CORK are in seventh heaven after ensuring that they will contest back-to-back All-Ireland SHC finals for the first time since 2006.
The Rebels bagged SEVEN goals in a scintillating semi-final performance that ruined Dublin’s hopes of reaching a first Liam MacCarthy Cup decider in 64 years.
The writing was on the wall for the Dubs in the first quarter as Pat Ryan’s men netted three times, with Alan Connolly scoring two before completing his hat-trick late on.
Ryan said: “We’re targeting goals all the time and we’re targeting fast starts all the time. That’s the goal and that’s the game. Our lads were really clinical today.
“I thought we left an awful lot of scores behind us for points but that’s me being a bit critical, maybe over-critical. They’re some things we’ll go after.
“But delighted with our fellas. For us to get back into a final shows the character and strength of commitment to the jersey that the lads have.”
Dublin were on a high after shocking Limerick in the quarter-finals despite the early dismissal of captain Chris Crummey. However, Cork never looked likely to be the victims of another upset.
Ryan said: “We saw how united they were when they went a man down against Limerick. They showed really good heart but it was always going to be hard for them to get back up to that level.
“Our key was to make sure our level was as high as possible. I don’t think it was as high as where we should be or where we need to be if we want to win an All-Ireland.
“We were at a level that was really going to put it up to Dublin today and that’s the way it turned out.”
Cork suffered an agonising extra-time defeat to Clare in last year’s final as they sought to bring Leeside a long-awaited taste of All-Ireland glory.
But Ryan’s side have taken the first available opportunity for a shot at redemption. They will face Kilkenny or Tipperary on July 20 in a bid to end a 20-year wait to land hurling’s holy grail.
The Cork gaffer added: “We just came up against a brilliant team last year. The semi-final took an awful lot out of us last year and we were never going to hit that heights that we needed.
“We were really proud of our lads last year. Our job now is to get the focus back in, fellas get recovered and are ready to go and try and take away as many distractions.
“At the same time, they’re amateur athletes and need to enjoy the two weeks. There is going to be a great buzz around Cork.
“We can’t go away to Dubai and chill out and relax. Fellas have to go back to work and meet their colleagues. The county board can look after the problem with tickets.
“The commitment the lads have given to the jersey after being beaten in an All-Ireland final last year has been fantastic.
“We’re back where we were this time last year. The idea is to go one better but we know the opposition will be really good as well.”
