Hard work and red faces led to Cork's Munster success beating Limerick says manager Pat Ryan

RTÉ News​

5 hours ago

Pat Ryan put his Cork side's Munster triumph down to the hard work that was put in over the weeks building up to the final at the Gaelic Grounds.
Cork and Limerick produced a battle for the ages in Saturday's decider with the Rebels coming out on top after the sides could not be separated after extra time, eventually winning via a penalty shootout.
The two sides met in the round robin phase of the Munster championship at the same venue on 18 May, and it was a one-sided affair with Limerick cruising to victory with 16 points to spare.
And Cork also used the embarrassment of that defeat to help motivate the side ahead of the rematch in Limerick on Saturday evening.
"Our fellas really dug in. It took an awful lot of effort over the last three weeks," said Ryan, speaking to RTE Sport after the game.
"We were embarrassed when we came up here the last time. We had to get over Waterford (the final round robin game), which was a really tough game.
"I knew the lads were going to fight on their backs today."
Ryan was full of admiration for his opponents who have won four of the last five All-Ireland titles, while they came into the final off the back of six straight provincial crowns.
And he was delighted that his side were able to show their best in the decider, going toe to toe with such an esteemed Limerick unit.
"This is a brilliant Limerick team," said Ryan. "Going for seven Munsters in a row. It'll never be done again.
"Limerick are a brilliant team. They're going to win ball. The last day, they won ball uncontested. Today, they won ball contested. You just try to put pressure on all over the field.
"You're going to win some ball, you're going to lose some ball. Our fellas stuck at it today. Limerick stuck at really well as well. For us to get over the line is huge."
Ryan credits the entire panel for their continued commitment which was needed to match Limerick throughout the initial 70 minutes, the 20 minutes of extra time and showing composure and quality to hold their nerve and win the shootout.
And he was delighted with the way that they faced up to the challenge of taking on Cian Lynch and company, with the Limerick captain tipped to be crowned hurler of the year for the third time.
"They've (the subs) shown great commitment to the group. They weren't starting. Some of them were coming back from injuries which puts you behind in the pecking order.
"They never complained, they never waned. They trained hard. And we'd no fear of bringing them on today.
"People say, 'go man-mark Lynch' but you're not going to be able to stop them.
"What you're trying to do is win battles everywhere and limit their play.
"The last day, we didn't get stuck into them. We left them with too much space around the place.
"I thought Cian Lynch was excellent in the first half. But Ciaran (Joyce) really stuck at it for the whole game. And after the first half I thought he was on top."
Cork have earned safe passage into the semi-finals and can now enjoy an extended break to regroup and plan for two more big games in their quest to secure the title.
And the victory, coupled with the performance, will now offer the belief needed to go and challenge for top honours later in the summer.
"It just gives you more confidence to go forward," said Ryan. "There's an All-Ireland series, we're in the semi-final.