On Cork’s radar

the irrepressible Briege Corkery.

Breen had been immense in that game in Macroom but in Killarney she just couldn’t get her hands on the ball, and when she did she found a wall of red that refused to bend to her will.

There is little doubt that Cork learned more from that game three weeks previous and they brought all that they learned to the table and inflicted their own game plan on a Kerry side that were shocked by the timely scoring of two goals.

“The goals came at great times for us” Cork captain Ciara O’Sullivan said after collecting the provincial trophy.

“Kerry were always going to be tough. They were the holders and they had already beaten us twice this year.

“Kerry would have come here intent on making it three wins in a row but on the night I thought we played well.

“We dealt with the challenge and fought hard for every ball. All the girsl gave it their all. The players that started and the players that came on showed just how committed we all are.

“I am sure we haven’t seen the last of Kerry in this championship as we head into the All Ireland series. It is important for us to play well as there are big challenges ahead. All the top teams are now really close so every game is now a real battle. Having said all that, it is great to win Munster again, we will enjoy tonight and get back to it again next week.”

Like Cork, Kerry can take some positives from the game. Cork only managed to score a goal and two points from play. The rest came from frees. If Kerry can get their free count in check they have the defensive structures in place to stop the best of attacking sides from getting at their posts.

The next month or so will tell a lot about where both these sides really are however after already playing a host of competitive games each this season it is fair to believe that both are not far away from where they need to be as the likes of Dublin and Mayo come in search of the national crown.