WORK rate, not reputation, will decide Cork’s fate. That’s the message from U20 football boss Ray Keane ahead of Thursday night’s Munster final against Kerry in Austin Stack Park (7pm).

The Rebels are aiming to win their first provincial crown at this grade since 2021 when they face the Kingdom in Tralee. Cork have already edged Kerry in this year’s Munster round-robin (0-10 to 0-9), a result that will bring confidence, but Keane is under no illusions about the size of the task.

‘When you’re setting out at the start of the year, that’s where you want to get to first and take it from there. It’s a big challenge ahead but one we’re looking forward to,’ Keane told The Southern Star.

‘Whatever about the performance, it’s more about the attitude, work ethic and commitment. I couldn’t ask for anything more from that point of view.

‘We are missing a good few bodies but at the same time when one goes, somebody else seems to step up. Performances are a result of the work and effort you put into it. Ultimately, it’s about winning. Funnily enough, if you win, everybody thinks performances are good. Nobody really analyses them as much as when you lose. Performances will come in their own time – it’s more about that ethic.

‘If you're playing Kerry, no matter where you're playing them, it’s tough enough. Whether it be in Tralee, Clonakilty, Cahersiveen or Cork, we will turn up, give it our best shot and see where it takes us.’

After an opening day draw away to Clare (1-10 apiece), Cork recovered impressively to beat both Kerry and then Waterford (0-33 to 1-9) at home, finishing the round-robin unbeaten.

Winning form has bred confidence within the squad and Keane wants to see that continue.

‘Whether it’s the Munster final, the All-Ireland final or the first round, what we want to do is keep winning. The longer you can do that, the more of a chance you have to actually improve and work on things. Lads will come through and get better.

‘There’s one or two lads that never played for Cork until this year. It’s interesting every time they play, you can see them growing in confidence and stature. It takes a bit of adapting too. People need to realise that for them, they're all still young men,’ Keane explained.

Cork produced a clinical display in seeing off Waterford, racking up an impressive 0-33 tally. That scoring return highlighted their attacking threat, particularly in the full-forward line, but Keane is quick to point out there is still plenty to improve.

‘We left about six goals and nine points behind us. A lot to keep going and working on. At the other end of the field, we left them in for about three goal chances. One which they converted. That’s something you won’t get away with in the Munster final,’ the Cork boss noted.

It’s no secret that the Rebels have had injury concerns throughout the campaign. Bantry Blues’ Dara Sheedy has been ruled out with a hamstring injury, while Carbery Rangers’ Timmy Cullinane and Clonakilty’s Dylan Harrington were sidelined before the provincial series even began.

In addition, wing-back Seán O’Leary is a concern after being forced off at half-time with a hamstring issue in the Waterford game.

‘That should be the end of the injury doubts,’ Keane confirmed.

‘Seanie and Dara join the long list from earlier in the year and that’s still there. Look, that’s just the way it goes. Ultimately, you’re just looking for lads to step up, which they have done so far. We are hoping that we can go another step on Thursday.’

Those who have stepped up include the full-forward line of Carbery Rangers’ Dylan O’Neill along with Seán Coakley and Rickey Barrett. The trio combined superbly in the latest victory, contributing 0-18 between them.

Interestingly, none of that trio are Cork’s top scorer this season. That honour belongs to Danny Miskella, who has hit 1-10 across the campaign.

Further back the field, there have also been strong contributions from West Cork players. Defenders Cathal McCarthy (St Colum’s) and Frank Hurley (O’Donovan Rossa) have impressed. Also, Luke Shorten (Tadhg MacCárthaigh) stepped in effectively for the injured Sheedy in the last outing.

Keane believes the forwards’ success is rooted in the collective effort of the team.

‘They all work well together but the three full-forwards will all tell you it’s a consequence of the work that they put in rather than the actual quality. If you take the previous games, we were a bit static.

‘If the lads elsewhere are working hard enough and the ball goes into the forwards easier, it makes them better players as a result. Maybe the opportunities come easier for them. They’ll tell you straight out, it’s to do with everyone in the team and everyone in the panel coming together,’ he added.

Now, with a Munster title on the line, Cork know exactly what’s required. Their earlier win over Kerry proves they can compete, but Keane’s message is clear: only a sustained, high-intensity performance will be enough to get over the line.