blog on rte.ie/sport and the RTÉ news app. listen to commentary on RTÉ Radio 1. Watch highlights on The Sunday Game at 10.15pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player.