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Rebels rout Dublin A purposeful glint grew in the Corkmen’s
eyes after this victory. The Rebels weren’t at the peak of their
powers as they roared past Dublin but the old ruthlessness has returned.
So whatever else Gerald McCarthy might have brought to Cork hurling since
he took over as manager the Rebels don’t lack the hunger to win
their third All-Ireland in four years.
Dublin have been progressing nicely in recent seasons but they couldn’t
match the quickness of thought and action of the Corkmen.
Rebel fans must have been wondering whether it was to be their day as
Dublin net-minder Gary Maguire produced some excellent saves and the match
was tied after 27 minutes.
Dublin were a match for the Munster champions in most areas of the field
but could not compete in attack.
As the half wore on Cork asserted themselves around midfield and after
a sweet Joe Deane point, clever play released Kieran Murphy to convert
the game’s first goal to leave the Rebels leading by five points
at the interval.
Sensing that they needed a goal to make a contest of the match Dublin
threw men forward at the start of the second-half.
When one attack ended Cork net-minder Donal Og Cusack launched a ball
forward. It was flicked by Diarmuid O’Sullivan into the path of
Kieran Murphy who fired to the net for his second goal.
This is where a merely competent Cork performance started to become impressive.
Rather than relax on their big lead the Rebels continued to surge forward
winning plenty of ball and limiting Dublin to David Curtin frees while
Pat Cronin’s late goal sealed the rout for Cork.
Rebels boss Justin McCarthy said afterwards: “You would have to
be impressed with how we played.”
“The lads went out there to prove a point and they did that. It’s
a great boost for everyone’s confidence and hopefully we can continued
to develop from here.”
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