Considine revels in the luxury of watching team inflict crushing defeat
by Brendan Larkin
CORK Minor hurling coach John Considine in his first year in charge had the luxury of being able to enjoy watching his side inflict a crushing defeat on Limerick in yesterday’s Munster Final in Thurles.
It is not often a coach can sit and watch without being agitated at his team’s performance, but yesterday the Cork team game him an easy afternoon as they completely overwhelmed a disappointing Limerick side.“We got the perfect start,” said Considine, “which was our game plan. We got a couple of early scores and that put pressure on Limerick and, while they threatened, they could never find their way through our defence, which was excellent.
“If felt that this year we had a very good team and they proved me correct today.
“Our forwards looked extremely sharp and took their scores well. Team captain Mark O’Connor, who was doubtful in the run up to the match, was excellent at midfield and he, along with Brian Carey, gave us a firm grip in that area.
“Just how good we are remains to be seen, but any team that scores two goals and 19 points has a lot going for it. There are great possibilities with this team.” Captain Mark O’Connor said it was a splendid team performance. “Limerick made a determined effort early on but once we got on top there was never any doubt in my mind that we would win.“I am thrilled to be captain of this great team and we are very much a well united outfit. It would be great to go on and win the All Ireland but there is a lot of hurling to be done yet.”Wing forward Gary McLoughlin said he was delighted to be the first player from the Douglas club to win a Munster Minor Hurling Championship medal.
“It was a great occasion to play in such a final and, while it was disappointing to be taken off, it came at a stage in the game when victory was assured. Hopefully we can go on to greater things.”
© Irish Examiner, 2000