All-Ireland SFC Qualifier round four: Cork 4-20 Laois 1-15
CORK manager Ronan McCarthy hailed a “scintillating” performance from his team after they put Laois to the sword at Semple Stadium on Saturday.
The Rebels advance to the Super 8s where they will take on Dublin, Roscommon and Tyrone, while Laois end their Championship at round four of the Qualifiers for the second year running.
Cork never gave up their lead after the 18th minute in Thurles and took a five point lead into the break. After the first 15 minutes of the second-half, the game was over as a contest as McCarthy’s men blitzed Laois with 3-5, two of the goals coming from the boot of Brian Hurley.
Mark Collins was the other Rebel who made hay while the sun shone, picking up a personal tally of 1-8.
"It isn't often you're that comfortable in a big game like that," McCarthy said afterwards of a game that belied Cork’s current status as a Division Three team.
“Elements of our play, particularly at the start of the second-half, were scintillating. We were never in danger, but the message that we've giving the team throughout the year is that you keep doing the right things no matter what the score is.
"We got very sloppy, but we had enough of a cushion to see us home."
Cork produced a battling performance against Kerry in the Munster final a fortnight ago and their confidence will have been further boosted by Saturday’s performance.
"We had two weeks, which is critical," added McCarthy.
"I think that's so important. It gives you a chance to come down after the Munster final and build up again to the game."
A daunting trip to Croke Park to face Leinster champions Dublin is next up for Cork, but McCarthy is choosing to relish the challenge as opposed to wilting in the face of it.
"This is where every player wants to be, playing the All-Ireland champions above at Croke Park. What more could you want?” he said.
"If you don't want to be there, you shouldn't be here at all."
