JBM: Dispatching Kilkenny key to Cork revival

If ever Cork needed a pick-up after their Munster final disappointment against Limerick, a meeting with Kilkenny was just the game they needed.

The Cats, while not the same all-conquering animal of previous years were still alive at the quarter-final stage, but the end was nigh.

The Rebels found renewed belief and greater fluency to their play to dispatch Cody's men in Thurles on a 0-19 to 0-14 scoreline. They then edged past Dublin in an epic All-Ireland semi-final to book their place against Clare in Sunday's decider.

That victory over Kilkenny was an important barrier to clear, according to manager Jimmy Barry-Murphy.

Speaking to RTÉ Sport, he said: "After the loss to Limerick, beating Kilkenny was a big feather in our cap. They are a super side, perhaps the greatest of all time. All round they have hurlers of great stature. Their massive reputation is well deserved.

"For us to beat them was important; to get over that psychological barrier gave the team so much confidence. You could see a spring in our step after that game and it helped us in our preparation for Dublin."

Many observers are surprised that Cork have made this year's final. Barry-Murphy knew he had much work to do when he embarked on his second term in charge of his native county.

"The backroom team and I expected a long road in our efforts to get back to the top. The county has had limited success in recent times at underage level.

"However, the panel of players we assembled at the start of the year have worked very hard and they've done us proud. We have implemented a game plan and the squad have bought into it."

One of the key battles on Sunday will be played out on the sideline, with Davy Fitzgerald calling out the instructions for the Banner County.

Fitzgerald's stewardship has impressed JBM.

"I have great time for Davy; he's very passionate. You need characters in the game. The way he produced his team against Limerick was testament to his skills as a coach.

"Clare's performance that day was phenomenal and tactically they were superb. You could not but be impressed."

Live television coverage of the All-Ireland Hurling Final between Clare and Cork from 14:15 on Sunday 8 September on RTÉ Two and RTÉ.ie (Ireland only). Live radio coverage of all the day's action from 14:00 on RTÉ Radio 1, RTÉ RnaG and RTÉ.ie (Worldwide).

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